Whether they're in the movies or in your history book, the Nazis are pretty much the embodiment of evil—which means they make a tidy foe for our heroes in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
The Nazis are cruel, coldblooded, and downright criminal—the opposite of the Joneses. For Donovan and Elsa, on the other hand, the Nazis present an opportunity. Neither of them are really behind the Nazis, but they're totally willing to use Nazi resources to get what they want. Elsa, of course, insists that aligning herself with the Nazis doesn't make her a bad broad. Donovan, meanwhile, doesn't see his association with the Third Reich as a problem at all because he thinks he's better than the Nazis, period. (Way to aim high, Donovan. Way to aim high.)
One thing this film definitely has to say is that the ends never justify the means. If you're okay using evil means to get something you want, chances are you're, you know, kinda evil yourself. Sorry.
Questions about Good vs. Evil
- Are the Nazis overused as movie villains? What do they bring to this particular story?
- Is Elsa right? Can you align yourself with the bad guys the way she does without a little bit of their nastiness rubbing off on you?
- Based on his interactions with Indiana, Elsa, and Donovan, how do you think Kazim would define "goodness"?
Chew on This
She can rationalize her involvement with the Nazis however she likes, but Elsa's still evil.
In Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, goodness is characterized by love, benevolence, and forgiveness.