I went into “The Book of Eli” completely blind. I hadn’t even seen a preview. All I knew was Denzel Washington was in a futuristic movie that a friend of a friend said had a strong Christian message… so that was enough for me.
Let me firstly say that the movie is rated R for violence and strong language, with that said let me say that the violence might be too much for some and I’m not saying you “NEED” to see this film.
So I know I need to give it a little more thought but I’m going to say right now that “The Book of Eli” is the best Christian film ever made. OK, that is my first response to the film.
If you’ve seen the movie I’d love to hear your response to the above statement. I’d like to know why I am wrong, because I very well could be.
January 23rd, 2010 at 2:35 am
i had my inklings, and am so happy to think i may have been correct about the book… will have to see this film soon!
January 23rd, 2010 at 11:18 am
Okay, now that the shock of seeing a character in a Hollywood film revere and quote the Bible has worn off, I’d have to say “greatest Christian film” is definitely over the top. And here I’m not even talking Christian per se, but simply film in general.
Putting aside the film’s inclusion of the Bible for a moment, the film itself is one cliche after another from start to finish. It is, in fact, a Western in every detail. A Western set in the future after an ozone-destroying war, yes, but a Western nonetheless. A shabby town run by a sleazy power-hungry slimebag with a tall bodyguard. A hero who is a crack shot. Repressed townspeople. And so on and so on and so on.
Now, cliche doesn’t always equal blase. I thought “Avatar” was completely predictable - I had the ending pegged two hours before it was over - but it was still fun. The same is true with “The Book of Eli” - I enjoyed my experience. But “Eli” does very little to defy, change, elevate, or excel beyond the genre.
As for its violence and language…
We first have to remember the difference between “gratuitous” and “explicit”. “Gratuitous” is material that is unnecessary; “explicit” is material that is clearly presented on screen.
I don’t think any of the material here was gratuitous: The vile, unregenerate thugs used language the way vile unregenerate thugs today do; and our hero’s violence in the first half is repented of in the second half (or at least the repentance is alluded to).
The material is, however, definitely explicit. The blood and gore are there on screen and the language is loud and clear. Given the Bible’s ordinances regarding obscene language and the willful viewing of violence, I’m still on the fence over whether I could endorse the movie as it stands.
Now, if you mean this is quite possibly the highest production value assigned to a film with a positive theological message, you may be right. It is in every way a polished Hollywood production. It bears no marks of the traditional low-budget mediocre-acting Christian films out there.
I think, in the end, that you and I were both simply floored and enthused by the sense of reverence for the Bible that we were getting from the film. So I don’t fault you for enjoying it; I enjoyed it too. But because of its rote screenplay and its explicit content, I don’t think I can agree with you on the word “greatest”.
January 24th, 2010 at 1:16 am
i would give it a 6 of 0 and say “Chariots of Fire” is my vote for greatest Christian movie
January 24th, 2010 at 1:33 am
watched the movie this evening with a beautiful lady. i was wondering in the first half hour if i should have brought her, but when the credits rolled she said it was one of the most amazing films she’s seen. if anyone can make mad max a chick flick, the Holy Spirit can.
January 24th, 2010 at 9:38 pm
I loved it all the way through… I’d personally be uncomfortable having to choose between “Eli” and “Passion” as the best.
I can’t wait for it on DVD to go back though and catch some of the smaller things in the film.
Maybe in a month or so we can compare notes on what we liked about the film. I’d post now but don’t want to play the spoiler.
January 25th, 2010 at 1:56 pm
OK, here’s a question then. What is the GREATEST Christian fiction film of all time? So it can be a book turned into a film, but it can’t be based on historical events. So “Chariots of Fire” which is amazing (but kind of boring to watch now - to be honest), doesn’t count. Neither does any film based on a Bible story. And when I say “Christian fiction” that can be pretty broad, it can just have some sort of solid Christian message.
January 25th, 2010 at 8:39 pm
Christianity Today article on Denzel - http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/movies/interviews/2010/denzelwashington-jan10.html
January 29th, 2010 at 5:28 pm
Off the top of my head, best movies with a “sort of solid Christian” message:
Les Miserables
Christmas Carol
Harry Potter 7 (when it comes out)
February 4th, 2010 at 12:39 am
One of my favorite columnists S.E. Cupp on the Book of Eli… Kindda a different response. I still haven’t seen the film. Cupp is an Atheist Conservative… yet holds & defends the Juedeo Christian values of America.
http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2010/01/20/2010-01-20_how_hollywood_begat_yet_another_insult_to_christianity.html
February 4th, 2010 at 1:50 pm
Interesting Andrew. i just read Cupp’s review. he makes some points that i could see someone thinking. i think he misses the major pro-christian messages of the movie, which makes since seeing as he is not a christian
February 4th, 2010 at 3:41 pm
I hear ya Josh… SHE (Cupp’s)article is the only other position i have heard on the movie. I need to go see it.
February 4th, 2010 at 3:46 pm
Seeing as you haven’t seen the movie yet, I don’t want to spoil anything for you. But I have to share one line that might make the entire movie worth it.
“I was so busy trying to protect the book and learn it (knowledge) that I forgot to live it.” - a solid call out on those who defend the faith, but don’t practice the faith in the process. i felt it was one of the most convicting things i’ve ever heard, as someone who wants to “protect the book.”