Witness Film Essay Example

of the Amish individuals, showcases their unity and teamwork.

The green meadow with pre-modern housing surround the landscape, the bright blue sky in the horizon, and the wind gently making green waves in the meadow. This, in addition to calm soothing music in the background, demonstrates the harmony and peace of Amish land and their simple way of life. On the other hand, city life is crowded with transport, people, tall tightly spaced buildings, and pollution. The urban community lives with violence, greed, and criticism from people.

The scene takes on a dull color as people rush to reach their destination. The heavy and quick pace of the music has dramatically changed from the opening scene. This change occurs when Rachel and Samuel board the train to visit her sister in the city. As the train begins to travel, the music undergoes a significant shift. It transforms from calm and soothing to a rush of mysterious sounds. This change in music conveys that Rachel and Samuel are venturing outside the comforts of their home for the first time, into a world that is strange and unfamiliar to them.

In the portrayal by Weir, negative aspects of city life are contrasted with the positive aspects of Amish country life. This clash of cultures is exemplified through the relationship between Rachel and Book. Even though their connection was immediate, it ultimately came to an end due to the vast differences in their cultures, faith, and comprehension. Rachel remained unfamiliar with the bustling city life and was unable to grasp it, just as Book could not comprehend the culture and lifestyle of the Amish people.

During breakfast, John,

Rachel, Eli, and Samuel had an example of their inability to communicate effectively when John made a joke that went over everyone's heads. This incident highlighted their differences and the lack of understanding between them. In the film, viewers could easily observe Rachel's discomfort with Book's approach to violence. This disagreement stems from her personal beliefs and the cultural environment she grew up in, which strictly forbids violence.

The character Rachel expresses her strong disapproval of violence with the statement, 'I just don't like my son spending time with a man who carries a gun and goes around whacking people.' This causes a conflict for Rachel, as she must navigate her feelings for Book and her commitment to her Amish culture and family. She attempts to help Book understand and embrace her culture, hoping he will become an Amish man. However, Book was raised in a violent world and struggles to comprehend and adapt to Rachel's peaceful lifestyle.

Rachel cannot leave her current world and go with Book because she would have to face an unfamiliar outside world and leave her son behind. This reveals the significant contrast between their two worlds in terms of individuality and love. Due to the clash and cultural differences between them, Rachel and Book are ultimately forced apart because neither is willing to abandon their own culture and beliefs.