What The Book of Eli Tells Us About Religion

[@KatoBeyond]

Hey folks, sorry for the weird editing on this one. I was up until 5 am going through drafts and drafts of edits trying to skate by copyright claims. But unfortunately, it seemed like this was the only feasible option. Hopefully it's not too horrible, and I assure you it won't become a norm for videos moving forward. -Hoodie

[@umuofiakwenu3818]

What was actually pretty interesting to me was the sort of contrast Eli had with events in the Bible itself. In 'The Good Samaritan' parable, a man travels down a road and gets mugged. A priest and a Levite (esteemed people of religion and society) find and pass him. In the context of that parable, those two had to be ritualistically clean (by tradition and law) and avoid contact with blood, grime, and death; the laws they obeyed forced them to be passive. Eli, too, passes by the mugging on the road and recites the Bible (and the passages and laws that he follows) as his reason for not stepping out of his way to help the family. And yet, throughout the movie, he becomes more and more involved with the town and its members until he decides to bring along Solara westward, while also breaking down Carnegie's order. He detracts from what traditionally stifled him to bring salvation to others (however little the amount) and keep his faith alive, much like how Jesus spoke against older Jewish tradition to bring salvation to others and keep the core of Judaism alive (at least, the good parts of it). It's not the most conventional character growth into a Christ figure, but the parallels between the survival of Christianity and its birth are present in Eli.

[@hendriebrits877]

It has been yeara since i watched this. And man it was good. But upon seeing this, i wondered about a different angle. A strong theme in the bible is that God will provide what you need and all the rest you dont need. And i dont know if anyome else considered this, but what if God gave Eli the poeer to see when he needed it. But took it away once again aftee Eli doesnt need it anymore. And i know you can argue that you alway need to see. But being blind is also nurturing Eli's faith as a strong theme in the Bible is also believing without seeing. This was some thoughts i thought while watching. I think it is worth investigating and ill definitely watch the movie again just to see a new perspektive. If you think im onto something. Please make a follow up video. Its really great

[@jdbtracker]

Wonderful insight. The Book of Eli is a deep work of Truth. Of how people truly are and the hard choices we must choose to live a free life. Eli lived a True Life regardless of the consequences, regardless of the purpose... He believed in what kept him going.

[@todengel6692]

Hey kato. Thank you for your insight of one of my all time favorite movies along side 'Dead Poet Society' 'The Usual Suspects' and 'A Beautiful Mind'. As someone who was completely abandoned by the congregation that raised him I loved this movie for the fact that it showed religeon and christianity in a naked light. That it isn't all sunshine and lolipops and faith can go either way. You also gave me a new insight on the character Redridge that quite franctly made me cry. That he wasn't the bad guy that he seemed to be on the surface and could have truly had Solara's best interest at heart.. so again thank you. I am also a big fan of Avatar: The Last Airbender so you're content seems to cover my favorites c:

[@clownshoesmma6249]

I think you did a fine job, Kato.

[@khodexus4963]

My first clue that Carnegie was the villain was the fact that he's played by Gary Oldman.

[@XxXVideoVeiwerXxX]

Looking back, I realize that he did mainly play villains, huh.

[@khodexus4963]

@@XxXVideoVeiwerXxX Up until Sirius Black, he played EXCLUSIVELY villains. He's one of my favorite actors, so I picked up on this early.

[@zacfrancis1849]

Khodexus was Sirius before commissioner Gordon?

[@khodexus4963]

@@zacfrancis1849 I believe so, but not by alot.

[@khodexus4963]

@@zacfrancis1849 Yeah, Prisoner of Azkaban came out in June 2004, almost exactly a year before Batman Begins the following June.

[@daoyang223]

I watched it a second time and noticed that he was subtle in the way that he is blind. If you watch this film, he has a neutral gaze. Even when he fights. Notice he doesn't look at the biker raider at all when he judo throws him into the counter. Then he whispers to him without looking at him and tries to go on his way. The details are all there, we just missed it.

[@daoyang223]

@Matthew Madruga That is also true. I didn't catch that part neither. To be fair I was still in High school when I watched this and don't have the kind of attention span I do now. I rewatched it recently and noticed a lot of details there telling you that he's blind without Denzel Washington literally looking at the camera and telling you that he's blind,

[@fightapathyordont8931]

In the street shootout, for the most part, he doesn't shoot at anyone unless they shoot at him first or if their footsteps are loud enough for him to hear.

[@jestergodfield690]

Yup....most of us failed to see that :3

[@TrizerFlame]

We were too blind to see it.

[@ti-lo5hy]

@@fightapathyordont8931 ha! Nice username!

[@christian11111]

As a Christian myself I very much enjoy The Book of Eli and its overall message. You are completely right about the movie not being pro organized religion. However I wouldn't say the main message of the film is purely faith, I believe it to be a take on the true command of the Bible. The Bible describes many commandments, many things to do and not to do. However all commandments can be summed up to two, love God and love others. Ultimately it can be reduced to one, simply love God, everything else will follow. Eli attempted to love God, but ultimately failed this command as he was missing the second great commandment, love others. Eli specifically says it in the movie, he was so consumed by his mission, his supposedly prophetic mission, that he forgot what the Bible/God was teaching him. Do more for others than you would do for yourself. He is tested throughout the movie to love others, however he does not. It is not until his last moments he realizes the error of his ways. The movie is more about not allowing religion (Gary Olemen), faith (Denzel Washington), or duty (Denzel and Redridge), to consume you to the point where you forsake others for your own goals. Even if the goals are ultimately good and noble, if you forsake others, if you do not love others, if you do not put others above yourself, than you are no better than the evil around you. Eli gives up the Bible in an effort to ensure Mila's safety, the first moment he is willing to forsake himself, his mission, to love others. He was finally tested and pushed to the limit to learn this vital lesson. He is then given insight that he himself can be the Bible God wanted him to deliver, he just was not living out what he had learned. Great movie, not a movie on why Christianity is correct, but a good movie demonstrating the simple fact we all need to love one another and do more for others than we do for ourselves.

[@blaze1234123]

Thank you so much for this insightful comment and take on the film. So well spoken and without being obtrusive. God bless you.

[@Bless-the-Name]

Great comment. Just needs paragraphs to make it easier to read. Bless 💖

[@christian11111]

@@Bless-the-Name ​ @Ian Schutt Thanks to both of you, very kind words. I went ahead and did some editing to make things a little clearer and broke it into paragraphs as you suggested. Thanks again for your comments and thoughts.

[@alphieshikwambana]

This is such an accurate analysis of the movie. Thank you very much

[@dkjoko]

if Eli gave the Bible to Carnegie in the first place, and walk along to Alcatraz, since he remember all what's written in the Bibble anyway.. the movie will ended only in 15 minutes :D

[@myathepompom7062]

I love how Eli enters the bar and everyone just stares and knows his presence. It’s sort of like when you have God inside you, you’re different. People recognise a light, you’re more charismatic than others, people see something different....Eli was different.

[@carcosa_tyrant9444]

lmao ok

[@drakehashimoto685]

Yea fr, good point. I noticed that too.

[@franzcruz8541]

A comment section where atheists and Christians co-exist and doesn't fight? Truly a great movie and Video. Well done.

[@aeternavictrix7861]

John Lime lol you’re the problem too, “shove down people’s throats” you don’t have to watch it but you come here to get mad, pretty pathetic. Also why are you acting like there aren’t any atheist who say the same exact thing? There’s bad people on all sides

[@ChezzyKnytt]

This comment is basically a lure for the exact type of people who will reply to prove it wrong lmao. Case in point, the other two replies here :P

[@aeternavictrix7861]

Chris Cullen. saying there’s extremist on both sides and a movie you see by choice isn’t something being shoved down your throat. How did I prove it? Explain

[@ChezzyKnytt]

@@aeternavictrix7861 The point was Christians and atheists aren't fighting in the comment section, and the first two replies is a fight. I just thought it was incredibly comedic :)

[@aeternavictrix7861]

Chris Cullen where’s the fight tho? Am I lying? There isn’t extremist on both sides? Watching a movie I choose is by force? Okay 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@roaringlaughter3812]

the film says 2 things 1 Many people will abuse the power of religion to gain power of their own. 2 Religion's real purpose is to guide people to a better place, not power.

[@Cutie_Oni]

To add the third thing, religion brings people together, basically the backbone of culture and society

[@wharris7594]

satan is the god of this world. The bible and what Jesus said about sin is true.

[@gocpng4699]

Well Put

[@qdllc]

I also like how the movie asserts that religion was BLAMED for the war or disaster the produced the fall of society...not that it actually CAUSED these things. Often religion is a scapegoat for the failings of men...especially when those men twist religious doctrine to justify their evil.

[@DavidGutierrez-nt7ov]

I also enjoyed this movie. Ely was was on a clear mission and walk. To deliver the word of God. Good prevails!

[@ChiefManny1]

"Walk by Faith and not by sight" 2nd Corinthians 5:7

[@Egooist.]

_"Glaube heißt Nicht-wissen-wollen, was wahr ist."_ [Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche] (Faith means not wanting to know what's true.)

[@Unhollymann]

Hear no bullshit believe no shit, reality 101

[@goodial]

"I didn't think you'd ever give up the book, I thought it was too important to you " - "It was, I was carrying and reading it everyday, got so caught up in protecting it, I forgot to live by what I'd learnt from it" - "And what's that?" - "To do more for others than you do for yourself" That was the most important outtake for me as a christian and I think that many more at least Christians should take this closer to heart ...

[@Zaprozhan]

Keep that one. Most of the rest of that book can be ignored.

[@samuraitadpole5459]

Zaprozhan if you mean Old Testament, it’s a history lesson, New Testament is Jesus’ and his apostles’ teachings and adventure

[@KonsaiAsTai]

@@OnettBoyXD Christian love right here, everybody.

[@UnknownShadow360]

@@OnettBoyXD wow you are Christian?

[@UnknownShadow360]

@@KonsaiAsTai exactly.

[@landrysaathoff2418]

As much as I LOVE dissecting movies, I can’t help but think that the message of this movie is pretty straightforward; The power that comes belief can be used to inspire, or can be used to control - and it shows the implications of both.

[@MrMissionkid]

I like this. It feels more accurate.

[@haidengeary8277]

Way to point out the obvious. It has ALWAYS been about control. "Hey, do this and not that, or you'll suffer an eternity in hell." That is, quite literally, control. You cannot even begin to argue this.

[@davidcokeley2918]

@@haidengeary8277 every ones going to hell Jesus gives you a way not to have go!

[@ivanemilov522]

@@haidengeary8277 so preventing rape,theft, assault and murder is about control?

[@ivanemilov522]

@L1qu1d S1lenc3r by this logic our entire moral system is about control and shouldn't exist ?

[@ThriftShopHustler]

This is one of the most underrated movies of all time.

[@TyhranG15]

You can lose sight but never lose the vision

[@trollof229antthevariable9]

💯

[@diegobarron1690]

Spoiler, scarlett witch did

[@bahybanmaaza7405]

yeah😎😎😎

[@kisuryouri334]

Headass 😂😂

[@ae86sthetic14]

BillGodofseduction 09 godamn it that’s good

[@perfectpitchtodd]

I saw in this movie an example of how God overcomes the plans of evil men. Eli was blind, he had to read in brail, this made the book impossible for the evil men to read it. In the end, Eli had it memorized.

[@verdanthyborian2322]

God wanted Eli to spread his word to the point that Eli abandoned people in need and murdered dozens of not hundreds of people to do it. You sure God is good?

[@agonleed3841]

Idk. I think that's like saying there are no such thing as evil/bad blind men. Idk...sounds kinda ignorant and naive. Sure, THOSE people don't do much...But your comment is just...idk

[@KPITGangsta]

@@verdanthyborian2322 I think that he was a messenger that had a mission which he relents later on after rescuing and guiding Solara after she drops her ego completely and genuinely asks him to teach her. He may have killed lots of people in order to survive and complete his journey, yes. The thing is that he had to do the best he could with what he knew. God allowed them freewill to choose which is why there was no real interference on who lived and died. Eli gave many of them chances to walk away unless they clearly proved otherwise, like the roving gang murdering innocent travelers. It was a harsh unforgiving environment where violent and deadly self preservation was required. People make choices daily and have to live with the results. Good or bad it's still freely given to everyone, regardless. The power of association is also a key factor too. So yes, God is good to us all regardless of our choices and just as there are powerful evil people in life there are also powerful vengence fuled people as well. Like Genghis Khan said, "Had you not commited such powerful sins, God would not have sent someone like me to you".

[@verdanthyborian2322]

@@KPITGangsta First you said he is just dealing with life countering my argument, then you said God sent him to murder every one with the Khan analogy. Thus proving my point. So what was even the purpose of that comment? Additionally, Eli said he could locate them from far away with smell. He could choose to avoid inncounters, but he didn't, he just killed every one.

[@agonleed3841]

@@verdanthyborian2322 While you make sense...your comment can still be turned on you. Locating doesnt mean you CAN avoid them. And you're basically defending a people who possibly just needed to be eliminated. People that have raped, robbed...RAPED ....pillaged....RAPED......rape. Anyhow..his path was a specific thing possibly...if you believe that. And there's also the possibility that his path is SUPPOSED to cross with those others. Giving them the chance to redeem themselves through repentance or just renounce. Because "everyone deserves at least one more chance" is somewhat a strong message in the bible. While I don't subscribe to the belief anymore...there's no need to pretend that what the belief is doesn't kinda make sense at certain levels. And that message is a universal message no matter your abundance or lack of belief. The message of you HAVING a set path and maybe it was meant that your path and another's intersected AND that, because you don't actually know the "sins" of another maybe your presence would lead them to abandon the negative and "come to the light". Yet, if they lean towards harm to you, you are allowed defense at all costs.

[@b4ne56]

I absolutely love Book of Eli. I know it wasn't made by christians but the directors Still understand the sprituality of it. Thats what makes it the best film.

[@cezarmrf]

Denzel is Christian so he may had an hand in that department.

[@b4ne56]

@@cezarmrf i ment the directors making it srry

[@cezarmrf]

@@b4ne56 i know bro what i was trying to say was that as a christian Denzel could have given them some backup.

[@b4ne56]

@@cezarmrf I agree, I reckon denzel woulv'e given more moral to the story in which the details can be picked up on too.

[@melonshoots]

[HD 4k] Oh Yeah Yeah I think Denzel was a producer in this

[@1969cmp]

Eli - is a type for Old Testament. To guard The Word at all cost. Solara becomes the carrier of the New Testament and to bring the message of the new beginning in the world of lawlessness.

[@prodigy1605]

Beautiful interpretation

[@nagameel7324]

Hollyweird Luciferians throwing in their mother goddess worship as always

[@47StormShadow]

The movie makes an old and wonderful point that a man is most religious when he isn't thinking about religion at all. When in fact he is thinking about God and his neighbour.

[@JustinY.]

Man John Wick 4 looks great!

[@mayom2023]

Man I haven’t seen you comment in a long time

[@wandrinsheep]

He lives

[@danielmf7646]

He has awoken

[@THExRISER]

The God Emperor has returned!

[@IsraelLuisGeerRivera-ff4cg]

Justin Y. Heavy lays the head that carries the crown.

[@joelpops3093]

He's blind.because we are supposed to walk by faith not by site.

[@urielandbb9725]

Joel Pops no he was blind due to watching the nuke go off and got blinded by the light

[@metatronblack]

Was he really blind by faith or too much Bad Porn acting?

[@trollof229antthevariable9]

AMEN.

[@trollof229antthevariable9]

@@metatronblack Hey dude who I mind fuck at night is none of your concern and is like .5% of my life and character. I settled down to 1 woman, nevermind the life that teems from my body with every breathe full of power I take and what it does to my virility. Sight is prankster shit. It says in the Bible not to dwell on that stuff. Because the truth is y'all's sight is incorrect because you don't have VISION. VISION is looking at the real world through angel eyes. That blue prankster shit is just for fucking or scenic beaches. It doesn't give you a clear picture of anything. That's why my adversaries are so wrong so often.

[@metatronblack]

@@trollof229antthevariable9 What the Fuck? Are you okay ? 😊

[@redmistbluemiss]

"Doesn't take a blind man to see the power of faith in a world without hope." T.I. Rossenthal

[@XxShadowGTxX]

I can't seem to find that person or quote anywhere. Source of origin, please?

[@dannyboydeluxfromthebigitybay]

Damn that is deep

[@Egooist.]

_"Glaube heißt Nicht-wissen-wollen, was wahr ist."_ [Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche] (Faith means not wanting to know what's true)

[@CentralVAProductions]

My two favorite parts are 1.) When Eli cuts off the dude's hand, and the dude says "Kiss him!!" And his gang says "What??" And then Eli says, "He's in shock. He meant kill him." As he backs into the dark tunnel. 2.) When he kills the murdering biker dude with one hit.

[@sed9385]

@Peter A. i don't know about the second one but the first one, i get. Kiss him is a parallel to Judas who sold Jesus out. His way of telling the religious leaders who Jesus was (in order to arrest him and kill him) is by kissing his cheek.

[@burnedbyadragon5424]

@Peter A. its normal in my opinion to like violence, I think of hurting people all the time for fun.

[@burnedbyadragon5424]

@Peter A. does it matter

[@burnedbyadragon5424]

@Peter A. it's only natural to think of things like that sometimes

[@stoyanb.1668]

They were cannibals. He says he could smell the ambush a mile away.

[@generalkenobi4881]

The reasoning for a blind character in most religious characters is showing we dont need sight to see. Most of biblical things are based off of faith of a God you can't see. So they show most character as blind to prove that believing is seeing

[@dustinmingus7343]

Well that seems pretty convenient. A system thats biggest and initial requirement is that you trust believe and follow devoutly something that cannot be physically or tangibly proven blindly. And then proceeds to tell stories of how physical and actual sight being used to decide what is real is a mistake. Therefore it is best to follow blindly. Talk about arguing from a point of authority. In my opinion if something can only be validated by factors the very same thing created its self, its probably not true. But that's me using common sense.

[@dustinmingus7343]

@Justin Gary lol have fun wasting your life being a gullible child still believing in Santa Claus. Also dr. Suess have validated the existence of whoville, so has to be real right?

[@MasterNabber]

@@dustinmingus7343 What does Santa have to do with this? Dead sea Scrolls by Hebrews HAVE proven God real,common sense of you do your research.I believe your just here to start meaningless arguments with people to make yourself to feel superior than others,be careful that brings your end quickly.

[@HereamI819]

@@MasterNabber Right. Please don't mock GOD... It's not good for your health.. and mostly bad for your eternal soul.

[@MasterNabber]

@@HereamI819 No I'm not mocking God I would never do such blasphemy.

[@RobOcharo]

Correction: Eli was blind before the war and after finding the bible and hearing God's voice he regained his sight until his task was completed (finding a safe place for the bible) This is why he did things a blind man would do and could read braille and also why is eyes were normal at the start of the film and clouded and the end

[@grennbalze]

I always assumed that the flash from a nuke blinded him, but you make a good point that being able to read brail means he was probably blind before that

[@JamesBlack.177]

This

[@mr.heylel666]

Sike

[@blkspade23]

He's actually blind throughout the entire movie. His feats as a blind man are ultimately miraculous, but probably have a lot to do with keen hearing. They even hint at his sense of smell being amplified. There are subtle tells throughout the movie that indicate that he is in fact blind which make even more sense with the reveal.

[@javiermedina6144]

Stacey Bright yeah, he was blind through the whole movie. In the VERY beginning when he’s rummaging through a house, he’s feeling for everything, too.

[@maxwinkelmann1492]

The Book of Eli is one of my favorite movies..:.. but I’m atheist... I just really like how the story is told

[@AlexPBenton]

Max Winkelmann Same here, I love the cinematic editing and acting, and I can appreciate the spiritualism without being fooled.

[@jgzzv1697]

I never seen the movie... it is good?

[@maxwinkelmann1492]

The Zeven fuck yes it is........ it’s one of my favorite movies

[@billyrusso9170]

@@maxwinkelmann1492 movie is butt god 👌he is great

[@mishuoren394]

It's your story,

[@ReignSupreme2014]

I wouldn't say The Book of Eli is a pro religion movie. I believe it's more a pro faith movie. Faith can be put in anything. Even the wrong things. Just look at Carnegie. P.S. Odin gave his eye up for Knowledge, not wisdom. There is a difference.

[@ReignSupreme2014]

I know he said wisdom. That's why I corrected him by saying Odin gave his eye for KNOWLEDGE not wisdom. He wanted the ability to see the answers to problems that would arise in the future.

[@xetsuay1346]

Except, you're wrong. Odin sacrificed his eye, at mimir's spring, for the WISDOM of ages.

[@st55553]

If someone told me I could gain wisdom by sacrificing my eye, I'd turn them down and thank them for allowing me to gain the wisdom to not do so.

[@franklyanogre00000]

S Marsh Some people pay their eye for such wisdom, you might say... quite the steal.

[@AndreNitroX]

Christianity is not actually religion but pure faith. I believe religion is man made, that it was created to control the will of the people by having powerful men control what the word of God was through organized religious practices. The only way to reach heaven. And to truly be saved is to believe that Lord Jesus Christ was the son of God, that he died on the cross for our sins and that he resurrected himself into our almighty Lord. By believing in him and practicing his word through our own choice are we worthy of him and his salvation for us.

[@jessesitflores4074]

It is not a movie about R”eli”gion but a movie about B”ELI”EF.

[@diegoq4564]

O”OOF”FF

[@rthj6446]

And about F”ELI”NES

[@josd8202]

Eli is to Lie like Neo is to one

[@seanfernandolopez9139]

Eli or El, is jewish for God. thats why israEL means people of God( im not sure of fhe exact meaning) and most angel names ends with El, like Gabriel, Michael, Rafael. thats why the title Book of Eli is double meaning. Book of Eli = book Eli is carrying and Book of Eli = Book of God. im not here to prove that God exists, im just saying thats what the title meant. like the movie End of the World,is double meaning, as 4 now adult high school friends journey back to their old town to drink in their favorite Pub (Bar for you, americans), but at the same time the movie is about the world being ended by aliens.

[@russianinvader2560]

@@seanfernandolopez9139 Good points. :)

[@fdajax5107]

Cool note, the books in the bible are sometimes named after their authors. Hence the book of ELI which would be added after revelations

[@hassanalkhalaf1115]

This is such a brain move

[@nagameel7324]

Unfortunately the true prophet Elijah already lived

[@NotThatPerson-km1jm]

in the DVD of this movie, on the special features, their is actually a little motion comic short that tells the origin of Carnagie

[@andrewrogers3067]

Do you have a link? I'm interested.

[@NotThatPerson-km1jm]

Andrew Rogers kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXLdaIado9ZpaMk here you go, enjoy

[@delavago5379]

NotThatPerson 5756 such a sweet heart☺️

[@aaronyandell2929]

And that little comic shows him being abused by his religious parents. He snaps and burns his parents inside of thier home, before he runs away.

[@maliusborges2017]

Thx dude, you're awesome

[@supastarvfr9534]

Carnegie's backstory is told on the DVD. He was raised by an abusive religious fanatic.

[@theflashgordon193]

make sense

[@jerkfacefuckasaurusrex328]

I remember that animation. It made me sick.

[@hassanalkhalaf1115]

@@jerkfacefuckasaurusrex328 what exactly was shown?

[@2SecondsAgo]

@@hassanalkhalaf1115 As an Atheist, I would agree that most Christians would agree that Carnegie's dad was not living as a Christian is looked at as how to supposed to live. His dad was a hardcore violence and hardcore heavy drinker who would drastically beat Carnegie every single day.

[@2SecondsAgo]

How he was supposed to, not "how to". Sorry for the mispelling.

[@ImaginationHammer]

Plot Twist... Eli = Daredevil

[@ataibsaleem7419]

Or stick since he kills.

[@AndreNitroX]

IKR but Instead of chemicals, God is giving Eli the power.

[@lorvincent]

More likely, Zatoichi, given the cinematography and eastern samurai motifs.

[@moneyiskey8025]

@

[@natturnerthetruesavior2941]

Literature won of Satan until resurrected into light

[@zeitgeist909]

Wow. At first, I was thinking this was just a college-level essay type piece in film studies. But, the analysis of Redridge, his transformation through Eli and then his ultimate death, via Eli's blade and then dying in God's light - it blew me away. Kudos.

[@Verluxxe]

Since this movie came out I’ve watched it several times. Each time I rewatch it I never fail to find hidden meaning. This movie is a true masterpiece

[@ConradTheLonelyStump]

On a similar note to the video's main topic, I believe there's a scene in the movie where Eli talks about how people believed that religion, as a whole, was more than likely what caused the apocalypse in the first place, and as such, many people burned or did away with books of worship, giving off the idea that organized religion(s) can be very dangerous when grown too large. This also puts greater emphasis on the Bible Eli carries with him throughout the movie; it's quite possibly one of the last in existence. Also, like Dao Yang said, you can find a few subtle moments throughout the movie that hint Eli's blindness before the big reveal at the end.

[@agonleed3841]

Yea..after you watched the whole thing. But that's hindsight. Doesn't count.

[@JaelThe8th]

If that was the case why at the end of the movie would he help in copying the Bible to make god knows how many new ones?

[@ConradTheLonelyStump]

For one, Eli claims that God wants him to take the Bible somewhere where it can be safe and preserved, which is what the enclave on Alcatraz Island at the end of the movie do; preserving music and literature. On the other hand, Eli, though aware of the dangers of those that would exploit their "faith" for their own means (like Carnegie), still believed that God/Christianity (or religion in general, if you want to look at it that way) can still be used as a force for good in the right way, to give the little people something to believe in.

[@agonleed3841]

@@ConradTheLonelyStump true

[@claytonniemann4361]

the danger shown in the movie of having only one book is it can be twisted as Carnegie wants to do. producing hundreds increases the chances for fact checking. He was doing as he felt god directed, also he didn't seem to feel the book itself caused the apocalypse, just that "many" did.

[@Merauder777]

Honestly my take on this movie was, both upon first watching and subsequent watches, Carnagae seemed to be an atheist or agnostic pre apocalypse that recognized the strength behind the book, and recognizes that in a world where that books contents are long forgotten he can say x or y and hold the bible up and people will believe it is word from the book, and thus he can exploit that power to gain control over society as so many have in the past. The idea of actually knowing the word versus taking anothers word for what is in the book is further reinforced when Eli is able to recite the book word for word in the end. I also loved this movie, and found your points to be an interesting take on it. Perhaps i am wrong. Good vid. :)

[@joshuafogg6600]

I concur.

[@VTdarkangel]

That was my take on it. You see 2 people who are affected by faith for very different reasons. You see the corruption of power in Carnagie. He was a man who wanted the Bible because he wanted power, not because he wanted or had any real authentic faith in God. He was a man who likely knew the power religion can wield, but not very interested in the theology himself. In the end, he was destroyed by his lust for power. On the other hand, you have Eli who was driven by a sense that God wanted him to take the Bible to a place where it can be safe. He wasn't driven by a desire for power, and as such he wasn't corrupted by it. He was driven by an authentic faith in God. He was on a journey thay made no sense to anyone else to take the Bible to a place he had no idea where it was except that it was West, and he continued on that quest for many years. He eventually succeeds and takes on the appearance of a saint or an angel as he recites the Bible for transcription.

[@jaywyse7150]

That what they're doing now. Never been to a church that actually studies the entire bible.

[@VTdarkangel]

@@jaywyse7150 Part of the problem is that the Bible is such a large book with so much in it. Studying the whole thing is very difficult. With that said, there is also human weakness in that. Many people only study what is convenient to them. As a result, they often miss the lessons they really need either from a lack of will to read it or they aren't willing to look at themselves and see their own flaws.

[@joshuafogg6600]

@@jaywyse7150 At least most attempt to.

[@andreawithgod]

The soundtrack of this movie always bring chills to my soul, it feels very powerful and overtaking.

[@dennisward659]

Carnegie “ I can control the whole world all I need is the words in that Book”. That’s my favorite line in this movie .Says so much about what religion can do and has done in the history of the world.

[@matthewsmith1779]

If John Smith has taught us anything it's that you don't NEED the Bible. You can literally just make it up as you go and get a handful of people in on the con to help proselytize you message to your community.

[@matthewsmith1779]

@Abe Banerman However stupid you believe the line is, it's still true.

[@TheSandwichMonster]

@@matthewsmith1779 If it was true how do you justify the fact that the entire world isn't religious. Every decent person isn't religious and there are a multitude of religions and books people subscribe to. If one book was so powerful you wouldn't need many religions or many books.

[@dennisward659]

Abe Banerman please elaborate for the simpletons .

[@dennisward659]

FirstName LastName Take the context of the Movie . It’s a Lawless Religion less world . The Villian Carnegie only knows of Religion he wasn’t brought up into like we all were . So in his mind he needs the book because he doesn’t have any other examples of how to control the masses the way he wants to. Before the Bible people prayed the to Sun . The Moon the seas .I had to study religion in highschool and it changed my entire brain . Your right you don’t need religion to be a good person . This isn’t that this is about Control .

[@thelonewanderer8220]

What's intersting is that the rifle used by the guy on the rooftop is in fact used in another post apocalyptic film a boy and his dog. It is a custom made rifle made form a Springfield m1903 fitted into a mannlicher-schoenaur carbine stock.

[@Stonekross]

and the room he stays in ....in the town has a poster of the film...... A Boy and His Dog,.

[@thelonewanderer8220]

@@Stonekross For real? I gotta watch it again now lol.

[@ferntheyoutuber9960]

On Netflix now my dudes.

[@blackscreennoiseforrelaxat1517]

I been watching it ever since.

[@ejaokay]

Thanks homie

[@primoshunter]

Doing the Lord's work. Pun intended

[@SandeepBhaiya721]

On Amazon prime

[@anthony73125]

On Hulu as well as of Fri, April 10

[@gabrielspartacus6342]

I love the book of eli I’ve been watching this since i was like 12, and the theme song was always so haunting

[@jaimegonzalez4371]

Atticus Ross worked on the soundtrack.

[@MyCLAUDIO123456]

i agree the soundtrack was really cool

[@HankODonnellDesign]

I loved Book of Eli, great vid/review. To me it showed how easy "Religion" is to weaponize against a low information society; and proved that salvation was thru faith while walking the walk. Faith is a personal walk. "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." -James 2:17

[@robtierney5653]

Tells us = never mess with blind people in the dark, they have echo location.

[@Tyler_W]

Never mess with a man in his element, lol.

[@scottryker4888]

There were subtle hints that Eli was blind (or more likely partially blind), him feeling around in that car where he found the boots, walking through that cabin bumping into a couple things where he found that body hanging. Stopping and listening before aiming his bow up and shooting the vulture.

[@ElCampeador99]

This movie shows us two things: 1)Religion has power and influence. 2) Religion can unite people in times of trouble. The problem is that religion in and of itself is neither good nor bad. It is a tool, just like anything else. Even if faith is sincere, does that automatically justify certain actions in the hopes that the ends justify the means? These questions are asked but never truly answered in the Book of Eli. What I can say is that it is fitting that at the end of the film, the Bible is placed amongst other holy scriptures from different cultures. It makes it known to the viewer that these books are powerful and worthy of attention but that they are equal in footing when it comes to power. Would the same message come across if Eli was holding a Koran or the Vedas instead of the Bible? No it wouldn't. But those books could still have been used to unite people because it would have people share a common ground and are more likely to work together. Whether the religion is true or not is irrelevant. The ends are the same regardless of truth.

[@IAmDamiani]

Iron Revenant Religion is false, God is the truth.

[@Dread_Pirate_Homesteader]

Islam isn't a religion

[@bulletkingaming2808]

The wise know the truth and the word of God. And yes I agree that God's word has been used as a tool for power. And only the wise know his word. Just have faith in Jesus Christ, and he can easily show you the way.

[@ElCampeador99]

@@IAmDamiani Ah, God is Truth? Then what God is truth? The one you just happen to believe in? You are very fortunate then if that is the case.

[@jimmyneutron7935]

@@bulletkingaming2808 that's a very...vague way of promoting Christianity

[@litlclutch]

I took the movie to be trying to show both the good and the bad that religion can drive us to. In Eli we see the good and in Carnegee the bad. Some of the worst things have been done in the name of religion ... but at the same time some of the great too. I felt the movie ended by showing that ultimately despite the bad that it drives some too it does more good then bad, at least that was my interpretation.

[@draco_1876]

@Alexnder90 F your idiotic

[@alejandrojimenez4277]

@@draco_1876 you're*

[@draco_1876]

@@alejandrojimenez4277 typo

[@SevastianNandez]

@Alexnder90 F it is the best of humanity that can be manipulated to control the weak minded but also can be used as a tool to use one of the strongest human emotions which is hope.

[@Tyler_W]

Pretty much. It contrasts the corruption of religion, when the powerful use it as a system of control, with true religion, to love God and to love your neighbor as yourself. Carnegie obviously represents the former, that's why he couldn't read it when he opened it, because he was wasn't walking by true faith, only "sight." Eli represents the latter, although he sort of has to relearn that lesson and spends the whole movie realizing that although he was on the right track, he wasn't really applying what he learned until he decided to help Solara. Solara is sort of the audience insert to some extent (though that isn't to mean that she's a blank slate and not a character in her own right). Having experienced the example of Eli, she ends the film having learned what Eli taught her and left the safety of Alcatraz to go back home to be an example to them of what she had learned through Eli.

[@ModernAtomX]

I always thought Oldman's character wanted the bible because he knows how much power you can maintain over people when you misuse it. Like a cult leader.

[@theflashgordon193]

Same I think he talk about the power of the words of the bible on people in the movie

[@dedrecdavis3604]

That's what our government implements on us,they know the word and use it to their advantage even though they are of the devil's world and ways.

[@randomuserame]

Or like demons... according to the actual Bible itself.

[@aresp2707]

True... but it ALSO, is supposed to have Predicted... what is, and has been taking place... in real life, and according to the movie. I assume what will be taking place. I guess you can say, Somewhat of a... predictive programming. And After all of these fires out west... It might not be too far fetched, to see so much ash everywhere.

[@robertbramaniii3659]

He represents satan and using god's word as a weapon

[@nikkimelay5293]

I like the fact that the movie stayed on point with it's central message and didn't feel the need to explain why everyone wears some form of eye protection and how Eli had to tell the bartender and shop owner that he "wasn't one of them" without going into some bullshit backstory. As cool as lore would be to the apocalyptic backdrop it was a way better idea to leave the lore to the subjective imagination of the viewer. This movie was pretty good for how minimal it was.

[@daoyang223]

Western Samurai infused with spaghetti western like The Unforgiven. Reminds me of Fallout New Vegas without the naked ladies, recreation of a democratic organization, and men in football apparel reliving the Roman Empires better days.

[@scottbruckner4653]

So... New Vegas without Gamorah Casino.

[@viktoriyaserebryakov2755]

What a hateful person you are Annie.

[@shadyjesusrodriguez.2821]

@@viktoriyaserebryakov2755 Christianity is bull shit literally.

[@viktoriyaserebryakov2755]

And yet they tend to be kinder if not more intelligent than you seem to be. If Christianity is bullshit then I'm quite happy to live alongside bullshit.

[@thecoolnerdplaysvr5674]

@@viktoriyaserebryakov2755 Not all christians truly follow Christ. I know many that are evil and have treated me with great hate.

[@marlom7882]

I’ve been waiting for a video essay about this movie

[@adamg4754]

"Do More For Others Than You Do For Yourself"

[@maskthelegend317]

Carnegie is a mega church pastor

[@raymondfaith2499]

In an extra for the movie, it's explained that he grew up in a shitty household where his obese mother donated to tv pastors more than she could afford.

[@carlsberg-gs6rl]

Your analysis of Redridge is amazing. I missed the subtext myself until you pointed it out.

[@zeronova1484]

I concur. Upon further reflection I reached a similar conclusion regarding this movie's core message. I'd say it's more pro-faith rather than pro-religion (not necessarily faith in a god, but faith in something greater than yourself). Eli throughout the movie does not give up or compromise his goal, even with all the obstacles that cross his path, it shows an astounding will of steel and demonstrates the power of one of humanity's greatest strengths, hope. Indeed, the movie seems to be very anti-organized religion in general, and you can see this in a couple of scenes: Such as when Gary Oldman explains the power and influence the book itself has on the "masses", as well as Eli's many scenes of trying to keep the book hidden or out of reach of others, suggesting he holds a very internalized view on his faith (unlike a lot of Christians today which constantly try to protholetize in order gain new followers). I believe it is a very human way to portray faith that even many atheists would appreciate. Tl;dr: It's a really good movie about faith that respects the audience's intelligence, as well as deconstructs a lot of negative aspects of organized religion.

[@Ausfish12345]

I agree with this analysis, when I first saw the movie, I hadn’t had any idea what it was because my father had just started playing it. When I was watching, at first I thought it was a Christian movie but as it moved on, some of those elements stayed but it focused on Eli’s will to accomplish his goals and that is what I liked of it. When I read the comments of this video, some of them mentioned that the antagonist was an atheist/agnostic but I couldn’t help but disagree. He expressed his view of Christianity and saw it as his destiny to spread it, as a prophet (as mentioned in the video). To me, it seemed to be showing the difference between someone who keeps their religion/faith to themselves and someone who wants to spread it. Of course, that could just be my own biased opinion.

[@CAT-kj2ip]

Wow, I’ve seen this movie several times. And yet you’ve pointed out things I never noticed, such as when Eli turns down Carnegie and red reacts. This movie has been always been somewhat though-provoking for me, most times with me questioning my faith and how I’d define it. I’ve seen similar videos covering movies, shows, etc. with in depth analysis like this, but this one stands out. I may be biased as the book of Eli is one my favorite films, but even so, I personally think this is some of the better content I’ve seen on KZbin. I don’t comment on videos often and I didn’t really intend for it to be this long but I thoroughly enjoyed this video, and you my friend have earned a new subscriber.

[@theicequeen32]

Im glad im not the only one that realized Red's subtextual arch. I LOVED him throughout the whole thing, just everything about him and when he said he wanted Salara, I knew it wasn't that way. There was this *look* he gave her before that reminded be of a father or an uncle like he wanted to protect her but was being held back. I actually shed some tears when he died. I cant say the same for the rest

[@001madmex]

Best commentary/interpretation on The Book of Eli I have seen. I'm a big fan of Denzel and this is probably my favorite movie by Denzel.

[@vinq4643]

The beginning of movie when Eli does not help says it's none of his business; Bible says let those sinning go on sinning;

[@RealBearFace]

JUST saw this movie the other day. What a coincidence. I really enjoyed this film and if you rewatch it you catch how they subtly show his blindness. Its really cool

[@duchi882]

*Just when I thought the movie was deep enough* You came and uploaded this well-made video

[@tonysmith9905]

I like how the movie is honestly open ended about Eli being blind or not. Sure, you get that moment where Carnegie thinks Eli is blind because of the book, but there's just so much that Eli does that a blind person couldn't. Plus plenty of his actions were habits of sight. Ever watched actual blind people in real life? They usually don't move their head that much, they usually don't "look" in the direction of things. Of course, there is also theories that Eli is half blind, or has some kind of eye damage, especially since the movie talks about the "flash" blinding people, that's why he asked the one woman if she was born that way or not. The reason I bring this up is because the writers make it more of a question was Eli actually driven by God or not? They don't out right say anything, allowing you to find your own meaning in the movie. And I love that a lot more than them just straight up saying "Yes, he is God's Prophet, he has God's hand protecting him". Because, in the end, faith is about what you believe, not what you know.

[@bulletkingaming2808]

Agree.

[@brandonbaerga4972]

He’s blind looks up the hints that he’s blind his sense of smell is high and when he walks under the bridge to be in darkness

[@Mrdestiny17]

He's blind, sure he might not have mannerisms of a blind person and does impossible things, but just imagine him as a biblical figure himself. Imagine him as a prophet who is tasked by god to do a task, he is given rules to follow, and as long as he listens to god and has faith in him he with receive divine protection. Throughout the journey he is tested and through his trials he learns more of his faith. Sampson is a great comparison, instead of strength Eli is given the gift of sight through his faith in god, he wasnt allowed to let anyone else touch the book and when Carnigie gets it Eli is shot. Sampson wasnt supposed to cut his hair, his hair gets cut and he loses his strength and ultimately dies in an act of self sacrifice and god gives him strength one last time. Eli learns that he was supposed to not only protect the book but learn from it, and once he realizes that he is able to complete his mission

[@nagameel7324]

@@Mrdestiny17 perfectly said. When you obey the commands given to you the Lord provided a shield of protection. The Bible literally speaks about that over & over. Samson great lesson as well.

[@yvesgysel9834]

Nice video. As my grandfather used to say, in times of war, everybody becomes Religious. It gives hope in very difficult times.

[@diegomolina8940]

As an athiest i truly appreciate this movie and all its subtle messages. That it is not right to use religion for power that it can corrupt but of course there are those who stay true to ghe faith, thise who understand the message of god or gods (depending on your religion) that love and faith is why people feel and see god. My faith itself is in nature and the ability of humankind but even i see the errors in those aspects as i see the beauty and error in religion.

[@velvetcoat]

He’s blind because he doesn’t need sight, he follows God and uses faith do what he does.

[@metatronblack]

But in real life that fucker would be dead with no life😂😂😂😂

[@trollof229antthevariable9]

@@metatronblack Dead with no life, isn't that a little redundant?

[@metatronblack]

@@trollof229antthevariable9 You miss me with that shit👍

[@hippityhoppity3800]

lol, he's not blind because he doesn't need sight. He's allowed to see because of his faith. People that just become blind aren't able to read braille.

[@stlkngyomom]

Actually,you don't need eyes to see: seeing without eyes(Frank Elaridi,Tom Campbell,Jeffrey Mishlove).

[@HxH2011DRA]

I COMPLETELY agree with your interpretation! I'm surprised you covered this movie but glad (especially since you validate me on Red XD)

[@joelpops3093]

Red died by the sword also Bible reference live by the sword die by the sword

[@Jripey13]

I teared up when you said about Redridge, it’s exactly what I thought and indeed the performance was amazingly done.. great story telling..👍🏼

[@morganneher8643]

I’m a GIANT Gary fan too, I got hooked on him with The Walking Dead video game and Rogue One. I emailed him once and told him how much I liked this and he was super cool and hit me back. I think this is my favorite of his that I’ve seen and I agree with your takes. I appreciate your take on Redridge. I thought he wanted her for himself but not shooting Eli and the way they shot his death looking like a redemption supports your angle. Thought provoking 👍

[@kaidenlastra-8951]

I didn’t know he was blind I just thought he could read brail 😂

[@wayando]

I still don't think he is blind. He can just read the blind people Bible ....

[@gothnate]

@@wayando There are different types of blindness. The one everyone assumes is total darkness. However, the majority of blind people have some sight, just not something we would consider sight. For example, there is one kind called Light Perception Blindness, where the individual sees light, shadow, and maybe some blob-like shapes, but that's about it. This is the type I think Eli has. He has good spacial awareness, but can't see detail. Here's what a variation of that could look like. imgur.com/dNG3i5A I took an image of Denzel from the film, blurred the Hell out of it, increased the brightness, and lowered the contrast. There are varying levels of this type.

[@maxhydekyle2425]

@@gothnate But the entire point of his journey is that God is guiding him. He is entirely blind.

[@gothnate]

@@maxhydekyle2425 if you look at the picture I posted, that's blind. Even at that level, a person would normally need assistance. Just because he has light perception, doesn't mean he didn't have God's assistance.

[@MeatPopsycle]

I still think this is the case

[@johnworry4840]

This review is so well thought my brother! God Bless you

[@kielkinslow6384]

i was thinking more Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman than anything

[@tajbaber9425]

I was thinking Rutger Hauer's character in blind fury

[@jamesclukey7488]

One of my favorite post-apocalypse movies ! Thanks for pointing out the turmoil of conscience that henchman was going through. I totally missed that, and just assumed he was a pervert. Also, I feel Eli was instructed to "stay on the path", and anything or anyone, Carnegie, would have diverted from it. Some have said that when Eli gave up the Bible to Carnegie he lost his protection and could be injured (shot in the gut). That's significant, and explains why he still had strength to continue once he got back on the path. He was being helped. At that point, Eli was the vessel that contained the "Word of God". Thanks again for your review.

[@Donseipo]

Fantastic video. Keep up the great work

[@kevinkusman9137]

Also... Denzel and Gary Oldman do not make bad movies... Ever

[@bradbeining3341]

Absolutely my fellow x files fan

[@joelswe86]

Thats definitely correct!!!

[@drhiluluk4251]

It’s art so many different types of perspectives are taken from this movie

[@bluewater454]

Great analysis. Thought the movie was awsome, but you brought up a couple of subtexts that I had never thought of. This analysis was almost as good as the movie! Two Siskel and Ebert thumbs up.

[@mikehartley8234]

The Book of Eli was a phenomenal movie. Rarely am I surprised by Hollywood. Totally surprised that a movie that , even low-key, glorified God at the end, by confirming what we had started to figure out half way thru. Eli and Signs will always be two of my all time faves because of that. I’d really be interested in seeing your synopsis of Signs.

[@jagtheblack553]

I gotta say, bro(s), I've seen that movie so many times...you helped me see some things I didn't notice. Some (perhaps) redeeming/"humanizing" qualities of the "antagonists", and other things to watch out for the next times I see it. Much appreciated, and VERY well put-together. More powa More fiya

[@KatoBeyond]

Thanks for commenting, and realizing we're two people.

[@jagtheblack553]

No worries Much respec' :)

[@saucegotti9416]

His eyes weren’t cloudy at first. I think he got some vision to complete his quest

[@MylesKillis]

No. He does things like touching things to find them.

[@joshuafogg6600]

There's a possibility that Eli was blinded as punishment. I don't know if this messes with this analysis, but at least with the battle prowess, Eli clearly knows how to fight. Blindness has sometimes been used as a tool for redemption and atonement. Maybe in his old life he did awful things, and when the (obviously nuclear) apocalypse happened, God chose him as the sole guardian for the last surviving Bible, to walk on the path towards redemption for his past actions. My theory has him as maybe an elite mercenary/soldier that had him directly connected to the start of the war, and him seeing and being blinded by the bombs going off. I would be interested in knowing of how Eli first got ahold of the Bible in question.

[@guy8360]

I prequel would be great!

[@nicholasevans9627]

I believe Eli became blind when the bombs were dropped. I only "suspect" this because he mentions about seeing the bombs being dropped. The movie also shows him bathing at one point with wet naps. You can see massive burn scars on his back. I suspect he was close to the bombs when they were first dropped. He saw the flash from the bombs being detonated, (damaged his eyes in the process) turned away from the flash, and his back was burnt from the heat wave/radiation exposure.

[@ArtofLunatik]

I like your theory

[@ArtofLunatik]

Nicholas Evans yeah those burns were similar to hiroshima victims.

[@PhoenixFires]

Eli got ahold of the Bible because he heard a voice tell him where it was, likely God.

[@andrewlenevich6582]

"...how a blind man does what he does..." His Bible erects a forcefield cabable of deflecting bullets. The Lord clearly gives him new sight in order to complete his mission. It should also be noted that Christianity is understood by few, even amongst the community of Christians themselves. It's a very mystical philosophy. If we were to take the Bible apart into its individual books, then many of them would be considered grimoires. A great example would be the Book of Enoch, which was illegitimately removed from the canon.

[@rickeyharris9803]

werent the lesser and greater keys of solomon removed too?

[@andrewlenevich6582]

@@rickeyharris9803 Those were not a part of the Bible., or the TANAKH. Hebrews practiced sefirot kabbala exclusively, with few exceptions such as David and Solomon.

[@rickeyharris9803]

@@andrewlenevich6582 since solomon is held in such high regard, would you consider consorting with djinn biblical? or do you think its a hoax of some sort? idk what are your thoughts on the keys i guess is what im asking

[@andrewlenevich6582]

@@rickeyharris9803 Those documents have great significance. Over time, we've shed our supersticious fears of demons and angels for the most part. This only makes those tomes more powerful. They're great tools for mystical enlightenment and spiritual evolution. The gnostic view on angels and demons is that these beings wish nothing more than to assist us. They grow as we grow, because they were created under Antropos. They wish to see Antropos awaken from His dream, and thus assist humanity in that awakening. The goetic demons offer completion to humanity, and the Keys are some of the best tools to get into contact with these beings.

[@rickeyharris9803]

@@andrewlenevich6582 thank you for your time and your knowledge on these subjects :) i just like to learn and have a good day my guy

[@willotoole5900]

This movie is high among my favorites. Your analysis of redridge gave me legit spine tingles. Love it.

[@adamsimpson7818]

I just want you to know I agree with everything you said. But I'll be honest, at first I didn't feel that way. It wasn't until after I saw your video that I began to see what you were talking about. And then, boom! It all makes perfect sense now. Thank you for turning me on to something I probably never would have seen without your video

[@Archangel657]

What you failed to mention was that the baddies eventually get the last Bible that they wanted only to find out that it's written in braille, thus the information that the Bible had is inaccessible to the baddies. After this, Eli finds himself in another small town where a printing press is located, and askes the man working there to begin writing a book for him, which Eli begins to read the Bible from memory, and the man writes it down on paper - which later goes into the printing press to be copied into more Bibles. Soon after that, Eli dies since his mission is complete, and [I think] soon after that, the movie ends.

[@shanehudson3995]

Apparently you missed the part where he said he wouldn't be spoiling the film for those that hadn't seen it.

[@paul_landero8166]

That small town was San Francisco lol but solid analysis 👌

[@JamieRobles1]

Eli is not completely blind. In bright interiors (not bright outside), he can see something. How much I'm not sure. But in lower light situations, he fumbles a bit.

[@paul_landero8166]

Idk, he did lead those guys under the overpass

[@NefariousDreary]

Great video. I love all the factors you pointed out.

[@WoundedEgo]

Quite an impressive, thoughtful, insightful analysis. Thanks, Kato, for posting this.

[@rflxgaming9628]

I thought it was a very thought-provoking movie. It offered me a new perspective, as a Christian, that I hadn’t seen before in such a way that spoke to me. I also never saw Redridge as a perverse, or bad person. I thought his negotiation with Carnegie and asking to have Solara was more-or-less his way of trying to escape the life he quietly resented. He thought he could build a life with her, and wanted to build a good & positive life instead.

[@drhiluluk4251]

I’ve been waiting so long for this omg

[@youngoutlaw5150]

My favorite the Blind Swordsman fits perfectly with eli

[@mthwnicodemus]

I always thought he was blind due to the verse that says “walk by faith, not by sight” 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@fishermanp]

Same thing, different way of sayin. "Be in the world but not of it" "Walk by faith, and not by sight" stay on path...

[@jasonvelez7317]

I love this movie but even more so I love your interpretation and perception of the intent of the story. A wholeheartedly agree with your point which is this movie was a showcase of every facet of religion! It highlighted every facet in all of the struggles those who perceive themselves to be devout to, as well as those who are oblivious of any and all elements of religion. This was a masterful and insightful review Thank you for this!

[@bluelotusnefertoum2144]

I always watch The Book of Eli in bits and pieces. Never watching it from beginning to end. I had no idea Eli was actually blind. I will watch it again, and this time pay more than usual attention to detail... good vid subscribed

[@XxXVideoVeiwerXxX]

It was really great because it wasn't that he had the bible but he had it IN BRAILLE! Just, great. Loved it. People like to "meh" this movie but I honestly think it was a good even great movie. I think it may have been the over use of familiar faces. Like Gary oldman, denzel washington. Millia Kunis. IDK I feel it would have been great if they were more unknowns. But you know money...

[@agonleed3841]

It was a great movie. The reason it got "meh" no lie..the internet at that time really confirmed it....Denzel is black. Main character that shows trials and rise and journey...

[@XxXVideoVeiwerXxX]

@@agonleed3841 I literally don't remember ANY mention of him being black as a thing. I think it was a legit good movie, IDK about great cause I have only watched it maybe only once, or twice. Great movies, I tend to watching periodically. But it was for sure good, because I remember it, the the main plot/reveal. I think it just got a nickleback treatment handed to it. For whatever reason trends just start sometimes where its totally cool to really like or really not like something, and I feel book of eli had that a little bit, maybe because the reveal was so religious oriented. IDK, I thought it was good reveal because I mean its true.

[@agonleed3841]

@@XxXVideoVeiwerXxX I remember. I was active online then too. And it's not that it was a very direct reasoning..cause no one likes to outright admit racist or prejudice ideas. But it had comparisons and such that you could tell what the real problem for most people were. And that was relating to the main character

[@verke00]

Agon Leed I have no idea how you got that idea. Denzel is always a win. Him being black is of no meaning to discredit this movie. Show proof or it didnt happen

[@bryfunkenstein]

@@agonleed3841 No. It had nothing to do with being black. Black folk are just not into these kinds of movies. most black folk i know usually have watched this as a 'captive audience' thing and actually liked it. but we not going to the movies to see post apocalyptic/sci fi/space adventure movies unless they belong to a well known brand or afrocentric in nature.

[@gordacapivara]

Holy shit, I fought back tears when you finished the statement on redridge, as he kneeled staring at the sun.

[@AnimeGamer]

My thoughts were that Eli was Legally Blind, not all the way, hence why he could still do certain things.

[@sparseonyoutube]

i saw this movie for the first time and i was so interested by eli and the themes. i was excited to watch a "ending explained" for this movie. the book of eli came out kinda long ago and there aren't many good videos explaining. thanks for making this

[@bumblebeeissacssmokeshop230]

First video watched, thought it was amazing. Seen the movie a couple times and got a lot of the references but never thought of them as you explained and I missed a whole lot, but the way you brought them out has literally changed my outlook on this movie, which was set at a high standard already, so bravo and a subbed gained just from this video

[@OEMPlus]

The book of eli is my favorite movie because it demonstrates quite well the manner in which God does things normally. He rarely booms from heaven, but rather, uses every bit of what this reality is for His purpose. He is at the same time unstoppable and unseen except to those of us with eyes to see and ears to hear. The point of eli being blind is that he can do nothing on his own, he's just a guy being faithful and obedient. not sinless, definitely flawed, even cowardly at times, but at the end of the day the Lord does what He wills with him. Eli believes God. That is the point. That is christianity.

[@Cutie_Oni]

And Judaism, and Islam, basically any abrahamic religion

[@Isayah_613]

"The book of Eli" means "The book of my God"

[@MtGamin]

אמן

[@k27ism]

The Holy Bible

[@DanielOrtiz-dl8eo]

Good observation

[@bighaverlegend33]

One of the best movies I’ve ever seen and I’m not even religious

[@keithnphx63]

So many wonderful and thoughtful comments being expressed here. They've been great to read. Congrats on making such a great review on this fine movie.

[@kingrileyp.i.4749]

That Redwood breakdown was pretty good. I never looked at it like that. Good stuff.