The Book of Eli
Starring: Gary Oldman, Denzel Washington
Director: Albert Hughes, Allen Hughes
Rating: 4/5
The apocalyptic movie has been very popular in recent weeks and Denzel Washington is back on the big screen in The Book of Eli.
In the not-too-distant future, some 30 years after the final war, a solitary man walks across the wasteland that was once America.
A warrior not by choice but necessity, Eli (Denzel Washington) seeks only peace but, if challenged, will cut his attackers down before they realize their fatal mistake.
It's not his life he guards so fiercely but his hope for the future; a hope he has carried and protected for 30 years and is determined to realize.
Driven by this commitment and guided by his belief in something greater than himself, Eli does what he must to survive--and continue.
Only one other man in this ruined world understands the power Eli holds, and is determined to make it his own: Carnegie (Gary Oldman), the self-appointed despot of a makeshift town of thieves and gunmen.
Meanwhile, Carnegie's adopted daughter Solara (Mila Kunis) is fascinated by Eli for another reason: the glimpse he offers of what may exist beyond her stepfather's domain.
The movie is atmospheric from the word go and the rousing score in the opening sequence making it a powerful and totally gripping beginning.
Similarly the cinematography is breathtaking as Eli walks through a burnt to a crisp America and despite the grim nature of the movie it just looks beautiful.
The team have gone to great lengths to paint this very believable landscape that screams death and suffering.
But it's Washington's central performance as the sword wielding Eli who wants nothing but to get the book to the West as well as peace and quiet.
But the conflict within his character is interesting he is a Bible quoting walker on one hand as well as a man who delivers violent and bloody vengeance on the other.
His back story isn't really explored, neither is what actually happened to the planet, delving into these a little deeper would have rounded out the story and the character.
However Eli is a character that you can't help but come to admire as he holds fast to what he believes in which is admirable given the situation that he finds himself.
He banters well with Gary Oldman who wants the book for very different reasons. Their head to head scenes are some of the best in the movie.
But at the heart of the movie is a message of religion and faith as Eli holds strong to a belief, a belief that drives him on, lights his way and keep him safe.
And, when you realise the final twist of the story, this is an incredible message without ever being in your face or preachy.
But the movie also shows a flip side of religion and how is could be used to control people and gain power which is a very interesting sub-story that isn't explored as deeply as it could have been.
The Book of Eli is a gritty and stylish movie that delivers a moral message that you will be left thinking about long after the credits have rolled.
The Book of Eli is out now.
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw
Tagged in Denzel Washington