Movie Analysis: Swing Kids

In the movie, Swing Kids, three teenagers, Peter, Thomas, and Arvid are caught in the middle of Hitler's reign during World War II. They spend most of their time at a swing club, where the Nazi's don't have a hold on them, and they can dance away all of their problems. They struggle to remain together, but they are torn apart as they develop different feelings for the Hitler Youth program that they later join. Peter is obligated to join this program because he was caught trying to steal a radio. Thomas later joins to stay with Peter and keep their friendship. But this friendship begins to crack as Thomas grows brainwashed by the Nazi's. To Peter's horror, Thomas slowly becomes a dedicated member of the Hitler Youth. Thomas is even influenced …show more content…
He wants nothing to do with Thomas anymore, as he sees how transformed Thomas has become. Peter knows what the Nazi's are doing is wrong, but he doesn't know how to stop it. He last form of rebellion is dancing for the last time at the swing club. The Nazi's come, and he is caught and collected to be taken to a work camp. Thomas finally sees through the film the Hitler Youth had put over him, and he watches sadly as he sees his friend being taken away, knowing that he will never see him again. This is what causes Thomas to finally begin to think clearly and he knows that he will avenge his friend and retaliate against the Nazi's for taking his …show more content…
The Swing Kids showed their defiance to the Nazi's through dancing. At the Swing Clubs, instead of dancing to the forced melodies, they danced to jazz and swing music which was offensive to the Nazi's because the music was related to Jewish performers and musicians. Many songs in the music store were banned because of their Jewish background. They also danced wildly and unrestrained instead of the imposed stiff and formal trudge. But the impact of teenagers rebellion during this time, was felt deeply by their friends and families. Rebelling teenagers would often be caught and taken to camps, much to the horror of their family. And sometimes the families would be taken too. It was a struggle for the youth to want to do what they loved, but knowing that it could hurt their loved ones. The young teenagers also have to face the struggles such as cutting off their friendships that they have with the Jewish. They can't be with their Jewish friends anymore, as The Nazi's will begin to suspect anyone of treason at any small contact with the