Review of Lord of the Flies (1963) by David K — 14 Apr 2009

Technical problems aside, "Lord of the Flies" is a very good movie that shatters modern day society by simply removing it. The story is about a group of school boys who become stranded on an island. Initially, democracy and civil logic rule as the leaders are chosen and decisions are made as a group. Then, the "religious" group (I say so because this group dawns the crucifix on their attire before they decide to abandon "civility.) shows up and things begin to fall apart.

This "religious" group quickly becomes the savage group. Their goal is no longer to be rescued but rather to hunt and be rulers of the island. They believe a little kid when he says there is a monster/entity on the island. They provide sacrificial offerings to this "God." Their primitive ways are in direct contrast to modern society, and yet, the film feels all too familiar.

There are two kids who "know" the truth about things. One is Piggy, who is ultimately killed. The other, (I forget his name) finds the truth out about the "monster" and also ends up getting killed. These two boys are killed by this savage and unrealistic group. They don't listen to reason, instead they just kill and try to rule.

It's amazing to watch what happens to a group of boys when structured society is ripped away from them. They become very primitive very quickly. "Lord of the Flies" isn't just about these boys and how they act. Instead, I think the film is saying that a civil society is something that takes a lot of work and compromise to attain. It's a delicate but powerful necessity for modern man to grow. If it's gone, then we become no better than these children trying to survive in the wild.