Although the real meaning behind of the story of the movie Dogville was probably different, I mostly enjoyed the movie for its lesson in why it’s necessary to be assertive.
Unless you saw the movie, this transcript is obviously missing quite some context. If so, I hereby once more recommend checking out the movie Dogville.
Mafia dad: It is you that is arrogant! You do not pass judgment because you sympathize with them.
Mafia dad: A deprived childhood and a homicide really isn’t necessarily a homicide, right? The only thing you can blame is circumstances.
Mafia dad: Rapists and murderers may be the victims according to you, but I call them dogs. And if they’re lapping up their own vomit the only way to stop them is with the lash
Grace: But dogs only obey their own nature. So why shouldn’t we forgive them?
Mafia dad: Dogs can be taught many useful things but not if we forgive them every time they obey their own nature
Grace: So, I’m arrogant? I’m arrogant because I forgive people?
Mafia dad: My God, can’t you see how condescending you are when you say that?
Mafia dad: I mean you have this preconceived notion that nobody can’t possibly attain the same high ethical standards as you, so you exonerate them. I can not think of anything more arrogant than that!
Mafia dad: You, my child, my dear child you forgive others with excuses that you would never in the world permit for yourself
Grace: Why shouldn’t I be merciful? Why?
Mafia dad: No, no, no you should, you should be merciful when there is time to be merciful. But you must maintain your own standard. You owe them that. The penalty you deserve for your transgressions they deserve for their transgressions.
Grace: They are human beings
Mafia dad: No, no, no. Does every human being need to be accountable for their actions? Of course they do but you don’t even give them that chance. And that is extremely arrogant. I love you, I love you to death. But you are the most arrogant person I have ever met. And you call me arrogant!
ps. The acting performance of Nicole Kidman was also awesome of course.