The psychopathic manager-type tyrant is brought over to the side of good when he changes his behavior due to a realization that he is hurting people with his actions. He becomes less selfish and more empathetic. He is not redeemed by believing in the power of a savior; if anything, it's a Buddhist tale, not a Christian one.

Also, Emmett is a cog who learns to be an individual. Two paths to the same goal, one from the enslaved worker and one from the slave-master.