Wrath is especially unique because it doesn't just hit on the concept of humanity at one or two points in the movie. It is a continual theme from beginning to end. Largely, the movie is about life and death, and how we approach each of them. It encourages us to face the realty of death, and become better people from it, living with a purpose and without fear.
I think the more enticing human emotion that really draws the audience into the movie is revenge. Often in television and movies we'll see villains who are out to get revenge for one reason or another. But rarely do we see raw emotion from these villains. With Khan we see a man bent on destroying his nemesis. He is willing to risk everything, including the lives of his crew, to pay back Kirk for leaving him on a desolate planet. Yet his character manages to retain depth, as we sense a smart and caring man behind the rage. It is raw and it is beautiful. And it is the character of Khan that really brings life to the battle between him and Kirk.
It is interesting to see sacrifice as the opposing force to Khan's revenge. Khan is willing to risk everybody to kill Kirk. And Kirk&Spok are willing to risk themselves to save everyone. In the end we see sacrifice play out to the ultimate end. It is a fitting ending to a movie about life and death. And also a convenient ending to continue the next installment of the Star Trek series. Unfortunately until 2009's Star Trek, no other Star Trek movies took humanity as seriously as The Wrath of Khan.
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan - 7 out of 10.
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