"People had more than they needed,people didn't know what was precious and what wasn't,
people threw away things they kill each other for now."
~ Eli, describing the pre-apocalyptic world
The Book of Eli
[God] has in these last days spoken to us by His Son ... [who is] upholding all things
by the word of His power ...
~ Hebrews 1:2-3 (NKJV)
By request, I'm today sharing some thoughts about the movie The Book of Eli.
Aside from historicals, I generally avoid movies of gratuitous violence. But I’m one HUGE fan of the Book of Elohim (also called Holy Bible), so there was no way I’d miss a movie centered upon pursuit of a Bible for the power in its words.
As with any other post-apocalyptic movie, one must suspend belief in the Bible's version of end-time events to engage with the story line. The irony here is that the story asks the viewer to believe that the Bible holds words so powerful that one man (Eli) will kill to protect it, and one man (Carnegie) will kill to obtain it for his personal ambition.
I have enough imagination to suspend belief in both prophecy and the movie's various technical oversights while I watch the story.
Eli's use of violence (beyond self-defense) didn't bother me. In society, government is responsible for administration of justice. In a vacuum of governmental authority, where vigilante justice rules, Eli demonstrates righteous use of the supernatural protection and defense tactics he employs. He seeks peace with other men, but does not tolerate their evil attacks on innocent people. I am reminded of Samson, who God used to punish evil Philistines in a similar manner.
As in societies the world over throughout human history, most people in the movie employ power through physical might rather than intelligence or honor. Women are the physically weaker sex, and therefore exploited by the evil and protected by the righteous. The movie's R-rated profanity is not gratuitous. Both these elements are realistic rather than sensational.
Jesus is never mentioned. Such a glaring oversight might be expected in a movie which operates on more Old Testament principles than New Testament ones. I appreciate the movie's scriptwriters' expression of faith in divine protection and preservation of God's Word, and in the great power of God's Word—power which men employ for good or evil. But failure to see the truth in that power as relevant to the story shows their faith to be marginal.
Despite its many flaws, faith was in evidence throughout The Book of Eli. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it. Aside from The Passion of the Christ, this is the only R-rated movie I've allowed my 11-year-old son to see. (I had him skip an attempted rape scene.)
And the ending scenes had too many good surprises for me to spoil them here.
I appreciate hearing from you. Questions are welcome. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments or e-mail me—my address is
buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com.
Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Image are from the movie "The Book of Eli," © 2010 Alcon Entertainment
Thanks for sharing this review sis, have not seen this movie.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
ReplyDeleteI had actually avoided this movie, because I was afraid it might be too over the top and just annoy me. I will make a point to add it to my viewing list.
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Oh my goodness, my mom and I had a two hour discussion over the phone about this movie. Love those! Such a powerful ending. Did you notice how the "enemy" wanted the Bible. That could be deceiving. But of course, he wanted it to use it to control. Also, my mom pointed this out, did you notice the odd couple out in the middle of nowhere--they're names were George and Martha. My mom and I spend a good deal of time talking about whether that was a statement about America isolating from the rest of the world...
ReplyDeleteOkay, I know I'll see you soon. We can talk more about it then. But I like the way the movie got my brain cogs going.
~ Wendy
...loved the movie. didn't like the violence against both mother and daughter. i thought of Saul and David when watching it. without giving anything way to others....there were positve things thru out the movie. God's provision and Eli being mindful to Him.
ReplyDeleteyeah...and so many surprises at the end!:)
Wendy made a point that i missed entirely! i never gave that one a thought:) George and Martha...
oh....and the music!!! it was powerful at times and in others, appropiate.
and thanks for sharing your personal views as well. knew of course you would begin with His Word:)
ReplyDeleteI saw the movie also and LOVED it. Like one of the other posters, I kind of avoided it b/c I didn't want to be offended or something, but my in-laws bought it for us after they saw it, so I watched it. I'm glad I did. Thank you for sharing, Anne!
ReplyDeleteI added myself to follow your blog. You are more than welcome to visit mine and become a follower if you want to.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless You ~Ron
I haven't seen this movie so I can't comment on it. I did however see your response to me yesterday. Sorry about the late night ER visit, I'm glad everything worked out OK! And I cannot wait to see tomorrow's post! I would *never* stay away. =)
ReplyDeleteDenise ~
ReplyDeleteYou know well the power of the Word, whether you happen to see the movie or not.
Favorite Fish ~
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to know of your sensitivity to "over the top." It can come less easily to men ...
Wendy ~
ReplyDeleteI didn't notice the names of George and Martha. Thanks for that.
As for the enemy and the Word's power, I have a testimony you'll find most interesting, involving Psalm 119. Ask me when you see me.
Bud ~
ReplyDeleteThe violence against the women was accurately portrayed. The wicked consistently prey upon women and the weak when they believe themselves unaccountable—past, present, future.
Throughout the Bible, the Lord's harshest words are for those who are unfaithful to Him but claim to be His, and those who use their strength to oppress the weak.
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. (Galatians 6:7)
Ralene ~
ReplyDeleteWith four females in the house, my husband gets tired of "chick flicks." That was one more good reason for us to see it at the theatre—a place we rarely visit.
Ron ~
ReplyDeleteThanks for following. You are certainly doing some good stuff on your blog, and must be doing something right to have acquired so many followers.
I do occasionally add another blog to my clogged RSS feed. Thanks for the invite.
T ~ I knew you wouldn't stay away, of course. ; )
ReplyDelete