Iffy for 17+
Future-set action epic is heavy on comic book violence.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Book of Eli is very violent -- there's lots of weapon use, body parts getting chopped off, fighting, and dead bodies, as well as suggested rape (sounds of ripping clothes and women's screams) -- and takes place in a bleak future. But it has a "comic book" tone that keeps it from being a total downer, and it actually feels more like a Western than a sci-fi epic, with a loner hero (Denzel Washington) who wanders into a lawless town and tangles with the kingpin (Gary Oldman). The movie's subtext tackles religion: The bad guy wants to use the world's last remaining Bible to control and dominate the "weak and desperate," while the hero wants to deliver the book to a safe place. Expect some sexuality (though no nudity), strong language (including "f--k"), and -- worth mentioning again -- lots of action violence.
- Families can talk about the movie's violence. How does the movie's tone affect the impact of the action/fight scenes? Does it feel realistic?
- What do movies set in post-apocalyptic futures (Children of Men, I Am Legend, The Road, etc.) have to say about the way we, as humans, feel at the moment?
- What are the movie's messages about religion? Is it trying to make a specific statement about the subject?
The good stuff
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Messages: One possible interpretation of the movie is that it has a bone to pick with organized religion, instead celebrating individual spirituality. The villain wants to obtain the last existing Bible and use it for power and control over the "weak and desperate," while the hero's goal is to protect the book and deliver it to a safe place. He reads it regularly, but given his violent nature and loner status, it's not very clear that he's learned anything from it.
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Role models: Eli is violent, stubborn, and single-minded, but he does ultimately learn the value of trust and persistence. Occasionally he also shows honor (for example, by refusing to drink alcohol or take advantage of Solora sexually).
What to watch for
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Violence: Extreme violence, generally of a comic book nature. Eli wields a bow and arrow and shoots both animals and people (sometimes in some very uncomfortable body parts). He also carries an enormous knife, with which he chops off hands, arms and heads. Lots of hand-to-hand combat as Eli fights off crowds of attackers; plenty of gunfights (and hand grenades) as well. The movie shows the impact of the bullets and the arrows -- including those shot at a bird and a cat -- as well as plenty of blood. Viewers see dead (and sometimes decomposing) bodies, and there's a suggestion of cannibalism. Rape and attempted rape are also suggested (sounds of ripping clothes, women's screams) both on-screen and off, in chaotic crowd scenes and, notably, in the case of one important character.
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Sex: The future world presented in the movie has the equivalent of prostitutes, though they're only mentioned and rarely seen. A woman tries to seduce Eli by the side of the road by exposing her cleavage (no nudity). Later, Solara is sent to Eli's room while wearing a skimpy, cleavage-revealing dress and ordered to provide him sexual favors (though her orders are more suggested than actually spoken aloud). But Eli refuses to take advantage of her.
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Language: Several uses of "f--k" and "s--t." "P---y," "hell," and "bitch" are also heard. For the record, Eli himself doesn't use foul language.
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Consumerism: Some brands survive the apocalypse intact -- Eli cleans himself with (and later trades) little individually wrapped handi-wipes from KFC, and Carnegie uses a bullhorn with "Motorola" clearly marked on the side. Partial sign for Puma shoes.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Some background characters drink in a bar, become surly, and assault Eli.
Fan Reviews provided by
3
THE BOOK OF ELI. A dreary tale. Grade: C (Based on advance VIP press preview on Jan. 14th. 2010) by MOVIES REVIEWER
The Hughes brothers(Albert and Allen) directed this 118-min movie starring Denzel Washington, Mila Kunis, and Gary Oldman.
Filmed using the RED digital camera, this bleak color-leached post-apocalyptic tale suffers from a serious case of plodding slow pacing. At almost 2 hours, it simply dragged on and on... and could have been shortened to 1.5hr with little loss to the plot.
That said - the plot/story itself could be improved because there were a few glaring holes that would leave a intelligent movie-goer wondering 'huh???'. Gary Whitta's script needed major improvements.
The action scenes were well-choreographed and the utilization of CGI was above average.
Denzel's performance was lack-luster while Gary Oldman over-acted. Mila Kunis was a serious case of casting error - she looked too glam and totally out-of-place. Michael Gambon, Frances de la Tour, and Jennifer Beals turned in above-average performances.
VERDICT:
This movie needs a miracle.
Wait for the DVD.
5
Thoughtful Flick by bostonite52
For post-apocalyptic fare, this is probably the best I have seen. Denzel humanizes a role that could have turned this film into just another blood and guts fight film. Great story, profound and clever. Great commentary on power of faith and misuse of religion. And it is great to see little Jackie from That 70s Show shine in a dramatic role. Gary Oldman was superb.
2
Denzel Washington as a Bible toting fanatic on a mission from God!!! by screwylouie123456
One synopsis I read put it this way "one man (Denzel Washington) fights to protect that sacred tome that could hold the key to the survival of the human race". Another, "a lone warrior (Washington) must fight to bring civilization the knowledge that could be the key to its redemption and save the future of humanity" I kept waiting to see how the Bible he carried was going to lead to survival of the human race or save the future of humanity.
I'm still waiting!!!
(If you want good vs evil, rent Stephen King's "The Stand". A great book made into a pretty decent flick)
5
OSCAR OSCAR OSCAR by Pammo1949
This movie featured one of the most talented actors of this time. The movie started slow and then picked up like a ride on a rollercoaster. The action was pheonomenal and the story thought provoking. As a regular movie goer I measure the movie by the time "I feel like I've been sitting in the theater". The movie was fast paced enough for me to forget about time and immerse myself in the story. This is no a movie for young children - violence prevails in most action scenes and it is visual and you can feel the action. As a Christ follower the movie was priceless. The "what if" was portrayed and the thank God for the power of "good" over "evil". I recommend it for all believers and nonbelievers. The most important lesson of life is taught and learned in this movie. The power of the WORD.
3
The Book of Eli by Jamiescandal
Decent post-apocalyptic survival flick starring the mighty Denzel Washington, the scary looking Gary Oldman, and the lovely and spunky Mila Kunis. Much of the scenery we have seen before. The story reminded me of the Crow, The Road, a little Road Warrior , and a ton of other end of the world type films. The Hughes brothers do give us some very cool and cleverly shot fight scenes, some unexpected tender moments, and some landscape imagery that may surprise you and stay with you. However, the movie did not seem to know exactly where it wanted to go and it suffers for it. I did enjoy it, but I have a feeling I would not feel the same way if Denzel wasn't the star. Every little thing he does is magic, and in a somewhat meandering/misguided/derivative film like this, that star power makes the entire film work. Mila Kunis, is great too,as is Jennifer Beals, in a supporting role, but overall, if it wasn't for Denzel I really could just as easily have left "The Book of Eli" unread.
4
Not about religion by ithrah
this movie, contrary to those who cannot see past any religious reference, is not about religion. it is about our history and this country's history cannot be separated from the bible. this movie was about hope, literacy, determination, power (and it's tools) but it was not about god. without giving anything away, the main character is misguidedly driven for the first three quarters, he is neither inspiring nor heroic. his transformation has more to do with recapturing humanity than it has to do with scripture. the wisdom that he draws from his knowledge of the bible is common to every major and most minor religions in the history of civilization. that wisdom is inspirational and hopeful but is only biblical because he had the bible and not the koran, the torah, or the bagahvad gita. if you go to see this movie please pay attention to the meaning and not the symbols. One neat hint is to pay close attention to one of the last scenes: the other books on the shelf. GOOD LUCK.
4
For all christian leaders and believers alike by This fans fa you
Non-believers step aside, The Book of Eli will make you feel stronger the next time you hold a bible. All Denzel fans beware, he's more dangerous with a knife in his hand. The Hughs Brothers recreated several passages from the bible and succeeded in painting this post apocalyptic vision, feeling the fatigue from this mans journey, walking for thirty years. It reminds you of Moses, traveling to the promise land; Eli was traveling to the West. The road was dangerous people had to revert to old ways, hunting anything that walked including humans. Eli's faith was his footsteps, guiding him across the land to a place where others didn't believe existed. I liked the overall feel of the story, actors Washington, Oldman and Kunis all put in good average roles. The overall scenery is what carries the movie with more drama than action. The book is the key of hope and I hope you take this movie for what its worth not holding any expectations. Rated R for violence and language. go see it
5
An Envisioned Apocolyptic Future Not That Hard to Believe by chashe
I read the negative reviews (view "the other side"), & boy, are those guys confused. But not too surprisingly. For those who have recognized the animosity building in our culture over the past 40 or so years against God/Christianity, it isn't a great stretch of the imagination to see the possibility of the Bible being banned by some future government of the USA, it's not too hard to envision a violent & Godless society then arising out of the rubble of a nuclear holocaust &, if you've had any direct or indirect experience with the living God & are familiar with the Bible, it's not inconceivable to think that God would protect His Word from extinction, or that there might be a strange twist or two, or that He might do it in the way it was portrayed in this movie, or that those opposing the man He chose to carry out this task would be cut down in nearly miraculous fashion. Okay, it doesn't line up with Daniel & Revelation, but that doesn?t mean it isn?t a cool storyline. Excellent movie.
5
If you're a Christian then read this one!!! by Spiritandtruth
I was amazed that Hollywood would produce such a movie! I realize most aren't going to appreciate this movie for the reasons I did. I had no idea what this was about when I entered the theater and by the time I left I wanted to shout for joy. I wanted to yell it from the rooftops. This was such a wonderful film to me because my passion is Jesus and the Word of God. Yes, there is worldly language and much violence (my wife didn't care for ) but the overall message was about the preservation of the Word of God. When Denzel Washington's character began quoting the Word of God at the end of the movie it sent chills down my spine and tears to my eyes. If someone isn't a Christian you can certainly still appreciate this movie. It wasn't your every day storyline and that alone was refreshing. I would not suggest you allow young immature children watch this movie as there is much violence and cursing but if you're a mature Christian and see that for what it is then it's a MUST GO!
4
Five Word Review by deniol
Inspirational, brilliant, straightforward and simple