Post Movie Questions, Essay Example

Question 1. In what ways does the film transcend its foreignness to communicate things that are universal? 

Through its narrative and socio-historical setting, Seven Beauties, is able to transcend its foreignness and express universal sentiments.  In the film, Pasqualino, and consequently his mother, seven sisters, and fiancée, show the lengths that people are willing to go to in order to survive and what they are willing to sacrifice for this survival.  The film also successfully demonstrates that suffering and that regardless of the circumstances, the experiences one endures shape a person’s character and outlook on life.

Another universal concept that is reflected in the film is the importance of family.  In the film, Pasqualino is willing to do anything to protect his family and his family’s honor, including killing one of his sisters’ pimp, which is the impetus for the subsequent tragedies in his life.

The socio-historic background of the film is also something that people are universally aware about.  Through this historical context, people can sympathize with Pasqualino and understand why he did the things he did while at the concentration camp, even if the viewer cannot understand or condone his behavior before he was sent there.

Question 2. What aspects of the film are so uniquely foreign that they are beyond your understanding?

While Seven Beauties is able to communicate several universal concepts to the viewer, there are some concepts that are so foreign that viewers cannot universally understand them.  One of the most obvious things that cannot be overlooked is the language barrier created, not by the film’s Italian dialogue because subtitles are provided, but rather through German dialogue that is not subtitled.  Another concept that is not universal is how an individual relates to Pasqualino; it can be argued that those people that actually experienced World War II are able to relate to the film on a whole other level than an individual that is generations removed from those events.