Two reinforcing themes I noticed in Prisoner of the Mountains were the importance of humanity, emphasized during times of fighting, and the consequences of a senseless retribution culture. Recognizing the sanctity of all human life, whether that life be a friend or foe, is exhibited by all characters to various extents. Saying everyone values their friends is a trivial statement of fact as mutual appreciation is a widely accepted prerequisite for friendship. However, the characters in the film portrayed as “good” are able to overcome their own prejudices to kindly engage with human beings others refuse to. Some more apparent examples of such characters are Vanya and Dima with their love surviving the hatred on both sides. Even Abul, who initially was only interested in preserving the POWs’ lives for negotiating power in his son’s release, ultimately decides to spare Vanya despite the news his son had died. This was an incredibly intense and powerful moment as Abul exercises mercy while mourning his son’s death.

Another theme I took away from the film was the futility of retribution for retribution’s sake. When the prisoners were brought into enemy lines, they were exposed to a different, perhaps uncomfortable perspective. Destruction at home is one thing, but seeing the fruit of your own labor and the hatred it has groomed is more troublesome—they are nearly shot because of it. The tongue-less and later murdered Hasan, slain son of Abdul, and final bombing of the village all evoke the question: is the only end to knee-jerk vengeance the extinction of an entire side?

Only those who subscribe to the belief that human life is intrinsically valuable will see a sensible resolution, and that is how the themes relate. Others, like Sacha, are heartless and predisposed to answer affirmatively, succumbing to their own biases.