When is it right to kill. When is it right to eat of the earth that which it provides as food? The death of an animal may prove fatal for the animal, but for a human it becomes food. So begins the film The Book of Eli, in ash-filled woods with a cat chewing on the foot of a man with a bullet firmly planted in his head. The cat becomes food.
Eli (Denzel Washington) travels the dystopian nightmare hunting for trade. A pair of gloves and scarf can provide him water for a week. Hijackers can also use those articles. Eli doesn’t have trouble dispatching the gang. Armed with a machete tucked neatly under his coat, five quickly become none.
In a bar across the street from where Eli left his battery for recharging, a patron picks a fight with the wanderer. Not a good idea. The machete appears once again to clear the room of all the other gangsters, rather, patrons. Just as he was about to deliver the final blow, Solara (Mila Kunis) appears saying two simple words prompting the barkeep maiden’s inclusion in my Women Who Wow Wednesday series. “Stop. Please.”
Strong willed, persistent, yet something’s missing in Solara’s life she never knew she missed. She realizes Eli possesses the key. He knows, and it all begins with dinner for two holding hands and uttering words with closed eyes. She doesn’t know what it means, but she carries that memory to her mother, reciting the same words—a blessing over the food in God’s name.
By the time Eli leaves town, Solara’s curiosity drives her to follow him. A sidekick who gets into trouble more than once, Solara cries for what could have been her death. Soon after Eli saves her, she attempts to personally inspect the book he so guards with his life. In clear terms, he states no one touches the book. However, he neglected to commend her on her courage.
When a conflict ensues leaving her the last one standing, she takes it upon herself to save the day. With the wheel in both hands, she heads west, just as Eli had instructed. Filled with the hope for a new world, Solara follows Eli in faith, even though she doesn’t know what faith is. She trusts him. Wherever Eli goes, Solara follows. Nothing can stop her determined effort to live a life apart from the violence she left behind.
And that’s what makes Solara special. Into the mouth of the unknown she fights with her life for a place she can call her own. She believed all she saw, but with Eli, she believes in the unseen, having faith she will arrive where she belongs—a dwelling of peace and comfort.
Solara, Women Who Wow Wednesday’s woman of faith.
Have you seen The Book of Eli? What did you think of the film?
Looking to God 
I’ve never seen this . . .
You should read the book Sacré Bleu by Christopher Moore. Actually you should read everything by him, but start with that one because it’s all about the power of blue. I also can now see why you liked my zombie post ;-).
Loved this movie b/c the ending surprised me so much! It made me wish I had paid closer attention to details from the beginning b/c I didn’t see that ending coming at all 🙂
I had forgotten about Solara. I found the Book of Eli a slightly disappointing movie and had forgotten the characters.
I love this movie. So underrated!
I love this movie, and it was Mila Kunis’ performance in this that turned me into a fan. Great pick, Jack.
This movie was fantastic. The acting was top-notch, the cinematography and sets were amazing…and it has one of those twist endings you never even imagined. I left the theater wanting to walk right back in and watch it again, just to see where the movie geniuses got me!
Solara was a great character. I’m not a big Mila Kunis fan, but her performance was believable as a strong/innocent young woman trying to understand her place. Her decision to question the norm and follow “Eli” lent her character more depth and ensured that she wasn’t just the female sidekick thrown in for synergy.
I agree with everything you said. I think the twist ending made this movie a multi-viewing experience. I’ve seen it at least 4 times already. Love this so much!
I’ve never seen The Book of Eli, what’s it about?
I haven’t seen this movie, and now I’m thinking I really should! I love Mila Kunis and her attitude toward life, on and offscreen 🙂
Book of Eli is a fantastic flick! Mila really showed her acting chops in this one. Great review!
Loved that movie. Solara definitely had the best growth out of the characters and I liked it because I was never 100% certain what would happen with her. Took me a few seconds to realize it was Mila Kunis too.
I think Solara is a super character. Though her time is limited onscreen, she shows growth and growing maturity over the course of the movie.
And, of course, The Book of Eli is one of my favorite movies. 🙂
I think she is, too. I enjoyed the whole story, but her character made it something wonderful to watch based on growth from darkness to light!