100% American (1918)

Introduction
"100% American" is a silent movie released in 1918, directed by Arthur Rosson and including Hollywood starlet Mary Pickford as a capitivating character called Mary. The movie is a fairly short feature, with a roughly 14 minutes run-time, and uses a patriotic view during the World War I age.

Plot Summary
The film is set against the backdrop of World War I, painting a story of patriotism, sacrifice, and female empowerment. Pickford potrays Mary, a young American female fully devoted to her nation. The film opens with Mary checking out a letter from her sweetheart who is presently combating overseas, representing the pandemonium of war juxtaposed against the serenity of house.

Mary is not indifferent to her sweetheart's predicament and wishes to contribute to the war effort, illustrating the character's strong sense of patriotism. She decides to bid goodbye to her comforts and signs up with a factory working as ammunition assembler, representing females's important role on the homefront throughout the war.

Symbolic and Pivotal Sequences
Numerous sequences of the movie demonstrate Mary's conviction and commitment as an American. One such scene is when she knocks a girl who has a German-American background for not buying war bonds, highlighting wartime xenophobia. Nevertheless, later in the movie, she endorses the exact same lady upon finding out about her other half's death in the war, demonstrating empathy and unity among Americans.

Another noteworthy scene features Mary declining to entertain a suitor who has actually averted the draft and leading him to enlist, pressing the concept of honor and responsibility towards the country. This scene underlines Mary's admirable patriotism and her expectation that others will likewise add to their country.

Ending and Conclusion
In the climax, Mary gets shocked after receiving her sweetheart, Tom's death news. However, she does not wilt under the blow; instead, she bravely continues working at the factory. The ending scene portrays her resumption of work in the factory with a lesson that life should proceed, exemplifying strength and strength.

"100% American" concludes with a psychological yet motivating message. Mary's demonstration of guts after learning more about her sweetheart's death, her decision to continue contributing to the war effort regardless of her personal loss, ends the movie on a powerfully emotive note. Here, Mary-- and by extension, all Americans-- are shown to be fully committed to their nation, hence the title "100% American".

Overlay
"100% American" acts as a patriotic movie effectively using the persona of Mary to symbolize the American spirit throughout World War I. The film checks out styles of patriotism, courage, unity, and female empowerment, showcasing a nuanced perspective of American society.

Through the use of symbolic sequences and engaging narrative, "100% American" motivates the audience to reflect on the role and contribution of every person throughout the war. Mary's character magnificently depicts this patriotic sentiment, as she epitomizes an "100% American."

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