"...Though I Walk The Valley in The Shadow of Death, I Will Fear NO EVIL."

At first impression from its trailer, the Hughes Brothers’ (From Hell) post-apocalyptic action drama “The Book of Eli” appears to be a film that borrows heavily from other movies such as “Water World” and “Mad Max”. Such movies have their plots revolving around survival and/or the search for a natural resource. This film does have the post apocalyptic theme going for it, but the ’resource’ that humankind is searching for isn’t oil, water or food…but something more intangible.
 

In a post apocalyptic world-2043, where the survivors of an almost forgotten war cling to the last hopes for survival, and of civilization; Eli (Denzel Washington) wanders around this barren world heading West, guarding a special book that he believes is the last copy in existence. Eli firmly believes that he has been charged with this duty so that this book can redeem the world and to understand the source of their pain. This book is a copy of the King James version of the Holy Bible and Eli would do anything to protect it and bring it to its appointed destination. However, a despot (Gary Oldman) of a makeshift town intends to use it to further his selfish cause to be bring forth a new age. Only Eli stands in his way…

          

                                   
 

“The Book of Eli” may prove to be a difficult film to really understand and appreciate since its main premise is about something intangible. It would have been easier to have writer Gary Whitta and the directors to just make a clichéd post-apocalyptic film. But they take a chance, by bringing into a movie a central focus that makes viewers question, ponder what they have seen. This film is a story about FAITH and the belief in a divine power. In this world, one has to understand that this is a barren, seemingly forsaken world and Hope is very hard to find. This world has some people who had to stoop to cannibalism (the price they pay are their shaking nerves) to live, water is a rare resource and food is very hard to find. It would be difficult for a survivor to be optimistic in this fictional future and HOPE is a vital ingredient for humanity to start over.

           

                        
 

Eli (played by Washington) is one enigmatic individual. He believes that he is chosen, he hears a voice that guides his path, and his journey leads to a place that is unknown to him. He is a man of strong faith and I read somewhere that “if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can move mountains”; directors Albert and Allen Hughes capitalizes and seemed to have developed its storyline around this phrase. Eli is a grim and mysterious warrior on a mission, I just wished that it was revealed as to how he learned such skills to defend himself and how he survived wandering for almost 30 years. Eli’s character also has a surprising twist in the last act. His nemesis, the despot called Carnegie (played by Gary Oldman) also believes in the power of instilling hope to the people, so that they can control the desperate, the depressed to serve his selfish cause. Carnegie is obsessed with finding this book, and believes that it is a weapon that drive the people. (call it misdirection if you will) after all, faith has been used as a weapon and to inspire acts of evil. Washington and Oldman are fine actors and they both give their characters depth and believability, despite the fact that this movie will no doubt give a lot of viewers pause.
 

                  

                  

                 

                 
 

Now, “The Book of Eli” is also an action film although expecting the action to be non-stop would be disappointing. The movie presents more of a study of Eli’s state of mind and this world that also becomes a sort of character in a way. The action in “Eli” is restrained, it sure is intense and cool to look at, but the direction keeps it from becoming too stylized. The fights in “Eli” are quick, intense and maintains a simplicity that makes it a little more realistic. There are some good fights and car chases but none that takes away from its tone and mood. Don’t expect to see an action-packed affair or you will be severely disappointed. The film’s central focus are its themes, its atmosphere that exudes a depressing mood, the touches of muted colors add to the film’s feel. 

               

                                 
 

The supporting characters in “Eli” are also quite fun to see. Ray Stevenson (Punisher Warzone) plays Carnegie’s enforcer named Redridge who is infatuated with Solara (played by sexy Mila Kunis) and only serves Carnegie while it fit his purpose. Jennifer Beals plays Claudia, Solara’s blind mother and serves as Carnegie’s concubine (she plays a significant role in the last act). Despite the film’s bleak atmosphere, the screenplay remembers to pitch in some scenes of subtle humor as presented by the couple who tries to keep to old traditions. Solara’s character serves as an anchor to Eli’s purpose near the end, Kunis gives the film some needed eye candy from all the muted colors of this dark, sad world.
 

“The Book of Eli” is a thematic action film. It is not the type of film that is for everyone, since I know a lot of viewers would end up shaking their heads, that they would say that the movie requires a large suspension of disbelief. The twist at the end, may turn off some viewers but I liked it. It allowed me to ponder, ask questions, and then believe; if you have been paying attention in the film’s entirety and every last character detail, the details were right there. The direction set the film’s groundwork that I easily bought the final act. “The Book of Eli” isn’t your usual post-apocalyptic action film, it makes one wonder and marvel if such things are possible…then again, ALL you have to do is BELIEVE?
 

Highly Recommended! [4- Out of 5 Stars]

This Review is a Movie Hype Community Exclusive @ Lunch.com