Directed by The Hughes Brothers and Starring Denzel Washington, Mila Kunis, Ray Stevenson, Jennifer Beals and Gary Oldman
A man walks for thirty years on a path set before him that he believes is ordained by God to take him to his destiny. He walks a path through a dark, broken world of lost people. There is only survival for those still living. This man carries a very important book that holds the hope of this destroyed world. Few know of its existence and even fewer know of the power it holds.
The man walking his path is Eli and his destiny is held within the pages of the book he carries. He must walk the path, protect the book, and stand alone against those who would destroy him and take the book to use for their own power.
--SPOILER ALERT!
DO NOT READ IF YOU WANT TO EXPERIENCE THE FILM FOR YOURSELF.
This film carries with it the surprise that I love to experience in movies. I had zero expectations toward what this movie would be. I went in thinking that I would simply enjoy another post-apocalyptic genre film and that would be it.
Not at all!
I was completely taken back by the story, the Christianity, and the hope that was very evident. I cannot believe that Hollywood made this movie. It is one of those movies where I knew practically nothing about it going in and was blown away-- A pleasant surprise.
Yes, it is extremely violent. Yes, it is very dark. It is not for children in any way. But, the underlying message is that the word of God is the Hope of the world. I love that. And to use the post-apocalyptic landscape as a stylized vehicle for Eli's journey really drove the point home.
Now, is this movie perfect? Of course not. There are some questions about the plot and some of the character aspects that I would love to know more about (and upon another viewing, might get some answers) and a few moments that made me wonder if I had missed something, but as a whole for what they accomplished with the story they told, I thought it was great. I wish I had written it.
Eli is a wonderful character that is flawed but still believes in his destiny with faith that his path will be laid out before him. He makes mistakes, he loses sight. He is human. And he is chosen.
Go see this movie. There is so much more I would love to write about it, but will wait a little while (in case some of you do want to see it) to do so. It is definitely one that I will study again and again.
Enjoy.
Brice
I just got back a little while ago from seeing the movie for a second time. I immediately started up the soundtrack/ score that I downloaded from itunes (awesome music, by the way... check it out), and have to say this--
ReplyDeleteI was impressed greatly on not only what this movie says (it's not trying to say something or attempting to creatively instill a way to think. it simply SAYS it), but also with what it doesn't.
On this second viewing, I watched for specific points that raised questions in me from the first viewing. And, I'll be honest, I was looking for something to discredit. I thought that there was some hidden agenda or perhaps the filmmakers might be making fun of the Christian religion. There was nothing of the sort. If anything, the second viewing only created in me more respect for the story as well as the honesty of it's message.
The Bible (which is the word of God written by the hand of man) holds the hope of the fallen world within it.
It is worth knowing, protecting, and holding in it's own precious place.
Enjoy. Again... lol.
Brice
I finally got to see the movie, and I did enjoy it. Part "The Road" part "High Plains Drifter." My only serious objection was Mila Kunis. Nothing about her appearance or attitude fit the reality around her.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was a fair representation of the Bible in that the movie seemed to give equal weight to the destructive power and the healing power of the book.
The book was originally eradicated because of its role in the conflict that put the world in this apocalyptic condition. And Carnegie understands that if he can be the interpreter of the text, then he can influence (even control) people's beliefs->actions. A sad but true commentary on the Bible.
Yet despite this manipulatable condition, the movie respects the historic and potentially supernatural power in the meaning of the words. My favorite line about the book was "I was so busy keeping it safe, I forgot to live by what I learned from it."
In the end, the book takes its place (literally and figuratively) between the Torah and the Qur'an. This is somewhat surprising given what Eli sacrificed. God spoke to Eli, revealed the book to him, he undertakes an indescribably treacherous journey, all so the Bible can take its place beside other holy texts? I chose to see this as demonstrating that extremely devoted disciples and supernatural circumstances can be common across religions, and do not make one rise above the other.
Just my take. But a good movie indeed.
Awesome insights, David. I'm really glad you liked it!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you about Mila Kunis. I'm glad that she's trying different roles and broadening her skills, however, I thought the role was beyond her. The only idea that helps me with her and her character is this: The passing of truthful knowledge to those with child-like wonder.
When the Bible was placed between and among other "holy" scripts, at first I felt a little deflated. And, mostly, for the exact reasoning you mentioned. But, after further reflection (and watching the movie through a second time), I think It's placed exactly where it should be; a place where it could stand as absolute Truth. And, ultimately, even after the sacrifice Eli had given, the choice to believe still lies in our hands.
Thanks for the input and reflection, my friend... I love it!
Brice