Essay Questions

How does the film contrast humanity and nature?

In this film, humanity and nature are set against one another. This is symbolized by the crucial act of violence against nature when Maya deliberately kills the innocent eagle. This represents the fact that humanity has trespassed into the realm of nature, which is later punished. Interestingly, the cinematography reflects this, with beautiful and colorful scenes of nature being contrasted with bleak police stations and buildings.

How does the film represent the loss of innocence?

This film has often been seen as a coming-of-age film, with Maya at the center of this idea. At the beginning of the film, she is taught to shoot by her father, who believes that she is now old enough to defend herself. Maya then goes out into the forest and deliberately kills an innocent eagle, representing the loss of her own childhood and innocence, and her entry into the violence of the adult world. This is supported by frequent references to blood and violence in the film.

Why does Maya kill the eagle?

It is not clear why Maya kills the eagle, and we do not know the motivation behind her actions. However, it is implied that Maya wanted to practice her shooting, and didn't see the problem with killing an innocent animal in order to practice.