In The Murderers Are among Us, is retribution celebrated or vilified? How? Why? In your explanation, please name at least two characters.

In The Murderers Are among Us, retribution is vilified rather than celebrated. This can be observed through the actions and attitudes of two main characters: Susanne Wallner and Dr. Mertens.

Susanne Wallner, a survivor of the Holocaust, represents the perspective that retribution is not the solution to healing and moving forward. She is portrayed as a compassionate and forgiving character who believes in the power of reconciliation and understanding. Despite the atrocities she has experienced, Susanne chooses not to seek revenge on the murderers but instead advocates for justice through legal means. Her stance against retribution is evident in her interactions with Hans, the former Nazi officer, as she tries to understand his motivations and encourages him to confront his guilt rather than seeking punishment.

Dr. Mertens, a psychiatrist, also plays a significant role in vilifying retribution. He believes that seeking revenge only perpetuates a cycle of violence and does not lead to true justice. Dr. Mertens treats Hans and tries to help him confront his past actions and find redemption. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the root causes of violence and addressing them through therapy and rehabilitation rather than punishment.

The film portrays retribution as a destructive force that hinders the healing process and perpetuates a cycle of violence. It suggests that true justice can only be achieved through understanding, forgiveness, and reconciliation. By highlighting the perspectives of characters like Susanne Wallner and Dr. Mertens, the film challenges the notion that retribution is a justifiable response to heinous crimes.