Creation and Destruction

       While watching The Man Who Planted Trees, I was amazed by the combination of an impressive use of style, detail, and plot which built of each other flawlessly.  However, the plot of this film was the most intriguing part in my opinion.  I felt that the progression of the old man’s efforts, coupled with the narrator’s constant amazement conveyed the underestimated power of creation that humans possess.  The juxtaposition of both WWI and WWII against the old man’s almost inhuman success furthered this theme by showing that two of the most terrible wars in history impede his progress, and didn’t have such a lasting impact on the world.  This is clearly illustrated through the contrast between the vague and non-descriptive war scenes against the vivid nature scenes, as seen below.

       These elements of the film leave me with a feeling of motivation, and hope for the future of the world, because our power to create is stronger than our power to destroy.  It also motivates me to improve the world because we can accomplish unthinkable goals if we put in the effort.