Violence & Justice

Violence Gets Results

Violence Is the AnswerMight Makes Right
Illustration of the Violence Gets Results trope

What it is

The central conflict is ultimately resolved through physical force rather than negotiation, diplomacy, or systemic change. Talking fails; fighting works.

How to spot it

The plot contains ALL of: (1) a central conflict or threat, (2) non-violent approaches are tried and fail or are not attempted, (3) physical combat, destruction, or lethal force is the mechanism that resolves the plot.

  • The climax is a fight, battle, or violent confrontation
  • Earlier attempts at negotiation, diplomacy, or reason fail
  • The hero's primary skill for solving problems is combat ability
  • Victory is achieved by defeating (killing, overpowering) the antagonist physically
  • The story does not question whether violence was the right approach

Classic examples

Nearly every MCU climactic battle, John Wick, most action franchise finales, Die Hard, Gladiator

Movies featuring this trope (1)