Paradise Lost And Paradise Comparison

In F.W. Murnau 's TABU on the south Pacific island of Bora-Bora a young couples love is threatened when the tribal warrior chief declares the girl a sacred virgin. The added beauty of this film, apart from the beautiful scenery of the South Pacific islands is the story of a struggle against fate. What we had was a tale of forbidden love, reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet set against the backdrop of the South Sea Island Bora-Bora. One interesting aspect of this film is the use of the word TABU and how it relates to the character of the young man, Matahi, in love with the girl Reri. Once she is chosen as maiden to their sacred gods she is now considered tabu… “man must not touch her or cast upon her the eye of desire.” And yet, Matahi cannot bear …show more content…
Milton 's purpose, stated in Book I, is to "justify the ways of God to man”. However, if we were to look before the advent of Judeo-Christian dogma, Milton 's description could also be referenced as the fate of way things are to be. In Milton 's epic poem there are two narrative story arcs. One about Lucifer and the other following Adam and Eve. In the poem God had given Adam and Eve total freedom and power to rule over all creation with one explicit command: not to eat from The Tree of Knowledge on penalty of death. In other words, The Tree of Knowledge was tabu! Here we see the similarities in Milton 's epic poem and Murnau 's film in so much as that which is tabu must remain untouched, the penalty being …show more content…
And set amongst this background we develop our characters with a new ability. We have another element of fate as a character, however, the difference is not so much a temptation of fate but rather the acceptance of the hand life has dealt. What I found most interesting was that the film created a world so convincing that for me it became another life that I could relate. It reminded me of simpler times when I didn 't have to worry about bills to pay, rent to pay or some of the harshness of modern life but rather lived freely among friends and trees and in an area where I was allowed to wonder. There was an underlying theme throughout the film that was almost difficult to touch on until later reflection and it was revealed that throughout the film poverty does not always nullify the love a parent has for a child and vice versa, and that even the most poverty-stricken people can find some modest pleasures in their own worlds. I think this is definitely a film that takes some patience in order to be enjoyed because the real gem of the film doesn 't get revealed until the film is over and the viewer is left with reflection. While there is a definite narrative that takes place throughout the film, the real beauty of the film is not the story that we take away. It is the feeling we are left with after viewing the film. For me, the closest I can relate this film to another