If you haven't heard already, I have to let you know that The Book of Eli is a landmark movie for inspirational writers.
Personally, I really enjoyed it. I thought it was well-written and well-filmed (stylish, as one critic said). Denzel Washington and the rest of the cast did an excellent job.
So what's landmark about it?
The movie takes place in a post-apocalyptic world in which one man will do anything to preserve a special copy of the King James Bible.
This particular Bible is central to the story, and it is portrayed in a positive light. The man who has such faith in it is a hero, not a villain.
Pretty unusual for Hollywood.
Fair warning: if you only want to see sweetness and light onscreen, and you really object to any foul language at all, this movie may not be for you. But if you would enjoy a powerful film about the power of faith in a broken world, and you can take some violence and profanity, GO SEE IT.
I told my husband that this movie perfectly frames the debate within the CBA about whether or not we can include potentially-offensive material in our novels.
The Book of Eli will atrract a young male audience because it shows a man fighting his way through the harsh reality of a violent world. I've already seen these young men tweeting their approval of the movie.
The Hughes brothers and Denzel Washington are going to reach a bunch of people who wouldn't be caught dead in the inspirational section of the bookstore. Their film shows what it means to have faith and hope when all seems lost. And we should all be very, very happy about that.
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14 comments:
I'm so glad to read your review of this movie. My husband and I saw a commercial on TV for the film yesterday. I love Denzel Washington as an actor and had seen an interview some time ago when he said he was a Christian. He grew up in Mount Vernon, New York and for a short time after nursing school I lived there. His mom is a Christian.
I am definitely going to get my hubby to take me to see this. I might be just what he needs to see and of course, I'm sure I would enjoy it too.
Thanks so much for the information Rosslyn since I'd never heard of the book or movie until the other day.
Blessings,
Debbie
My husband and his younger brother (a senior in college) just went to see this movie on Friday. What was amazing, is both LOVED it and raved about it. My husband is a Christian - and he absolutely wouldn't stop talking about it. He said after the movie, his little brother (a HUGE Denzel fan) got out the Bible and started reading scripture to see if stuff was accurate. I can tell you right now, my brother-in-law NEVER reads the Bible. Anytime we bring up that particular convo, he laughs and makes jokes about our faith. Hubby and his little bro had an excellent convo after the movie. I've very excited to see it!
Wow, this sounds like my kind of movie. I like Denzel a lot. Thanks for the suggestion.
~ Wendy
We've seen a lot of Christian themes in Denzel's movies. One of the best is "Man on Fire." I've heard (from a church friend) that it was too violent. She didn't see any spiritual significance in it. I'm going to see this movie ASAP.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Excellent blog/review. Maybe I'll grab a friend and go. Inspiring movie that guys would like? Didn't even think it was possible. Times, they are a-changing. Perhaps that's why Blind Side is also popular.
Denzel Washington has been one of my favorite actors since "Remember the Titans."
My curiosity piqued the first time I saw the previews for this movie, and I had a feeling that the plot was something along the lines of what you describe.
Now I'm even more interested in it.
We rarely, rarely go to the movie theatre. We got movie tickets for Christmas, and this sounds like the PERFECT picture. Thanks, Rosslyn!
I will go see it now for sure!
This is one of the main reasons I am not sure I want to write anything the CBA would publish. The world and all its human brokenness is pretty raw and offensive, but it is also powerful and God is working amongst the muck. This is what I want to write about. Thus some of my characters would sear. Some of the material would be offensive. Sin is pretty offensive. Life can be pretty offensive. I never want to be constrained about telling the truth as it stands just to fit guidelines. I don't know, maybe that is just how I feel now. Maybe that will change.
Thanks for the review Rosilyn! I'm sure we'll continue to have that debate about what's appropriate for CBA.
In response to Tabitha, and anyone who's ever wondered who will publish my work and where does it fit in, I say Write from your heart. Tell the story you are inspired to write, and leave the marketing up to someone else. The truth is more important than following the said rules.
Thanks for the recommendation! I totally want to see it!
Have a great day! :)
Definitely makes me want to go see it.
I appreciate your review of this. Blessings to you.
Thanks for the review. I have not seen it yet. Hopefully, I will have some time to do so in the near future.
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