Why do films hit you over the head with symbolism?

I prefer my symbolism subtle.

But I was watching Ned Kelly last night. Near the beginning, they're trying to break a horse, but he's too wild, so they shoot him. I figured that I now knew the plot of the movie, viz., Ned Kelly ends up an outlaw, and the law can't control him, so they shoot/hang him. And lo, I was correct.

I was not watching Ned Kelly for an English class. I had no desire to do anything but be entertained. Over-analysis is emphatically not my thing. I would have liked merely to enjoy the movie. But no. We were told by significant looks from everyone involved and a certain wistfulness on Heath Ledger's face that this shooting of a horse was significant.

I don't mind a second level of narrative. That's fine by me. I do mind when the subtext becomes text and starts beating me about the head and shoulders.