The Book of Eli

I'd like to remind the haters that the Bible is what built the western world as we know it, and every other book—even the Lord of the Rings, as another commenter suggests, as much of a titan of literature and a personal favourite of mine Tolkien might be—would be very much insignificant by comparison."The Book of Eli" presents a story about true faith, demonstrated by our protagonist, placed against those seeking to abuse faith for their own selfish means, as seen in the antagonist. Gary Oldman in particular is fantastic in his role as the evil "mayor" of his miserable town, initially appearing almost convincingly like a regular man who is trying to improve things for his people*. That façade quickly falls away to reveal the gnarly truth underneath. As is said in Corinthians, "And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light." Evil often pretends it's good. (* Assuming, of course, that him reading Mussolini wasn't supposed to paint a big "I'm bad" sign on his forehead.)Denzel is also great as the tortured wanderer devoted to a higher cause, and seems a perfect fit for his role. Mila Kunis, who acts as a supporting deuteragonist, does fine with what she's given, though I'd say she seems a little too clean (literally) for this post-apocalyptic environment where all water comes at a premium. But that might just be a nitpick on my part.It has to be noted that the film features a number of surprisingly gruesome action scenes that are well shot and choreographed, the first one being almost stylised in execution, with Eli fighting a bunch of guys in the darkness under a bridge.The premise itself does require some suspension of disbelief: after "the war", all Bibles were destroyed, and Eli is the custodian of the presumably-last copy in existence. I find that hard to imagine, given that the Bible is the world's most read book. But that's okay. As for how Eli survived all his trials and tribulations... well, as Jesus said, "all things are possible to him who believes". :)Indeed, I'd posit the plot of the film is best considered metaphorically. It's about the power of faith to stand in the face of evil and triumph, even if the odds are insurmountable and all has fallen into ruin beside you. It's about rising above the evil around you, and your own self, to do something good.That said, "The Book of Eli" is not some sort of masterpiece, or some profound philosophical treatise; it's a post-apocalyptic action film with edgy violence but a slightly deeper meaning. That's all. That doesn't stop it from being very entertaining and worth a watch (and a thought).P.S.: Christ is King.

Good film Recommended

This is a great post-apocalypse movie with many of the hall marks of the genre, a devastated/blasted environment, desperate individuals struggling to survive, roving bands of predators, people surviving in the wastes by cannibalism. Its more similar to The Postman [DVD] [1998] thanMad Max Trilogy: Mad Max, Mad Max 2 and Mad Max Beyond the Thunderdome [DVD] [1979], except perhaps the final Mad Max film, but one of the best examples of the genre on screen I can imagine.However it remains hopeful in its conclusion, there is also some attempts to create moral complexity in its characterisation of key individuals. For instance, the villain is essentially a benign dictator who has created some order out of post-apocalyptic chaos but has become an obsessive, even maniacal. On the other hand the hero does not always behave in typically heroic ways, he doesnt always intervene to save or protect the weak, he also gets carried away in battle, not ceasing violence until called to stop.Some comment has, unfortunately, been made about pseudo-spiritual overtones in the film, there arent that many, it really depends on what frame of mind you are watching it in, unfortunately a lot of angry atheism solicits reactions which wouldnt have been likely as little as ten, maybe twenty years ago. Its funny because some of the references to faith and religion in the movie are vague, almost like pop cultural references, unlikely to please anyone with evangelical aims who's critical of a secularised Christianity.Contained in the extras on the DVD are two sets of interviews with cast and crew and concept designer which elaborate on this point and indicate the point is about knowledge, its use and abuse, its more about bibliophiles and book lovers and even the role of books in restarting a civilisation after collapse.In this sense I was reminded of the conclusion of the classic The Time Machine [DVD] [1960] in which the time traveller finally departs to the post-apocalyptic future with four books to restart civilisation and the question is posed to the viewer which would they take.The action is great, as much sword fighting as gun fighting, with scenes very reminiscent of some from Kill Bill Vol.1/Kill Bill Vol.2 [Blu-ray] [2003], particularly some out take extras on the DVD featuring a fight sequence in which Bill engages in some sword fighting.Extras include a commentary, out takes and deleted scenes, two sets of interviews, one about post-apocalypse as a genre pretty much, the other about the moral complexities of the film and finally the soundtrack list.

I had my eye on this for a while, but waited until it came down in price due to mixed reviews. I needn't have worried.The book of Eli is a very smart story - one of the most interesting I've come across for a while, however that doesn't mean the film is without faults.Both I and my flat mate felt the film was a little slow but it did eventually pick up and the pace didn't seem to spoil our enjoyment.Set in a post apocalyptic hell-hole, this is one of many recent films to try and depict a MadMax style world after what appears to be WW3... Visually it looked very much like another film I watched not too long ago - The Road - with its bleached out colours; and for those of you who play computer games, it bore more than an uncanny resemblance to the staggering achievement that is Fall Out 3: Rise Of Man (the crumbling flyovers and dilapidated over-passes seemed to be lifted straight from the game itself). All in all the vision of life after death in the dust bowl that Earth has become is convincingly bleak, yet still visually engaging.The acting is good - Denzel is of course brilliant as usual and his acting style is very well suited to the main character, Eli. Gary Oldman makes a believable villain, although I must confess it's not his strongest performance and his accent seemed to change half way through the film.The Book Of Eli though will be remember by me for its story - I found it smart and truly touching - even choking me up at the end. Being a full time writer myself (although, alas, I must confess not in Hollywood or cinema), I thought the script was very well crafted, with little details and elements, and the background to the story seamlessly introduced as the film unfolds (in stark contrast to another film I saw not too long ago - The Happening - which felt very clunky and awkward in the manner in which the background to the catastrophe was explained).The Book of Eli is well worth a watch - fans of scorched earth type films, like the afore mentioned MadMax, should enjoy it. But be warned: this is not an all out action flick - although it does have the obligatory, guns, action scenes and home made vehicles you'd expect. No; The Book Of Eli is much more than this. It's a very clever story that just happens to be set in a world we associate with such films. However, as I just said - fans of the genre, I doubt, will be disappointed.The Book Of Eli, in fact falls somewhere in between MadMax and the Road - offering an intelligent tale to accompany the guns; something for everyone. It was not what I expected in that sense, but it's now a film I hold in high regard for its originality and I would recommend to you. It almost deserves 5 stars and the cast, the actors and of course the writer have produced a film they can all be proud of. It's excellent.If this review was helpful to you at all then please give it the thumbs up.

great film

I have avoided this film since it was made thinking it sounded a bit boring and as the reviews were mixed. However, it turned out to be one of the best films I've watched this year (Joker aside). I love the photography, the use of colour and the pacing, I loved the fact that the film was story dominated whilst the action sequences were still believable. I felt character development was very good and can't really find many negatives. Maybe the Alcatraz leader was a bit unconvincing but I liked the idea even if I had to suspend my disbelieve in its practicality. I went in with very modest expectations but would certainly watch the film again in a few years' time (assuming I'm still about). Spaghetti western meets Mad Max I think sums its up. Best performances from Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman (as always) and whoever played Solara. Nice touch with Frances de la Tour and Michael Gambon. I wish I had seen it on the big screen but glad to finally see it.

Fantastic, amazing one of a kind, ignore Rotten Tomato’s they wouldn’t know a good movie if it bit them in the backside. They only rated it low because it has a Christian plot line because they don't like the BIBLE. The movie is a cinematic masterpiece, beautiful videography and set design. Stunning movie, great actors, inspiring story!

GOOD PRODUCT GOOD SELLER

この映画に出てるキャストが好きなので買いました。ストーリーも良かったので買って良かったです。

Es hat selten einen Film gegeben, der mich nach dem ersten Sehen ratlos und enttäuscht sitzen gelassen hat, um mich beim zweiten Mal so zu faszinieren.Ganz ehrlich - allein der Soundtrack war es, der mich bewogen hat, ihn mir nochmal anzuschauen. Denn der ist absolut genial gelungen. Sicher Geschmackssache, aber zum Film passt er wie die sogenannte "Faust auf's Auge".So aber nun zum Thema des Films:Zuerst dachte ich, "Na toll, wieder so ein typischer Ami-Film - Glaube, Bibel und Gott ist mit uns und gegen den Rest der Welt.Aber ich wollte einfach nicht glauben, dass man mit so einer platten Einstellung und einem tollen Soundtrack einen Film dreht. Das passte einfach nicht.Also habe ich ihn mir noch einmal angesehen, mit dem Wissen um die eigentliche Handlung und die Poente am Schluß. Da kamen mir dann Zweifel an meinem ersten Eindruck. Und nachdem ich mir das Zusatzmaterial komplett angesehen habe, was sehr zu empfehlen ist, wurde mir klar, dass der Film einen viel tieferen Sinn hat.Hier geht es nicht um Religion, auch nicht um die Bibel. Hier geht es um Gott und den Glauben an und die Hoffnung auf etwas Höheres, das uns in schweren Zeiten beisteht.Religion hat die Menschheit dahin geführt, wo sie im Film endet. Man kann, wie mit fast allen Dingen, so auch mit Religion, Gutes und auch Böses bewirken.Brauchen wir Religion um Gutes zu tun, um an etwas Höheres zu glauben?!Wir, allein wir, sind für das verantwortlich, was wir tun. Und wenn wir an das Gute glauben und danach leben, haben wir eine Chance....Das ist mein Fazit aus dem Film. Nicht, dass das neu für mich wäre, aber es wurde in diesem Film genial verpackt. Deshalb sehenswert!!!

A very good movie alot of action great value for the money

Non posso dire troppo altrimenti non vale ma a metà film credetemi è bellissimo. È una lotta per una missione, in finale capirete il perché, seguite lo attentamente 🙏🏻👍🏻🤗

Vecchio film ,ottima fotografia