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"The Book of Eli Trailer: Some will kill to have it, others will kill to watch it."
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A 2010 American film starring Denzel Washington and Gary Oldman.
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In these post-Kindle days, just after the introduction of the iPad, we fans of old-fashioned books often wonder about the eventual fate of our leather-bound trophies.
+4
In Eli's world, I'm glad to report that books have survived the apocalypse, although they are rare. iPods are not nearly as popular, as electricity is at a premium, and one can pretty much assume Amazon and iTunes went "kaboom" in the big flash. However, the central book here is the one blamed for the big bang that ended it all.
I've heard complaints that this is a religious film, because Eli is protecting the Bible. But let's get one thing straight. The Bible is also being blamed for the war that brought on the apocalypse, and there are those that are trying to get the Bible who clearly want to use it to manipulate people.
So, I found this to be a smartly layered story:
- An attractive post-apocalyptic film, which can be enjoyed as such and no more. It's more colorful cinematically and more hopeful thematically than The Road.
- A movie about censorship. When all the copies of a book are taken away, that book only becomes more desired.
- An action movie. As Eli makes his way across the country with his book, he gains friends and enemies. He is expert with a knife and with his bow and arrow, and "he will kill to protect" his book.
- A discussion starter. "Religion is the opiate of the masses." Discuss.
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More The Book of Eli reviews
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 … more
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review by liago4.
November 10, 2010
The Book of Eli was a highly anticipated film for me and although some of my friends had their issues I loved it. This isn't a perfect movie but it was a damn good one. Anywho, here goes the synopsis, In 2042, thirty years after an apocalyptic event, Eli (Denzel Washington) travels on foot toward the west coast of the United States. He keeps very little on him, somehow he has a working ipod, sunglasses, and a heavy arsenal that makes him one the deadliest men still alive. … more
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**1/2 out of **** Out of all those apocalyptic action films of the new generation, "The Book of Eli" is one of the better, yet imperfect ones. I can't guarantee that many will be able to forgive its visual bleakness and pretentious story-telling, but there's something about this film that makes it fun. Sure, it's a flawed apocalyptic tale without depth and devoid of power. But it's also fun, especially when there are action sequences. These little … more
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Don't let the first 30 minutes or so of The Book of Eli fool you - it comes off as a bleak and moody mix of other post-apocalyptic stories like Mad Max and The Road, but by the time the credits roll you'll see the heart that beats beneath this cracked skin. There's a lot of story to uncover in The Book of Eli, more than I initially expected, and the themes and ideas expressed here surprised me. In a very good way. Denzel Washington pulls … more
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review by sniffcode.
January 18, 2010
A quick visit to Wikipedia and I discover that Mr. Gary Oldman is starting to live up to his namesake. No offense, of course, to those over the nice round age of 50. In fact, take it as a compliment. It means that at the age of 51 you can still intimidate the heck out of us younger-folk. That is, if you are anything like Gary Oldman. Even past his 50s he remains one of the most unnerving personas to hit the screen. And boy does he rattle the nerves in The Book of Eli. Another … more
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review by SusiDee34.
January 26, 2011
Pros: Washington & Oldman Cons: none for me The Bottom Line: "Not At This Time In My Life How Can I Hear Your Call In This Windy Night" ~Houston Calls It has been a while since the Hughes brothers, Albert & Allen, have offered us a project, but joining with writer Gary Whitta, they have given us The Book of Eli. It is rated R for language and violence and has been nominated, … more
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Compliments (21)
Years ago, the educated in the church were the only ones who could read scripture and keep themselves in power and the world stupid. The ones in power who are lacking benevolance are in danger of ignoring Santiago's most famous maxim, the one about those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it. So sets into motion The Book Of Eli, a fantastic post apocolyptic western movie where a lone traveller heads west on a quest of faith with an important piece of cargo to take home. … more
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Compliments (48)
Real short: watch it if you get a chance. Slightly longer: The Story of the Christ meets Mad Max The Road Warrior. And just a bit longer: Fans of post apocalyptic scenery will love the devastation. Fans who have been clamoring for post apocalyptic tales with more of a Christian message will enjoy the message. Fight scenes - pretty darned good. Acting - pretty darned good. Cinematography and musical score - pretty darned good (I'm a pushover … more
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Good grief, this was dull. I enjoy a well-done post-apocalyptic film and that sub-genre has a long and interesting history. However, this film adds nothing to it and its insufferable and hypocritical message was annoying as could be. The strange twist near the end also made the film completely unbelievable as well as meandering. The only positive things I can say about it is that the camera work is quite good and Denzel Washington delivers an okay performance.
Comments (19)
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Just when you thought you've seen it all (post-apocalyptic movies) comes The Book of Eli. This movie takes place a few years after a war destroys most of America. The main Character Eli is in the possession of what seems to be the last bible on earth. There is something about this movie, it just pulls you in and your instantly hooked. Denzels acting was phenominal and after all these years he's still got it. The story seemed odd but it was enough to keep you intrested. I loved the twist … more
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About the reviewer
Heather (dcgrrl)
Ranked #81
Ranked #81
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About this movie
The Book of Eli is a 2010 American film starring Denzel Washington and Gary Oldman. It was directed by Albert and Allen Hughes and written by Gary Whitta. The film was released on January 15th 2010.
Based in post-apocalyptic 2043, The Book of Eli follows the life of one man (Washington) who in his posses ion holds the last bible on Earth.
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Based in post-apocalyptic 2043, The Book of Eli follows the life of one man (Washington) who in his posses ion holds the last bible on Earth.
Director:
Albert Hughes,
Allen Hughes
Genre:
Action,
Adventure
Release Date:
January 15, 2010
MPAA Rating:
R
Screen Writer:
Gary Whitta
Runtime:
118 minutes
Studio:
Alcon Entertainment,
Silver Pictures,
Warner Bros Pictures,
Columbia Pictures
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