A friend of mine recently asked me to create a poster for A Time to Love and a Time to Die, though I hadn’t seen the movie before. Set on a German battlefield, it portrays a world where even the killing of civilians is sanctioned—yet the soldiers themselves struggle with doubt about their actions.
It made me wonder: in such a world, is the best choice to stop thinking altogether and just follow orders, like a worker bee or ant? Otherwise, resistance or hesitation might draw the attention of your superiors. This blind adherence to tasks avoids conflict in the short term but creates a moral vacuum. When those tasks harm innocent lives without personal malice, a reckoning always comes—it’s the inevitable cycle of violence and vengeance. It’s hard to completely detach yourself from this collective momentum, especially when those closest to you are swept up in the same tide.
From a design perspective, the movie’s visuals stood out to me. The color themes evolve from scene to scene, carefully tying the narrative together. I found the palettes and interior settings particularly inspiring—they left a lasting impression on me.
new words:
Regiment (連隊 れんたい)
The regiment marched across the field, displaying their discipline and unity.
Martyr (殉教者 じゅんきょうしゃ)
She became a martyr for the cause, remembered for her sacrifice and dedication.
Preliminary (予備の よびの)
We conducted a preliminary survey before starting the main research project.
Accelerate (加速する かそくする)
The car began to accelerate as it entered the highway.
Inscriber (刻む人 きざむひと)
The inscriber carefully engraved the names onto the monument.
Interrogation (尋問 じんもん)
The detective’s interrogation revealed crucial details about the case.
Bragging (自慢 じまん)
He was bragging about his new promotion all day.
Discretion (裁量 さいりょう)
The manager used her discretion to approve the employee's leave request.
