The Book of Eli
Warner Bros. Pictures | Release Date: January 15, 2010
7.1
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 493 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
325
Mixed:
116
Negative:
52
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8
ERG1008Nov 16, 2010
Post-apocalyptic times, man wanders along his "path", encounters raiders, cannibals & unsavouries, comes across a town, head of town wants him to find a book, man doesn't want to, head tries to persuade him unsuccessfully, carnage.
As a fanPost-apocalyptic times, man wanders along his "path", encounters raiders, cannibals & unsavouries, comes across a town, head of town wants him to find a book, man doesn't want to, head tries to persuade him unsuccessfully, carnage.
As a fan out the game Fallout 3, this film really appealed to me & also having the bonus of my two favourite actors in the lead with the gorgeous Mila Kunis along side them.
It's a pretty basic story with a man's journey to his destiny played out in a grisly, desperate world with Washington & Oldman as great as ever & the whole setting, backed up by some great music, really sucking you in from the start.
Didn't see the twist coming & maybe need to watch it again to see if it worked.… Expand
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6
LynMar 5, 2011
Not as strong as some other Denzel films such as "Man on Fire" and "Training Day," thanks to some plot holes that are inexplicable even by post-apocalyptic-film standards. Still, I liked the intensity of his performance and thought theNot as strong as some other Denzel films such as "Man on Fire" and "Training Day," thanks to some plot holes that are inexplicable even by post-apocalyptic-film standards. Still, I liked the intensity of his performance and thought the supporting acting was good as well. Appreciated the couple of laughs, the "wow" moments and the basic theme. Hard not to compare this with "The Road," a different and better movie but so much more grim.… Expand
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9
killer500226Aug 28, 2010
Although this movie is about ideally saving Christianity, the characters do a phenomenal job. You buy in right off the bat to a rag-tag Denzel Washington and accompany him on a epic, intense, and emotional journey, I highly recommend seeing it.
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10
cremeegg88Jan 4, 2011
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Why? Why are there so many negative reviews for this the film is epic, Denzel Washingtons performance is nothing short of spectacular! I mean the whole film is so immersive I can't see how anyone could dislike it. If you are a big fallout 3 fan then you will love this hands down.

The story is a rather good one with the flaw that he is apparently blind but the "faith" guides him, it doesn't exactly say that but that is what it hints at, if he is blind then it the film talks a lot of crap.

The actors and setting is very well done and gives off the feeling of an apocalypse, the "action" scenes are well done and the film adds brutality, drama, thriller and even a slight hint of comedy in a few places.

I hope you can see why I have given 10/10 because the film deserves no less, the reason it is getting bad reviews anyway is because Metacritic seems to give all its films bad reviews even the spectacular ones.… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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9
moviefreak12Dec 18, 2010
A great movie, i really didnt know what to exspect going to see it maybe thats why it was so good. acting was grea. the actors explained the plot well and the fight scenes pretty good to. most of the movie kepps you on the edge you reallyA great movie, i really didnt know what to exspect going to see it maybe thats why it was so good. acting was grea. the actors explained the plot well and the fight scenes pretty good to. most of the movie kepps you on the edge you really dont know what will happen next. In the end this movie is worth your time and you wont waste your money.… Expand
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9
EngageJan 3, 2011
To all the people giving this movie a negative review, stop it. I bet all of you were hopped up on Mountain Dew and Redbull ready to see violence before you got to the theater. Also to all of the people that say that there wasn't enoughTo all the people giving this movie a negative review, stop it. I bet all of you were hopped up on Mountain Dew and Redbull ready to see violence before you got to the theater. Also to all of the people that say that there wasn't enough violence in the movie probably didn't stop to think that the movie wasn't really an action movie, it was about Eli's journey and what he went through on that journey, not about all the people he killed. The movie was great and doesnt deserve to be rated poorly just because it wasn't what you thought it was going to be when you went to see it. Sure the movie was predictable but if we rated movies on predictability then over 90% of movies would fail. All that being said the movie is worth every penny and deserves to be seen. The overall plot is fresh and something that will intrigue you and keep you watching. Just dont go into it thinking Denzel Washington is a cold blooded assassin on a violent warpath for revenge. And one more thing, just because the movie plot centers around the bible, doesnt mean that the writers were trying to convert the entire audience to Christianity. It appears that the only reason people say that is because they themselves are unsure of their own religious beliefs.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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6
JonnyFendiJan 13, 2011
The Last Bible on earth! Thiz topic expected to be controversial. But rather than that, people do not take it too seriously. In post-apocalyptic future, Eli (Denzel Washington) protected a book by walking to the west, somewhere he believedThe Last Bible on earth! Thiz topic expected to be controversial. But rather than that, people do not take it too seriously. In post-apocalyptic future, Eli (Denzel Washington) protected a book by walking to the west, somewhere he believed the book will preserve forever. The book that held up destiny for all human remained. Actually the story was smoothly told by Allen and Albert Hughes who directed FROM HELL (2001). The story starts slowly in the beginning. And later successfully make us stay on our sit by holding up the curiosity about what happens next. The book which is the core of thiz movie, in my opinion did not suppose to reveal too obviously pointed to The Holy Bible. I think we already know by itself with all the conversations and dialogues all over the movie. If the book does not mention about what book is that, it will creates a great mysterious elements. The twist-ending sparks a little by revealing why the book could not read by anybody except eli. Washington performed another side of his characters. Thiz modern Sidney Poitier always amazed us. Gary Oldman once again did what his best to do by playing a convincing fierce-villain. Mila Kunis performance could replace by anyone. The movie reminds me of other gloomy post-apocalyptic flicks like MAD MAX trilogy (1979-1985) or WATERWORLD (1995). But the settings were too simple. There were no big scenes we could remember, even looked like classic-cowboy movies. There were only some refreshing scenes involved an elderly couple who one of them played by Michael Dumbledore Gambon. There were so many post-apocalyptic movies had been made. Thiz time is about the last shampoo remained on earth. It is not an expected movie but just ring my bell a little bit.

Visit My Blog on JONNY'S MOVEE : http://jonnyfendi.blogspot.com… Expand
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8
MTMJul 6, 2011
Movie was great.... there was great action with great acting.. the movie really lets you feel the horrors of society today and what it could be in the future. You will like this if you love a good story, love action, and don't mindMovie was great.... there was great action with great acting.. the movie really lets you feel the horrors of society today and what it could be in the future. You will like this if you love a good story, love action, and don't mind religion... considering the whole story is based on the Bible.… Expand
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8
Mr7GoatMar 25, 2011
A good movie to watch on the satellite on a weekend day. Has good acting, good characters and even a good story. It even showed lots about how the environment would be like in a post apocalyptic time. I liked the movie.
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10
SilentNightApr 26, 2011
This movie is a Christian movie... I watched the trailers and everything and I thought it wouldn't be like that. This movie is great it combines a good message along with action, miniguns, and cannibals. If you are another religion then youThis movie is a Christian movie... I watched the trailers and everything and I thought it wouldn't be like that. This movie is great it combines a good message along with action, miniguns, and cannibals. If you are another religion then you might get mad at it because in a way it is false advertisement, however if you are Christian you will love this movie.… Expand
0 of 3 users found this helpful03
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6
davenbettridgeOct 9, 2011
We have seen many Post Apocalyptic movies and video games now and this movie doesnt do much new that hasnt been done before. If the characters were compelling the movie could still work but its all just standard, the overall quest of theWe have seen many Post Apocalyptic movies and video games now and this movie doesnt do much new that hasnt been done before. If the characters were compelling the movie could still work but its all just standard, the overall quest of the movie was nothing to get excited about. Many of the out comes of its scenes were predictable as soon as they started and the overall 'twist' of the movie was a let down. The movie is watchable of course, and its not too bad but not too good or original either.… Expand
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8
TowhookJul 17, 2011
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Amazing movie, with good action and history. The ironic end is the better part of the hole film, it's difficult see an good movie like this today. Denzel makes for a incredible performance as usual.… Expand
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9
CRLAug 4, 2011
Post-apocalyptic is overused, but that's really the only fault I found with this movie. The acting was superb and the world was amazingly detailed to the point of perfection. Washington and Kunis show some real chemistry, and Gary Oldman isPost-apocalyptic is overused, but that's really the only fault I found with this movie. The acting was superb and the world was amazingly detailed to the point of perfection. Washington and Kunis show some real chemistry, and Gary Oldman is perfect for his role. The story was purely enjoyable, though maybe not as impactful as its director meant it to be, and the irony at the end give it an almost perfect touch.… Expand
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9
SkulltheworldAug 5, 2011
This Was A Great Film. The Only Reason I Gave It A 9 Is Because Some Of The Scenes Were A Little Disturbing. Good Storyline. Seems Just Like Fallout 3. But No Mutants. Or Other Assorted Enemies. So Thats Another Reason I Didn't Give It A 10.This Was A Great Film. The Only Reason I Gave It A 9 Is Because Some Of The Scenes Were A Little Disturbing. Good Storyline. Seems Just Like Fallout 3. But No Mutants. Or Other Assorted Enemies. So Thats Another Reason I Didn't Give It A 10. It Lacked Exciting Enemies Because Carnegie Wasnt That Exciting Of An Enemy And When I Watched His Story In The Blu-Ray Speicial Features It Turns Out He Burned His Own House Down Just Because His Dad Caught Him Reading An Inappropriate Magazine. Nice. Still, I Would Have Prefered Some Sort Of Creature In It Other Then Gory Raiders, torturers And Slackers. But Overall, great Movie.… Expand
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3
CooterPatooterMar 7, 2012
Christian propagandizing piffle pretending to be an action-adventure movie. Apparently, after most people die and the rest are left to suffer in a living nightmare, we're supposed to feel good that a man (the messiah?) comes along andChristian propagandizing piffle pretending to be an action-adventure movie. Apparently, after most people die and the rest are left to suffer in a living nightmare, we're supposed to feel good that a man (the messiah?) comes along and recites the bible. Exactly what has been solved or even improved in the slightest way? The Road does it a million times better and without the sermonizing.… Expand
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3
PalenoireDec 17, 2012
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This movie is a scam. OK - the book is a Bible. That's it, I just saved you time and money. Not only that but Eli is blind and the Bible is written in braille. Oh, maybe everyone in post-apocalyptic world can read braille nice and easy. These people are screwed.… Expand
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9
oblique15Sep 14, 2013
I love this movie, and the Main character.The Shades he wears fit him, cause hes mysterious, and makes everybody wonder what hes about, and capable of. It`s a dark world and to get by you better be prepared to defend you`re self. The movieI love this movie, and the Main character.The Shades he wears fit him, cause hes mysterious, and makes everybody wonder what hes about, and capable of. It`s a dark world and to get by you better be prepared to defend you`re self. The movie gets deep with the Main Character Faith.… Expand
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2
ThegodfathersonFeb 18, 2013
You can watch The Book Of Eli, if you like Post- acpolyspe films you will certainly hate this film. The Book Of Eli is brutal and long. 2/10 for Denzel Washington and Mila Kunis, otherwise 0
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0
Exit_the_limboOct 22, 2019
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. An impossibly supernatural blind bad ass with the last bible in a post apocalyptic setting. His ninja like powers come from faith. Nuf' said… Expand
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5
GemeRJan 18, 2010
The 5 is entirely by the virtue of the post-apocalypse setting, and the few well done scenes dealing with survival. Unfortunately, the religious elements make no sense, and continue to make less and sense as the movie progresses. Movie was The 5 is entirely by the virtue of the post-apocalypse setting, and the few well done scenes dealing with survival. Unfortunately, the religious elements make no sense, and continue to make less and sense as the movie progresses. Movie was in no way clever or subtle, and didn't leave any room for interpretation whatsoever. If you don't subscribe to the King Jame's Version of the bible, the movie won't impressed.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
IvanD.Jan 20, 2010
I'm extremely agnostic, but I really don't care how much religion the movie had. I have as much believe in Christianity, as I do the Lord of the Rings. Alls I can tell you is that the action was tight, and the acting was I'm extremely agnostic, but I really don't care how much religion the movie had. I have as much believe in Christianity, as I do the Lord of the Rings. Alls I can tell you is that the action was tight, and the acting was expectable. The plot twist at the end only made me wonder how blind he was (there are varying levels).… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
ClareL.Apr 7, 2010
Movie was interesting with twist at the end. I found it dark and dreary. The ending surprised me in that the writers and producers didn't tell that the Torah is the five books of Moses. The real Mesiah will not be killing as a solution Movie was interesting with twist at the end. I found it dark and dreary. The ending surprised me in that the writers and producers didn't tell that the Torah is the five books of Moses. The real Mesiah will not be killing as a solution but will induce love and caring in all others. If they want to make a moral pont this is not the way.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
NeilBJan 16, 2010
It looked good, but the story was so friggin predictable I can't take it. I found myself talking in the middle of the movie and looking at my watch which usually means I am bored.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
JoeMJan 17, 2010
Very cool movie with a great twist and message. I highly recommend this film.
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6
AllenW.Jan 23, 2010
It was a decent movie. It was a overtly religious film without the humanity we find in The Road. It was not a bad film but not that great either. The "twist ending" was not really that much of a twist, so don't expect expect anything It was a decent movie. It was a overtly religious film without the humanity we find in The Road. It was not a bad film but not that great either. The "twist ending" was not really that much of a twist, so don't expect expect anything earth shattering. The movie is enjoyable if you are willing to forgive some plot holes.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
EvinCJan 18, 2010
The film had cool action and one scene is just awesome but the story didn't make me believe or care for the characters. I send Oldman my love, he was the best. Maybe next time Hughes Bros.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
LondonTrueloveNov 9, 2010
An awesome film. Denzel kills it as always. The story line is great and so is the cast. For anyone who hasn't seen it yet, this is a must watch. Enjoy.
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8
NicoDaFlagburnaJan 24, 2011
A stylish film with a underlying current of fetishist violence. The tone of the film has impact and mimics the nature of apocalypse well. I feel compelled to reminisce about human existence, the artistic visuals are a treat and well worth theA stylish film with a underlying current of fetishist violence. The tone of the film has impact and mimics the nature of apocalypse well. I feel compelled to reminisce about human existence, the artistic visuals are a treat and well worth the heavy-handed contrast. There is a heavy anti-human feeling which is counter balanced by the redemptive righteousness of Denzel Washington. Pretty much your Hollywoood norm but done with finesse. 8/10 81/100… Expand
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6
TyranianAug 26, 2019
Pretty cool Denzel Washington film with great music and visuals, though the story has issues.
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7
StevenFMar 19, 2013
Denzel Washington stars in perhaps not one of his best performances, but certainly memorable in this post-apocalyptic tale in perhaps a not too far away reality.
Washington is Eli, a lone walker travelling across the American wasteland forDenzel Washington stars in perhaps not one of his best performances, but certainly memorable in this post-apocalyptic tale in perhaps a not too far away reality.
Washington is Eli, a lone walker travelling across the American wasteland for the past 30 years, we only ever know that he is travelling west, through faith. The first 20 minutes of the film are quite touching and a more personal favourite, as Eli sits alone, eating a hunted cat and staring into nothing, pondering life, its quite touching to watch when actors are in their element like this.
That is pretty much where we leave the sincerity of the film, as Eli happens upon a town run by the obsessive and often ruthless Carnegie (Gary Oldman), who sees Eli much like himself in his literate ways.
Eli shows a knack for fighting and hunting, and this is made clear as he dispatches of Carnegie's men as Carnegie wants the book that Eli possesses, the last copy of the Holy Bible, Eli is on a mission, but Carnegie wishes to possess the book to 'control the weak'.
The film has been excellently rendered to show a gritty yet visually stunning and beautifully bleak future, the cinematography is excellent, especially in particular shootout at a house, where the camera travels in and out throughout the action and follows the bomb being thrown. But it can sometimes be its own worst enemy, as some scenes are perhaps just too dramatised that doesn't suit the film.
The story itself is pretty standard yet enjoyable, but also muddled. It was perhaps just touching too much on a religious note which will of course deter viewers, a film that started off promising yet turned perhaps a little to far-reaching in pursuit of a book, yet I can't really blame this as perhaps a point for this is the lengths people would go to for something they desire if presented with a post-apocalyptic challenge.
The film has plenty of action that blends well with the story and the excellent cinematography, the story may eventually grow and you to have a lasting effect, but a twist in the climax of the story may just have you picking your jaw up from the ground, and I think this was a satisfying turn of events to fit the religious nature of the film.
Denzel Washington and Gary Oldman put in stellar turns as Eli and Carnegie respectively, with Eli placing much of faith in God and being a likeable character, while Carnegie has bigger plans for himself and does an excellent turn as the villainous character.
The Book of Eli, while muddled and at some points could be accused of religious brainwashing, is still a very enjoyable and original take on a post-apocalyptic universe that surprises right to the credits rolling.… Expand
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5
Tss5078Feb 24, 2013
This movie had the right idea, but left far to many unanswered questions. I was expecting a lot more based on the previews and descriptions, but I was left with a film that was not unique. Denzel Washington was amazing as usual, but sadly,This movie had the right idea, but left far to many unanswered questions. I was expecting a lot more based on the previews and descriptions, but I was left with a film that was not unique. Denzel Washington was amazing as usual, but sadly, overall, The Book of Eli wasn't anything special. Just another tale about the world will end one day and reveal what savage beasts we truly are.… Expand
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7
SpangleApr 16, 2017
In this post-apocalyptic western, Denzel Washington stars as Eli. Traveling to the west with a book that could save the world, Eli has walked the roads that once made up America for thirty years. Near the end of his journey, he encounters aIn this post-apocalyptic western, Denzel Washington stars as Eli. Traveling to the west with a book that could save the world, Eli has walked the roads that once made up America for thirty years. Near the end of his journey, he encounters a town run by a mysterious man named Carnegie (Gary Oldman). Scouring the Earth for the very book that Eli is carrying, the two face off in a battle of religious significance as the book Eli is carrying is the last Bible on Earth. After the end of the world as we knew it, religion was blamed for the collapse of society and all Bibles were burned. Only one survived, which was found by Eli after receiving a premonition from God as to where the book was located. Now determined to bring it west where God had instructed him to deliver it to whatever may be awaiting him, Eli must defend the word of God from falling into the hands of Carnegie, who wishes to use them to control and obtain absolute power over the townspeople he lives with.

The best way to describe the film is exactly what the title suggests: it is another book of the Bible. Depicting Eli as a man of unshakable faith who puts his head down and walks the path that God set before him, he is undoubtedly a man that makes mistakes. Though he never kills without provocation, he is a man that let a woman get attacked and not help her. He is not infallible and not some angelic figure. Instead, he is a man sent on a mission by God to deliver the Bible to people who need it and for it to be spread, once again, among the masses. As with every mission in the Bible, this one puts many tests before both Eli and God. Traversing harsh terrain in the aftermath of a flash of light that rendered the world mostly destroyed, he has walked the country for thirty years and often finds himself getting lost. Yet, what never changes is his faith in God.

As with any book of the Bible, the film shows that not only must Eli prove himself a man of faith who, though he may stray, carries the word of God in his heart, mind, and soul, but God will provide. Inherent in faith and any religion is that God, or whoever that religion believes in, will provide for your every need. When you are hungry, food will be there. When you are thirsty, your thirst will be quenched. When you are in danger, you will be cloaked with an invisible shield of armor and an army of men will be at your direction. Having grown up religious, this is obviously something inherent in every prayer and every waking second. God will never put you in a situation that you cannot handle and, if you wind up in something out of your control, he will help guide you out. For many, this means preventing them from death or keeping them from any harm. However, everything happens for a reason and we see Eli struggle. He gets shot, even if God previously protected him from being able to be shot, and he loses his Bible to Carnegie. Yet, no matter what happens, he is able to overcome them and continue on his path, for the word of God and his message lives not in the pages of a book, but in your heart. When I accepted God in my life, I did not pray that he would come to life in the pages of a book. I prayed that he would reside in my soul and guide my heart and mind to make sound decisions. Eli shows this and the strength he receives from the knowledge that he has the power to save the world by simply delivering himself in lieu of the book is what he eventually realizes to be the message. When he can save Solara (Mila Kunis) from her life with Carnegie, but loses the book to Carnegie, it does not mean he has lost God. God went nowhere and neither did His words.

In its overt approach to religious themes, the film often feels akin to Clint Eastwood westerns, namely Pale Rider. Interestingly, it includes a few links to those films. Not only is Eli a drifter who comes into this small town built around a water supply, but he sees a nameless woman be attacked and does not act to save her. Later, he saves Solara from the same situation. With the latter coming off similarly to Eastwood saving a woman from rape in Pale Rider, Eli similarly punishes the man according to Matthew 5:30, which reads, "And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to depart into hell". Though he does not cut off this man's hand - though he does cut off another man's hand earlier in the film for similarly sinning by using his hands to kill others - he does shoot an arrow through his groin. A man arising to save the world from absolute darkness, Eli's mission is one that will test, but unlike Eastwood in films such as High Plains Drifter or Pale Rider, Hell does not ride with Eli. Rather, it is God that rides with Eli. Having Eli read from the Book of Genesis late on in the film, the film shows that this is truly the first Book of the New New Testament.… Expand
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6
Captain_KirkAug 27, 2012
The most that I can say about 'Book of Eli' is that Denzel Washington gives a solid performance and the apocalyptic setting is very convincing. Everything else is meh. My biggest problem with the film had to do with it's pacing. It takes wayThe most that I can say about 'Book of Eli' is that Denzel Washington gives a solid performance and the apocalyptic setting is very convincing. Everything else is meh. My biggest problem with the film had to do with it's pacing. It takes way too long to establish the main conflict of the film, which basically centers on Denzel being hunted by Gary Oldman because he carries the last known Bible in existence. It takes nearly an hour just to get to the conflict and the film runs just under 2 hours. If the pacing was sped up a little bit, my feelings toward the film could have been a bit stronger than they already are. Not bad by any means, but the slowness of everything keeps it from being great.… Expand
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8
Compi24Nov 28, 2012
Visually/audibly impressive and featuring a stoic, yet engraining performance from the always-impressive Academy Award Winner Denzel Washington.
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6
worleyjamersDec 8, 2012
I originally had no intention of seeing this movie, but I had a free rental so I gave it a shot. It is a really good movie. The action is great. It is a really enjoyable film. It even throws a little religion into the mix.
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8
RedShadowHatDec 30, 2012
Great movie but terrible dialogue. The religious views of Christianity and the bible are both realistic and non-realistic. Denzel did great, he would have been fantastic if they decided to hire a better writer and maybe a better directer.
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4
MeritCobaApr 30, 2017
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Is it sad to know that even after then end of civilization people still get massacred for and over the good book again and again until the end of days? I can hardly say it would be irony, so let's stick to sad, shall we?

Denzel Washington traverses a dystopian US , that has seen the sun come down from heaven roughly thirty years ago, in a mission to go west. He isn't a young boy, but that does not matter here. Like in Yojimbo Washington wanders into some godforsaken hell hole terrorized by a bunch of goons. Like in Yojimbo Washington kills a group of bikers, but uses a machete instead of a katana. God has never had much trouble with killing people and Washington hasn't either. The killing impresses boss dude Gary Oldman and he wants to recruit him.
But Washington doesn't want to play nice with the boss and runs off to the west, picking up the unwanted companion Mila Kunis. There are some confrontations, some moments of insights between Washington and Kunis(PG rated) and the movie ends with Washington's mission accomplished and him dead, for that is how god likes his followers. A lot more people die however, but who cares, they are unbelievers anyway and we can rest assured that more god blessed bloodshed will be in store in the future. The movie has impressed me with the shots. Some of them were really nice. Washington, Oldman and even Kunis were okay. But otherwise the movie made not much sense. For instance, how come after thirty years nobody has bothered to clear away the debris, and fix and clean the houses? Every inhabitable house is a dilapidated ruin. What about the guy Washington finds at the start of the movie who has hanged himself or might have been hanged and is found in a cupboard that with closed doors. Did he close it just prior to hanging himself? How about Washington locking up Kunis, but the movie does not bother to show us how she escaped? How about Washington standing in the middle of a street being shot at from all directions but not being hit once? How about Washington taking thirty years to travel from the east coast to the west coast? The list goes on and on.
A rambling plot, but, I give the movie that, it has a nice twist. And the shots were nice.… Expand
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8
SimpleMethodJul 8, 2013
I'm not sure why this got such mixed critical reception, I loved it. The reveal at the ending was quite unique, and the cinematography and set design were impeccable, along with a solid performance from Denzel. What's not to like?
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9
LovejoyMay 16, 2013
''this was a great movie i love movies about apocolypses denzel gives a powerful performance as eli mila kunis was sexy and the cast was good its a must see u will like it
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9
FordFanatic19Jan 25, 2014
The end of "The Book of Eli" surprised the hell out of me. Twist endings, like this one, is cool, because it makes the movie that much more interesting and not just a waste of time. Although I do believe this film overuses the ChristianityThe end of "The Book of Eli" surprised the hell out of me. Twist endings, like this one, is cool, because it makes the movie that much more interesting and not just a waste of time. Although I do believe this film overuses the Christianity theme, but it is a fun, action packed movie to watch. Denzel did an excellent job and i recommend everyone see this film at least once.… Expand
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6
dagirlsJun 3, 2014
Good pacing and good acting from the man himself Denzel Washington and a good supporting cast including Gary Oldman couldn't turn what was essentially a clever rip off of science fiction classic Farenheit 451 into a stand alone work with itsGood pacing and good acting from the man himself Denzel Washington and a good supporting cast including Gary Oldman couldn't turn what was essentially a clever rip off of science fiction classic Farenheit 451 into a stand alone work with its own merits. SciFi has become the realm of the 'calculated steal' in recent years which is a bad thing for SF fans. In 451 people have memorized books that have been destroyed-keepig them for humanity to presumably remake later-its the same thing in this film-but only regarding one book. You can probably imagine which one without seeing it which in a way makes it kind of a soft sell of religion. Eli is Saturday matinee stuff-nothing more.… Expand
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5
ScienceAdvisorMay 19, 2021
There are many aspects of this movie that are good, however they are mired in so many scenes that destroy immersion that it cannot be called good. A 17 shot magazine for a handgun, the fact that the main character cannot possibly do what heThere are many aspects of this movie that are good, however they are mired in so many scenes that destroy immersion that it cannot be called good. A 17 shot magazine for a handgun, the fact that the main character cannot possibly do what he does without magic (handgun hitting targets at rifle range), or the implausibility of the protagonist's main goal. Still worth a watch, but not worth pretending this is greater than it really is.… Expand
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8
ydnar4May 24, 2015
The Book of Eli is an excellent and creative film. Rather than have another post apocalyptic film filled with Zombies the Hughes brothers constructed a film with some great content. The cast in this film is great. Its hard to doubt DenzelThe Book of Eli is an excellent and creative film. Rather than have another post apocalyptic film filled with Zombies the Hughes brothers constructed a film with some great content. The cast in this film is great. Its hard to doubt Denzel Washington in any role he's and I think he was most appropriate choice for the role of Eli and Gary Oldman who is one of the most versatile actors of this time was great as the villain. I liked the way the film looked and Eli may have seemed unkillable at points in this film but that's because he was driven with a higher purpose and he was determined to achieve his dream.… Expand
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2
KamamuraSep 2, 2023
Another delusional drivel, no doubt funded by US Christian fundies, who like to tell themselves that the incoherent, spiteful, heavily edited book of fantasies called Bible is actually the greatest literary treasure humanity has produced.Another delusional drivel, no doubt funded by US Christian fundies, who like to tell themselves that the incoherent, spiteful, heavily edited book of fantasies called Bible is actually the greatest literary treasure humanity has produced. Dawkins was absolutely right in his "Delusion of God", so if you pack for the post-apocalyptic mayhem, reach for some solid science or actually a good literature instead of this - humanity has produced gods and religions hand over fist, and they all failed to make anything better.… Expand
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10
G1GN_pHDec 11, 2015
This is one of the best christian-fiction movies i had. If you are into action movies, and into Jesus, this one is for you. The OST is very amazing and shows a powerful story.
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5
EpicLadySpongeJan 3, 2016
What the Book of Eli is lacking is the interest. Where exactly is it throughout the entire movie? Oh, expect only a few good scenes and that's just it.
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5
berylekmotylekDec 14, 2021
bardzo nieprzekonywająca wizja postapokaliptycznego świata. jeśli po wojnie nuklearnej na świecie będzie tak wiało nudą no to nie będę szukał schronu
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4
TrailesqueJun 28, 2017
Mad Max meets the Road in this violent, post-apocaypse dystopian thriller. Denzel Washington plays Eli, a circumspect wanderer who can effotlessly kill or main anyone who messes with him. Mila Kunis is the girl and Gary Oldman the gang bossMad Max meets the Road in this violent, post-apocaypse dystopian thriller. Denzel Washington plays Eli, a circumspect wanderer who can effotlessly kill or main anyone who messes with him. Mila Kunis is the girl and Gary Oldman the gang boss who wants what Eli has. It turns out that what he has is a copy of the Bible, and is trying to get it to the promised land of San Francisco for safekeeping. A lot of the movie is pretty comic bookesque, and it is shot in dry, dreary tones. Much of it feels pretty inert and predictable.… Expand
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6
pchernikOct 28, 2019
Good acting, but man... Too religious of a theme for my liking. Some things are just too non-sensical.
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6
ErikTheCriticOct 8, 2018
Despite its unevenness, this apocalyptic book-to-film adaptation does have some stylish fun and solid performances.
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7
calvinstulipApr 13, 2019
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great saturated vistas blown out by the unrelenting sun. Denzel gives a superb performance as a kind of post-apocalyptic Man With No Name (Ray Stevens's character even whistles his favorite spaghetti western theme a couple of times). Amazing score - evocative of a new life on Earth as well as the protagonist's daunting quest. Speaking of protagonists, Gary Oldman does his best interpretation of an Al Swearengen on a new kind of frontier. Solid writing, for the most part.

My only complaints: 1) Mila Kunis does not infuse her character with the proper amount of gravitas so her "taking up the sword" at the end is all the more absurd. She comes off as some kind of Melrose Place reject anachronistically planted in post-apocalyptic America. Everyone around her wears the apocalypse on their skin or it comes out in their words. Not her. Her instincts for this role were not playing well with the world's rules.

2) He was blind the whole time? I'm all for surprise twists that make for a more informed second viewing, but it almost felt as if those very important seeds were not planted throughout the film. Thus, we feel cheated - as if the filmmakers are trying to pull a fast one on us. If he was blind the whole time, why were his eyes constantly tracking things in the world around him? He should've kept those sunglasses on until the very end reveal.

Had they gotten a better actor than Mila Kunis and fixed the very glaring Third Act problem of the blindness reveal, this film would've gotten a 9 or a 10. As it is, it is flawed but I give the writer, Denzel who co-produced, and the directors a huge hand for even attempting a film like this.… Expand
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5
OibafAug 17, 2021
I could give a "4" or a "5" but I'm uncertain...Good Washington as usual and Oldman too. A waste of McDowell, Gambon, de la Tour, Beals... Kunis is getting better and better. Excellent cinematography. But a sense of "dejà vu" all the time,I could give a "4" or a "5" but I'm uncertain...Good Washington as usual and Oldman too. A waste of McDowell, Gambon, de la Tour, Beals... Kunis is getting better and better. Excellent cinematography. But a sense of "dejà vu" all the time, and a lack of sense of humour !… Expand
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7
Lord_VoltaFeb 7, 2022
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The movie is good, but:
The book is literally the most printed book in history. It's not rare.
The book was organized by the council of Trent to control people.
The book does not make you a better person.… Expand
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8
DawdlingPoetNov 22, 2021
This movie starts out with the viewer being left, as it were, in the dark - indeed the movie is very much a dark, gloomy movie and you wonder what the back story is - I was expecting there to be an introductory paragraph, a preface if youThis movie starts out with the viewer being left, as it were, in the dark - indeed the movie is very much a dark, gloomy movie and you wonder what the back story is - I was expecting there to be an introductory paragraph, a preface if you will, sort of like the famous one that started Star Wars but there's none, which leaves you to watch the main character, Eli, as he walks about this strange, alien like terrain - everything is in brown, different shades of dark brown. The characters and the terrain somehow reminded me of a comic book in a sense in that it didn't appear very human in a way but then thats obviously part of the aim or even appeal of the movie, its a post-apocolyptic movie, like the Mad Max movies I think (I haven't seen those but I've heard about them).

In some ways this is a very typical action, gun toting movie, there are the quite violent gunfight scenes, infact you could say it resembles a Western in a way, with Eli being the stranger that suddenly appears in a new town, raising eyebrows in the local bar (or should I say saloon) and so on. There's also the token attractive young woman who, when Eli has proven he can defend himself and sets off on his own, insists on comin with him (much to his disdain) and the old tough-as-leather and determined to stop at nothing power-hungry villain, who, it has to be said, looks the part, so yes this is a rather typical example of such a movie in such ways. The difference, to me, in this movie was the story behind the story so to speak, which, of course, slowly unravels as the movie progresses - one or two aspects I had figured out before they were confirmed on screen but not the final twist which left me with quite a wry smile on my face. I did feel that this movie was redeemed by the overall message, which is quite powerful, although again some might feel that im being naive in saying that - no doubt there are plenty of such apocolyptic movies with probably similar stories but somehow after the first hour or so of this really quite depressing and gloomy movie, realising the message behind the movie about hope and faith, I felt was quite moving somehow (call me a sap). I wouldn't say that this movie works entirely, indeed I've no doubt some people would groan at the thought of Denzel Washington playing some holy figure, he must have some ego trip to believe he'd be who his character is depicted as presumably...this makes me think back to other movies he's done, such as Fallen, which also had quite a strong religious story - I also enjoyed that movie, infact I suppose I should 'confess' (as it were) that I seem to have some sort of fascination with movies that deal with faith, hope, sometimes the supernatural, things like that. I'd be wrong to say that this movie isn't mainly superficial though I suppose, given that yes there's a 'deeper' story behind it but alot of what we actually witness in the movie is violence, dark, depressing desert wilderness/landscape shots and gunfights - hardly uplifting material but the way the movie concludes in the second to last scene I think it is, eh I think it made it worthwhile.

This isn't the type of movie that would necessarily appeal to me normally as, as much as I do like a decent action movie, all-out action movies or 'mens flicks' or whatever you want to call them, I don't tend to watch after seeing one or two movies like SWAT that bored me silly and made me eye roll quite alot lol but I was interested in seeing this after, I seem to remember, catching the trailer at the cinema last year - the atmosphere and concept was one I haven't seen too often and I was curious about it, so after also seeing a pretty positive review about it on here, I decided to give it a go (pardon the long sentence here *stops for air*). Having finished watching it, I don't regret it, I quite liked the ending and felt it had been a fairly engrossing watch overall, although I don't feel its one I'd want to watch again, knowing the story.… Expand
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4
Sosmooth1982Dec 11, 2022
I like the movie. There was a lot of action. Just the ending still throws me for a loop. I watched this movie like 3 times now. When I watch it it's hard for me to grasp that he had that disability. It's a hard sell. There's just no way he had that.
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7
Damowolf00Sep 1, 2020
Enjoyable film and Denzels character is well played. The only gripe I had was at the end when the 110lbs young female character lead walks back into the wilderness on her own like shes rambo. Shes had no proper training, shes 110lbs wetEnjoyable film and Denzels character is well played. The only gripe I had was at the end when the 110lbs young female character lead walks back into the wilderness on her own like shes rambo. Shes had no proper training, shes 110lbs wet through and would last about 1 day before she was ravished, abused, murdered and robbed.… Expand
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5
geewahJan 15, 2021
Not sure what was trying to be achieved here, but it does comes as a muddled mess with some confusing and at times quite stupid biblical untertones.
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8
ChunkDumpDec 25, 2020
Denzel! what an awesome performance and a great twist at the end. Gary Oldman and Mila Kunis just made the icing on this apocalyptic cake. the blind badass wont stop until he reaches his destination.
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