Death of a kid by a tank shell - Symbol
During the conflict between the Iraqi rebels and Saddam's troops, a kid hidden behind the parapet of a terrace shoots and kills a member of Saddam's troops. Infuriated with the kid's audacity, the troops bring forth a tank and fire at the kid. This incident is symbolic of the gap in power between the rebels and the troops. The rebels, despite being as helpless as a kid in front of the mighty tank (the troops), continue to rise up against the oppression.
Sepsis - Motif
The medical phenomenon of sepsis was described by Major Archie as a lesson to Conrad Vig while they were on their way to the bunker, in search of the Kuwaiti gold. This phenomenon was an exposition for a later plot point when Troy Barlow is shot by a member of Saddam's troops.
Ring of Jesus fire - Symbol
Chief Elgin believes that he is always surrounded by a ring of Jesus fire. The divine ring protects him against all imminent dangers. Elgin alludes to the Jesus ring several times throughout the film. The Jesus ring is a symbolic representation of Elgin's faith and belief in God.
Micheal Jackson - Symbol
During the scene when Troy Barlow is being tortured, the torturer asks him about Micheal Jackson. He asks Troy about the change in his appearance. Later, the torturer explains to Troy that Micheal Jackson is a symbol of America's hypocrisy and its poisonous impact.
Lexus does not make a convertible. - Motif
This is an ongoing joke between Troy Barlow and Chief Elgin. Troy tells Elgin that once he has enough money, he will buy a Lexus convertible car. However, Elgin retorts that Lexus does not make convertibles. This is a flippant motif in the film that takes place again at the garage where Elgin and Archie buy expensive cars with the Kuwaiti gold, and again when they rescue Troy from Saddam's troops.
