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.

Excellent

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.

Clad in rags and wearing shoes freshly taken off a corpse, Eli drags himself through a post-apocalyptic landscape that is beautifully captured in the blisteringly stark tones of a judgment cruelly passed. It is this vision of sylvan nights steeped in a poisonous green and sun-bleached days burning with their own ferocious, eldritch light which makes this film so compelling to watch. The story isn't much to write home about. In fact, if the visuals and the acting weren't so exciting, this would be a two-star film. The script is something of a letdown, as it does have potential. What takes away some of the movie's wallop, at least in terms of the plot, is that the mysterious 'Book of Eli' is nothing but the Bible--ideal reading for the apocalypse but not much of an idea when it comes to films. I don't mean to offend religious people (and I'm not a complete atheist myself), but making the Bible this all-important book everything seems to depend upon just isn't a very original concept. I would have welcomed some honest ingenuity here: a really mystical book or at the very least, Eli's own prophecy of ruin and redemption. Once you start looking at the plot too closely, you'll diminish your enjoyment of the film exponentially. What puzzles me beyond endurance almost is the question of what the Bible has to do with anything. According to the film, all copies (except Eli's) of the Good Book were destroyed after the ominous 'war,' which apparently culminated in 'The Flash.' Why the bible ceased to be popular after the destruction of the world remains a mystery, but to me this is an element which, if integrated into the plot and explained satisfactorily, would have given this movie much more resonance. Also, Gary Oldman's character's notion that the Bible could be used as a weapon is pretty thin stuff. I can accept the fact that in difficult times people will seek comfort in spirituality and therefore make themselves susceptible to a certain degree of manipulation. What I cannot accept is that they couldn't be sufficiently swayed without a book such as the Bible. This is just really shallow storytelling. The idea that the Bible could be used for evil is interesting but in what way it could be used as a weapon is never fully explained in the film. Oh, it says, more or less, that with the Bible people could be made afraid and bent to somebody's will, or something to that effect, but that's still very sketchy in MY book. Still, the movie as a visual narrative is top notch. Technically, it succeeds on all levels, which pulls you into the film despite the deficient story and doesn't let you go until the end (and not even then, or otherwise I wouldn't have sat down to pen this review). Therefore, an unreserved recommendation. The Road is different and similar at the same time, it has more emotional and dramatic weight than 'The Book of Eli' but the two of them make for a nice double feature of apocalyptic viewing. 'Eli' doesn't have the most original blow-you-away story but that's not the end of the world, as they say. The quibbles I had with the story are just that--quibbles. It's still a good film, so get this blu-ray and settle down for a nice eve of destruction. And, yeah, do get the blu: the picture is truly divine.

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 ] than Mad 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.

great film

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 film Recommended

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!!!

Codice Genesi è uno di quei film che mi è sempre piaciuto e che riguardo volentieri. Mi piace soprattutto l'atmosfera che riesce a creare e il modo in cui racconta un mondo ormai distrutto e popolato da gente orribile, senza risultare troppo simile ai soliti film post-apocalittici. La storia l'ho trovata originale e il film riesce a mantenere un ottimo ritmo dall'inizio alla fine. Non sarà perfetto, ma personalmente lo considero uno dei migliori film del genere e sono contento di averlo aggiunto alla mia collezione in Blu-ray.

Great Movie

Movie - 4.5 I've never been much of a religious person. And when I first saw the trailer for this movie, I thought to myself, "well, Denzel can be pretty bad ass, but this whole Christian vibe has me a bit iffy. I hope it doesn't end up feeling pretentious or anything." Thankfully, the Hughes Brothers and company managed to surprise me. After finally getting to see the film in theaters, I liked it a lot. The story takes place in a post-Apocalyptic future where Earth has been scorched by war into a barren wasteland and humanity has degraded itself into packs of scavengers and nomads who kill, and even eat, each other just to survive. Enter Eli (Denzel Washington), a man on a mission traveling west to deliver what is apparently the very last copy of the King James Holy Bible. On his journey he comes across a man named Carnegie (Gary Oldman) who is looking for the very same book. But sensing the ill intentions in Carnegie's plan to use it, Eli refuses to give up the book and must fight his way through with the help of a young girl, Solara (Mila Kunis). Thematically speaking, the movie itself isn't so much about Christianity (like I was afraid it would be), but the power of faith and the implied applicability of religion. Being an atheist, I always found it irksome that religion was so misinterpreted and taken out of context and that people were so vehement about it that I decided to stop believing in it altogether. In The Book of Eli, however, I find it refreshing that they can offer such a bold perspective on what it really means to follow in what you believe. Religion was never about which god is the right one or where it all originally started. It was simply about learning, finding something to believe in, possibly teaching and passing it down, and proceeding to pursue those beliefs with your own conviction. Mix bits and pieces of that with some stunning action sequences and a great cast of opposing actors and you've got a pretty good film. By the way, don't let the premise and symbolic inclination fool you. While I, personally, found the quasi-theological undertones enlightening, it's still choreographed by Jeff Imada (most famous for the Bourne films), so take from that what you will. Sci-fi actioners with a message -- gotta' love 'em. Video - 5.0 I remember seeing this in theaters and thinking that the film quality had a peculiar darkness to it. I was hoping the photography would present itself a little better on BD, and I was right. The movie is very desaturated (as briefly touched upon in the extras) and doesn't have much vibrancy at all until the end of the film. Something like 50-70% of the color scheme was intentionally made to almost monochromatic or like a black and white picture. But in exchange for that drabness, black levels and contrast have an amazing amount of depth and clarity. A lot of the backgrounds were digitally shot or painted and incorporated into the filming and it really, really shows in this transfer. You can see all sorts of fine detail from the little grains of sand in the ground or blowing through the air, the individual follicles and oil reflections from Eli's beard, the dirt and grime on peoples' faces, skin wrinkles and imperfections, notches and kinks in metallic structures, you name it. Backgrounds look especially bleak and reflect the mood of the production design well with ominous cloud cover and very low lighting. Getting back to the black levels, these are among the best I've seen on BD to date. In the scene where Eli fights off the thugs in the underpass you can see his silhouette perfectly, but even better, still make out individual shapes and textures in his clothes and backpack despite the darkness of the tunnel. And best of all, there's very little noise in any of the dark or low-lit scenes. I've never seen anything so immaculately black. Furthermore, black levels make for some great scenic shots that help to compliment the brooding nature of the film itself. One of my favorite shots in the movie (from an aesthetic viewpoint anyway) is when Eli is walking on the destroyed overpass with the camera looking at him from below. Something about the angle of the shot and obvious aftermath of what the wars did to the world is frightening to think about, but at the same time very cool sci-fi stuff. There's very little to complain about in this video transfer, if anything at all, outside of your own personal preference for coloring. What a great effort by WB on this one. Audio - 5.0 The Book of Eli is an a word - aggressive. From the opening forest sequence we get a steady dose of ambient bass as the camera pans across displaying the state of the world and result of our own destruction via the war that ended civilization. The wind howls eerily along the front sound stage right before Eli shoots his arrow into his soon-to-be dinner as a somewhat jarring thump emanates from the bow. We're then introduced to some of the film's score with an ethereal-sounding piece composed by Atticus Ross during the flash of the movie's title. Afterward, Eli comes upon an abandoned house looking to seek shelter as he kicks the door in and produces an even more jarring LFE. As he searches the house, all the little creaks and cringes of the old wood spread and separate amongst the front and rears. When he settles down for the night, his mp3 player gives us a little of Al Green's "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart," a soothing piece of soul that's definitely a contrast to the world Eli lives in, but makes for a good listen once we get to hear a part of it in full lossless surround. But if you want action, the underpass fight is where things start to make themselves heard. Reverberation is stunning when Eli steps back into the shadows and takes out each of those thugs with his "samurai machete." Limbs get sliced and bodies impaled with bloody cold execution, while the chainsaw guy, despite his loud and powerful hardware, basically acts as a test dummy for a rather large blade. But the real highlight of this precision soundtrack is in the town shootout. Guns are fired from a multitude of heights and angles with absolutely zero music resulting in a very impressive display of directionality and dynamics as bullets fly from the right front to left rear, right rear to left front, and any number of combinations therein. Shots echo with deadly accuracy and is probably one of the best shootouts I've heard in a while. The action then comes to a close during another big shootout at the old couple's house. Here we get to hear a good amount of automatic weapons fire, a bomb, a bazooka, and a Gatling gun. It's a pretty awesome sound design. Extras - 4.0 We start off with Maximum Movie Mode as the movie plays itself like normal with bits and pieces of behind-the-scenes footage dispersed throughout and little Focus Points icons at certain parts. You push enter on your controller there and it takes you to a separate screen that breaks down whatever aspect they're attempting to explain (usually in 3-4 minute segments). It's a big mix of production design, writing, filming, and commentary about what the cast and crew wanted to achieve in terms of literary themes, symbolism, and entertainment. I actually played the movie at 1.5x speed to make things a little faster but still slow enough to where I could re-watch the film itself while somewhat conserving time. And while the Focus Points can be accessed as a standalone feature (34 minutes worth, total), I still stand by the opinion that watching these during the movie itself adds a good deal of real-time context and perspective to the on-screen action, which is a very cool variation of the Picture-in-Picture track. Next is a 5-minute motion comic ("A Lost Tale: Billy") that gives a little bit of background information on Carnegie's childhood. It's short, but a good revelation and indicator as to the motivations we see in his current state during the movie. After that is a 13-minute feature ("Starting Over") talking about some the story's themes, comparing that world to ours, and discussing the symbolism in what it means to truly start over from scratch. "Eli's Journey" (about 18-minutes) analyzes the character of Eli himself the production of the film, the casting of Denzel, various collaborations and writing points, and the character's motivations. Both of these features are diced and served in parts throughout Maximum Movie Mode, but feel much more in-depth when watched as complete segments. And then finally is "'The Book of Eli' Soundtrack," which shows a sit-down interview with composer Atticus Ross and co-director Allen Hughes. I was expecting this to delve more into theme composition or instrumentation, but it turned out to be just a session of praise from Hughes and a little bit of confirmation by Ross. Altogether, it amounts just over an hour of extras. Overall - 4.5 The Book of Eli is a movie that interests me a lot. I was never big on religion, but I like how this film in particular highlighted the context of religion, or faith in general, as a personal driving force rather than as a branch of organized control (which it seems more approximated to be nowadays). It's difficult to explain, though I can say it's certainly given me something of a new perspective on things. Denzel Washington never ceases to amaze me, and it was a delight to see him opposite Gary Oldman. With a philosophical approach to society and civilization, but just the right balance of action, it made for a very entertaining movie. Add to that reference A/V quality and a healthy dose of extras, and The Book of Eli comes highly recommended.