World War II and Advancing Technology - Essay Example

‘The Great Escape’ was made in 1963 and directed by John Sturges. The film is exemplary in its portrayal of the human mind that is capable of giving man the inner strength to creatively evolve strategies to defeat enemies on their own ground.

          The film is all about prisoners of war of Allied forces who are captured by the German army. It is a true story that tells how a group of POWs tried to escape to freedom from captivity in jail which was supposed to be escape-free! The film has treated the serious issue of war from a human angle which is unique. It has sensitively depicted the frustrations of inmates, the inhuman conditions of captivity, and the optimism of the prisoners who continue to seek new ways to make their way. The major strength of the movie was that prisoners from Allied forces coming from different nationalities were united in their common cause. They worked together and used their wit and cunning to divert the attention of security so that at least one of them can become free.

          The most humbling part of the film was that they knew that they can be betrayed by their own colleagues but it did not detract them from their goals. History has been a testament to the betrayal of loyal officers and kins. It is part of human psychology that primarily highlights the vested interests of man. In times of crisis, especially in wars, betrayal is a common feature. But the film has shown that the betrayal of partners needs to be taken as an intrinsic part of strategic plans so that escape routes can be created. The protagonists of the film had dug three tunnels and 70 POWs try to escape. While only three are finally able to flee, the rest are either brought back or killed in encounters with Gestapo. The last scene is that of a prisoner bouncing his baseball against the prison wall.

Yes, most importantly, it showed that determination and optimism are the key elements of human resource management that can overcome obstacles. I really loved the last scene. Whatever the excruciating circumstances, it showed the indomitable spirit of soldiers who are able to maintain their positive attitude through thick and thin. Indeed, the consequences of wars lead to unimaginable catastrophes and the killing of innocent people. The soldiers become tools of destruction but as the film has showcased, the human instinct of survival is the most critical element of human psychology. The creative input of the human mind is perhaps the only proactive agent that can work under severe constraints. So why not use it to evolve new strategies to resolve conflicts and help create a better world?