To Judge or Not to Judge

Rating: 10/10 (3 March 2008)

This is one of the most powerful movies I have seen depicting the moral dilemmas man struggles with during wartime. I have seen this film about 10 times and it still impacts me in the same way. The bonds of brotherhood run deep, but seems to be squad deep. The squad led by Captain John H. Miller, played by Tom Hanks, struggles with the question of "Why do they have to risk their lives to save the life of one man." This struggle continues to become more painful with the loss of each man killed in the "line of duty." Miller's statement, "I just know that every man I kill, the farther away from home I feel." Give a glimpse into the emotional toll war has on the human mind and soul. This struggle seems to overshadow the deeper struggle Cpl. Timothy P. Upham has with the right the rest of the squad has with being judge, jury and executioner when dealing with a lone German soldier after being taken prisoner. After "befriending" Upham he wins freedom from execution, but this in turn comes back as a haunting reminder of the possible consequences of mercy in wartime. I found the scenes revolving around the return of the German soldier and his disregard for the men who offered freedom instead of execution to cause me to think about how I would have reacted. Upham's struggle with fear was painful to watch, but more painful was the realization of what his inaction had caused. The transformation of the man, from compassionate, concerned human being to judge, jury, and executioner. As the German soldier reminds him that they are friends and again pleads for his life, Upham asks him "What is my name?" After he answers Upham kills him. What went through Upham's mind? I can't help but wonder if he would have spared his life if he had not remembered? By remembering his name does the German soldier make a statement about his disregard for the gift of freedom he had received? I cannot help but wonder how I would react when presented with the same dilemma. To judge or not to judge, the choice to take human life or not, using rational means to justify one actions. The struggle to maintain ones humanity during war must be one of the greatest struggles man endures. So what do we do with the scripture in Matthew that says, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." ?????