Mr. Wu, an alien like Klaatu, had lived on Earth for 70 years. His assignment was to observe and study humanity. In human form he adapted and had a family. His grandson was there with him.

Mr. Wu's final report to Klaatu (excerpts).

Klaatu: "I was hoping I could reason with them."
Mr. Wu: "I'm afraid they are not a reasonable race."

Mr. Wu: "I know them well."
Klaatu: "And?"
Mr. Wu: "Any attempt to intercede with them would be futile. They are destructive and they won't change."

Klaatu: "You yourself called them a destructive race."
Mr. Wu: "That's true, but still there is another side. You see, I love them."

Mr. Wu: "Human life is difficult, but as this life is coming to an end, I consider myself lucky to have lived it."

Helen pleads with Klaatu for the survival of the human race.

Helen: "We can change. We could still turn things around."
Klaatu: "We've watched, we've waited, and hoped that you would change."
Helen: "Please, we can change, we can change."

Klaatu: "I tried to reason with you. I tried to speak with your leaders."
Helen: "Those aren't our leaders. You want to speak to one of our leaders, I'll take you to one. Let me take you."

At Professor Barnhardt's house.

Klaatu: "The problem is you. You lack the will to change.".
Professor Barnhardt: "Then help us change."
Klaatu: "I cannot change your nature. You treat the world as you treat each other."
Professor Barnhardt: "But every civilization reaches a crisis point eventually."

Klaatu: "Most of them don't make it."

Professor Barnhardt: "Yours did. How?"
Klaatu: "Our sun was dying. We had to evolve in order to survive."

Professor Barnhardt: "So it was only when your world was threatened with destruction, that you became what you are now."
Klaatu: "Yes."

Professor Barnhardt:

"Well, that's where we are. You say we're on the brink of destruction, and you're right. But it's only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us. We're close to an answer."

At the cemetery. Helen consoles her 8 year old stepson Jacob at his father's grave. Klaatu sees this and comes to a new decision.

Klaatu: "There's another side to you. I feel it now.

Helen: "But we can change. You know that now. Please, please just give us a chance."

US Secretary of Defense Regina Jackson is on the phone with the US President.

Regina: "Of course, Mr. President. I understand the situation. But with all due respect, sir, any further military action will only make things worse. I believe we may still be able to open a dialog."

US President: "...."

Regina: "Yes, Mr. President. As you wish, sir. Thank you."

In the end the leaders decided to follow their destructive nature and try to destroy Klaatu.
He survived, so did Helen and Jake, but not Dr. Granier.

Despite the treacherous attack, Klaatu keeps his word and saves the human race.

Klaatu: "Your professor was right. At the precipice we change."

Questions:

1. Was he right in giving humanity a chance to change? Can they really change their nature?
2. Was it the feeling of love (conquers all) that made him change his mind?
3. Will his kind keep watch and act if humanity strays again? What gives them the right to judge humankind?

"If the Earth dies, you die."
"If you die, the Earth survives."