The bizarre irony of thoughts in the movie “Equilibrium” was what lured me to write a small review about it.
“In the first years of the 21st century, a third world war broke out. Those of us who survived knew mankind could never survive... a fourth. That our own volatile natures could simply no longer be risked. So we have created a new arm of the law, the Grammaton Cleric, whose sole task it is to seek out and eradicate the true source of Man’s inhumanity to Man. His ability to feel”. A man’s voice narrating these things at the beginning part of the movie yet suggested what to expect from the story. And indeed, feelings and emotions were totally banned in whole society of Libria. Products of human imagination that could stir up any forms of emotions were swept out by burning and destroying them. These include the historical relics such as paintings, books, music instruments, and many others. Even a simplest drop of sadness that is tears were never tolerated.
Can you ever imagine living in such an awful society, where feelings are considered a disease? Feelings are subjective, yes. But we can’t enjoy life without it. Feelings are what make us sad or angry. But at the same time it’s what also makes us happy. It’s what makes us care and love other creatures and ourselves. Life becomes an adventure because of it. With the absence of any of these emotions, life does not bring us joy and excitement.
“Feelings are a s vital as breath... and without it, breath is just a clock... ticking,” This is one of my favourite philosophical lines of the movie. In fact, this particular line cores down the whole message the director wanted to convey.
I don’t know if there are other movies with the same kind of paradox, but it certainly is a great one that could make you fall on your knees and ponder.
No comments:
Post a Comment