It really works on a numerous levels. Through Joe's story, it's about the darkening and transformation a man's heart, the change he goes through here really is iconic and the comparison of his character at the beginning of the film and his internal character at the end is fantastic. On a social commentary level, it examines society's tendencies towards mob mentality and patriotism leading to irrational thought and actions (bravely mirroring the Nazis at the time and foreshadowing their extent of violence in the next 10 years). It also criticizes political corruption, and raises interesting questions about what is and isn't justifiable in the name of law and justice in the courtroom. This is where I think the character of Katherine and Joe's brothers really become important... they are put in the dilemma of whether to stand by or not when Joe potentially sends 22 men to death, and in their eyes, would it be justifiable? If they had stood by, would they be any better than the lynch mob? Is the only difference between the two parties that the lynch mob acted on instant impulse and didn't have time to change their stance, while Joe and Katherine did? They certainly went along it long enough that it shows a darkness in them regardless, in a way you could argue what stopped them wasn't their belief in fair justice, but rather the guilt that would haunt them later, they didn't want to deal with it, they would've felt the fate of Lady MacBeth if they had. Furthermore, going back to the trial system itself, do these men deserve the same verdict for attempting the murder but failing, than if they did? What would be the difference in the moral name of the law? And so on.

On the question of whether Lang was compromised to create a happy ending... whether or not he was, I think the ending still worked. It showed a hopeful side to this examination of the human condition, that deep down, we have the ability to look past our hidden vengeance and personal desires for blood, and do the right thing.

Tracy and Sidney's performance are both pretty brilliant, and again I love how the latter had so much more to do and was so much more natural than just about any of the other love interests from films in that era. Lang's direction is flawless, from the mob attack itself to Tracy's long walk in the streets at the end, done perfectly, among other moments.

I really loved it.

5/5