Can we name a movie or a TV show which doesn't have a revenge theme? Even children's stories have this setting. I am not against this one as it is the good that wins at the end of the show.

That depends on what you mean by "revenge". Are you strictly talking about getting even? If so, then Bambi is a good example, off the top of my head, where revenge isn't a theme. It's not like Bambi used his antlers to run through the hunter's child. No human was harmed, even though Bambi saw his mother killed by a hunter while she was trying to save him.

Bambi is a good example, @Ogmore.

 

TV shows are harder because they run through a lot of different themes. To find a show that never has revenge as a plot device is really hard.

 

For movies, I think Disney's version of Cinderella did a good job of removing the revenge aspects from the original fairytale. It was really more about her escaping than getting revenge on her family. In other words, she didn't change them into statues to get their eyes poked out for eternity like she did in one of the fairytale versions.

Revenge can be involved in a film or series without it actually being a theme. Many films and shows have revenge involved but it'd be a stretch to say that revenge is the theme. For instance many children's films/shows have the antagonist fueled by a desire for revenge but that's not what the protagonist is all about. They're usually acting out of self-defense. Taking down a bad guy in a typical good versus evil setup isn't really revenge, know what I mean?

I'd argue that the Harry Potter movies (and books) aren't about revenge. Even Voldemort isn't out to get revenge; he's out to keep himself alive no matter what.

No way mate. Voldemort uses fear to rule. Showing that he'll take revenge against anyone who dares to cross him is a big part of that. Revenge is one of his main tools.

@Ogmore, I'm going to have to agree with @Hal. Using fear to rule, as a form of manipulation, isn't necessarily about revenge. Murder is one of his main tools. I don't think his murders typically come out of a place for revenge. I feel like that requires him to be more human than he is. His crimes aren't really crimes of passion, you know? Harry's death would be the only one I would consider that way but that is mainly because Harry is the only person who could take him down, according to the prophecy at least.

 

I get what you're saying. I just don't think revenge is a prominent reason for Voldemort's actions.

I was thinking of revenge as in general terms. Even Bambi needed to avenge her mother, but not in a violent manner. Barney is a kid show that doesn't portray revenge, but we can't qualify that as a story because it doesn't have one.

I do consider many of Voldermort's murders to be crimes of passion, but I can see your viewpoints as well @Maya and @Hal. I tend to humanize him. I can't help but think back to him living in that orphanage. That's no way for a bub to grow up. Did Tom Riddle's cruelty cause his alienation from his caretakers and peers or did the alienation and lack of care create his cruelty? I think he sought admiration and loyalty because he didn't get it growing up. And if people had to die in the meantime - well, that's okay with him.

I was thinking of revenge as in general terms. Even Bambi needed to avenge her mother, but not in a violent manner.

I know mate; I didn't mean to get us off on a Bambi/Disney tangent. It was just the first movie that entered my mind. A life well lived is one form of revenge and Bambi undoubtedly achieved that. Thumper found a mate, Flower found a mate, and Bambi found a mate, I bet their offspring eats up the hunter's garden each summer. Flower and his mate are probably skunking up the place too.

Can we consider "Man VS Wild" a show? If so, then we have a winner.

 

Other than that, I would say that most shows do have this theme even with reality shows. We might have a different understanding of what is a revenge, but for it is more a competition between two parties.

Edited November 19, 20186 yr by Incredible Iron

@Incredible Iron, I've not seen the series Man vs. Wild nor heard much about it, but I know what I'll be bingeing on Netflix next weekend - thanks for bringing it up.

This is an interesting topic because I've never really noticed that revenge was a theme in movies and shows, not saying that it isn't the main theme, but saying that I hadn't given it any thought until now. What I find interesting is that it seems like most shows have to have some type of obstacle in them to overcome, never just a story about a certain thing, unless it's a documentary.

Anyway, now you've got me thinking about a show that doesn't have some sort of revenge element to it, but one doesn't come to mind.