Hello. It's glorified notepad time while I do writing exercises! Here are some messages I've personally picked up on since taking up Iron Lung as an analysis subject:
It's not productive to step on one another to survive.
Don't let the system convince you to trade your humanity for anything.
Inspiration can come from anywhere.
Persistence is the strongest tool in your pocket.
Stubbornness is just as useful as flexibility. Know when to use both.
You are still a person even if you are angry deep down.
Guilt alone does not absolve you. Your future choice of action will.
Don't drink isopropyl alcohol.
Notice the little things.
Don't turn a blind eye to make yourself more comfortable with another's abuse.
The blood ocean's monsters are biologically human. Simon is one of them.
It's not a moral failing to feel bad for the monster.
Refusing forgiveness does not grant you permission to stoop to their level.
Humans need to stop obsessing over trying to control death.
It's not our job nor responsibility as a species to understand life and death. Our job is to exist within the time we have.
Never give up hope that things will get better one day.
Don't let anyone tell you who you should be.
There's always a choice, and it does matter.
Your past mistakes do not define who you are.
Self-recognition of your flaws is the only way forward.
Don't abandon your friends.
"Us vs them" mentality is inherently harmful.
Good and evil are abstract concepts that should not always be applied or used as a moral basis.
Note these are just my opinionated ideas and there is so much more nuance to take from the film! If I truly wanted to dig into everything, this list would get massive.