Family in “The Public Enemy (1931)” A family is defined in different ways and with different perspectives based on a person's context and experiences. Despite being a fundamental social unit that influences the society around it, the family remains a dynamic topic whose description has varied over time. To discuss family and definitions of social unit, this article examines and analyzes the film “The Public Enemy (1931)” produced by William. As for analysis, this article will explore the family as a social unit that is influenced by the actions of each individual member of the family and society. The film 'The Public Enemy (1931)' revolves around the lives of two young men who venture into crime despite having a solid background and the support of a solid family. In particular, the film focuses on Tom's family, his brother Mike and their ever loving mother. The portrayal of the mother throughout the film as a loving parent illustrates the type of love that defines a family. In all the scenes involving the mother, the film portrays a family as a haven of love, care and concern as the woman manages to show her children the life she wants for them. However, the family is described as a unit that allows people to interact with the larger social unit of a society. This is because the family is a unit within a large social unit which brings different pressures especially for children as they grow up. Weiser (17) argues that every person has a way of living and determining their own liberal life especially in the democratic world. In line with this point, the film shows how Tom decided to lead his life despite the love of his doting mother. The fate of the two boys, Tom and Matt, who live in good families is i...... middle of paper ...... through, the director wanted to show that they were also bad times for his affectionate mother and the worried brother. In particular, Tom experienced very emotional moments after being shot by the rival gang, burned and hospitalized (Wellman, “The Public Enemy”). One particular scene included by the film's director is that of Tom beating his wife with grapes. The director said in media interviews that he added to the scene what he faces at home, especially when dealing with his wife. In conclusion, the family is presented as a haven of care and love and a social unit where values ​​are taught, especially for growing children. . However, the family does not isolate a person from the larger society, thus giving all members the opportunity to choose to live their own lives. Through the film review, Tom and Matt were used by the director to define family and cultural values.