roycethat
This is by no way a bad movie, yes the plot is pretty simple and lacking depth. Notice all the 1 star rating people are just hating because it has something to do with the Bible lol. The acting is very well done. The visuals are also very nice. It's funny the world we live in where almost 90 percent of the one 1 star ratings are just because they can't get over the fact this movie has something to do with God and a Bible. This movie by no way forces any believes on the viewer.
kajvanzanten
To me it was just another action movie if the story about the book was not involved. However the action looks great in a apocalypse and western scene. I think the story about the book makes it a great movie in combination with all the action. Its a great movie to watch on a rainy Sunday afternoon.
TheCameraDollyLama
The Book of Eli features a post-apocalyptic wanderer and his treasured book. In fact, Eli's book turns out to be a rarity and the object of some envy and contention. Eli enters a town run by the despotic Carnegie. Carnegie wants the book to gain power and control people. When one of his henchman questions how a book can have such effect, Carnegie yells: "It's not an effing book; it's a weapon!" Eli, similarly, comes to objectify the book, albeit not as a weapon.At one key point in the film, Eli confesses to his co-traveler, Solara: "All these years I've been carrying it...I forgot to live what I learned from it." From the juxtaposition of Carnegie's and Eli's conceptions of the book, it's possible to surmise that the Hughes brothers want at least to communicate the point that ultimately this book is only as good or as bad as the people who use it. That's not a bad takeaway.This film features a great deal of clever interplay with the book, its contents, and the possessors of the book. In fact, this film does "inter-texting" like no other.It's all there in the double-meaning of the movie's title: The Book of Eli.In the most obvious sense, the "of" in "book OF Eli" is possessive. It's the physical book that Eli possesses, reads, memorizes, carries, protects.At the same time, because he has carried the book for so long (30 years!) he has had time to learn its entire contents by heart. In this sense, Eli has become the book, he IS the book. (Grammatically speaking, here the "of" in The Book of Eli functions as a genitive of apposition.) The double meaning of the book "OF" Eli sets up the ironic ending of the film. It also helps you understand the evolution of Solara, who begins as an unread novice but evolves into a book of her own.Perhaps there will be a sequel: "The Book of Solara"?
zkonedog
When it comes to films with religious trappings, one of two things usually happens: It either bashes all other religions in favor of the one being espoused, or gets a little too preachy and fawns all over itself. Book of Eli does neither of those things; instead letting the viewer decide the importance/meaning of the religious undertones.For a basic plot summary, Book of Eli focuses on a lone traveler (Denzel Washington) trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic America. When one day he wanders into a rebuilding community, he is harassed by a man (Gary Oldman) who desires a powerful book that the traveler has in his possession.The plot of this film is okay, though at times predictable and/or slow. However, there are three areas in which the film really excels:-Acting: Denzel and Oldman both give strong, professional performances, while Mila Kunis proves more than just a pretty face as well.-Imagery: The depiction of a completely desolate, war-torn nation is very powerful and interesting. You never know what sort of crazy character you might meet next.-Religious Themes: The concept of religion is central to the entire film, but is shown as a potential force for good or evil.Thus, although Book of Eli isn't a masterpiece, it is easily interesting enough to entertain fans of Washington, thriller/action, and heavy thematic material.
AD
