Much like Christ, the titular Iron Giant descends from the heavens to ultimately save humanity (well, Maine) in Brad Birds exquisitely animated film. Like most of the Christ-figures on this list, the Iron Giants connection with the saviour of mankind is subtle. One of the main dissimilarities between Christ and the Giant is the metal robots charming naivety and innocence on several occasion Hogarth Hughes, his young human companion, is forced to educate his gigantic friend about the world. The most notable instance of this is where Hogarth explains to the Iron Giant that he has the freedom to act differently to 'Atomo the Metal Menace' an evil comic book robot despite their baring a physical resemblance. The film is set in the height of the tension and anxiety of Cold War United States so as soon as the military locate the Iron Giant, the fire a nuclear ballistic missile to destroy it as well as the entirety of Rockwell, Maine. In a memorable show of self-sacrifice, the robot flies out to intercept the missile; colliding with it in mid-air causing a huge explosion high in the atmosphere. The Iron Giants actions are not only Christ-like for their self-sacrifice, but there is a strong sense of atonement for the sins of mankind and our heinously militaristic attitudes in the 20th century. The Iron Giant completes the Christian parable as he is miraculously resurrected, reinforcing the parallels between the robot from outer-space and the Christian figure.
Hailing from South East London, Sam Heard is an aspiring writer and recent graduate from the University of Warwick. Sam's favourite things include energy drinks, late nights spent watching the UFC with his girlfriend and annihilating his friends at FIFA.
