The Hughes Brothers have demonstrated what it takes to make a phenomenal and compelling story by their masterpiece, The Book of Eli.  This film is one of the most creative and artistic stories I have come across in a long time.  Everything that it takes to make a good movie (story, acting, cinematography, makeup, costume, scenery, action, and drama) have all come together in this film in this breathtaking and visually stunning movie.

Eli (Denzel Washington) has been drifting in a post-apocalyptic world for the past thirty years.  He lives to survive and is one of few who have remained alive from the “old world.” Everyday he reads a unique book that he carries with him day in and day out.  Eli eventually reaches a village ruled by a corrupt mobster, Carnegie, played by Gary Oldman.  Carnegie sees Eli is from the old world and could use a man of his talents on his mob team to take over the new world.  Carnegie orders Claudia, his blind lover, to send her daughter Solara (Mila Kunis) to spend the night with Eli in order to “convince” him to stay and join them.  Although Eli wants nothing to do with Solara, she sees his book and tells Carnegie, in order to risk more torture to her mother.  Carnegie sends his gang to capture Eli (and his new running-mate, Solara), and more importantly, the book.  Eli has been protecting his book for decades and although he has a murderous gang on his tail, he proceeds with his ultimate journey to fulfill the book’s mission.

The Book of Eli is by far one of the best drama/action films I have seen in a long time.  The only movie I can think to compare it to would be 300.  Visually striking and culturally accommodating, this film captures a dark art that you can’t take your eyes off.  There are so many twists and turns in the story that in no way is this movie predictable.  If you think you know what this movie is about, you’re wrong.  I was impressed with the magnificent details that really stood out for me.  The characters looked phenomenal with each costume, make up, and object detail being accounted for.  I truly believed in this post-apocalyptic world and was stricken with the unique beauty and helplessness of the landscape.  Also something to note, Atticus Ross, who wrote and composed the soundtrack to the film deserves as much credit as anyone.  Typically I am too involved with the movie to note the music, however, Ross revealed the movie’s true colors by adding a soundtrack that enhanced the story’s vast and empty atmosphere.

I loved this movie, hands down.  This is a perfect 5 star film example.  Everyone can enjoy this movie creation and I as I stated before, this goes down as one of the best directed and visually fine-tuned films in my book.