FlawlessVictory
Superhero
- Joined
- Dec 4, 2006
- Messages
- 8,619
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 31
I'm so happy/relieved to see the film being discussed in a positive light. I had given up on this site due to the enormous criticism against BvS. It's good to know there are others here who love the movie, too.
It's been rough out there but yes, you are not alone, there are others who love or enjoy the movie as well.
I give BvS 4/5 stars. It's brilliant, artful, breathtaking. Repeat viewings help to clarify plot points and character motivations that one may initially miss due to the density and complexity of the film. Superman is explicitly not a killer, and Batman only applies lethal force to those who are trying to kill him when there are no other options. He can't penetrate an armored LexCorp vehicle with rubber bullets or a batarang!
Superman states "This is my world" before sacrificing his life against Doomsday, showing that he has made the choice that Martha gave him: he chooses Earth. Just as he did in MoS when he prevented Zod from turning our planet into New Krypton! Superman's characterization is consistently heroic, selfless. He even smiles as he saves the girl in Mexico! This is a Superman we can all believe in, cherish as a model of what is excellent in humanity.
At the same time, because the film is grounded in a close approximation of the real world, there are consequences for his heroic acts. Jonathan's ghost/memory reminds Clark that the Lang farm was destroyed by his own heroic act. Superman saves Lois at the outset of the story, but he's blamed for the deaths that happen there (which are clearly not his fault, if we are paying attention).
The tone of the film is certainly serious. The subject matter is heavy, even oppressive at times. It's not a film for young children. But there are moments of lightness and humor. And most significantly, in the end the heroism of the protagonists prevails against the forces of destruction and paranoia. This is one of the most complex, artful and important films of its genre ever made.
Really well said, I'm totally with you, especially in Batman's application of lethal force and Superman's selfless nature. In Superman's dying moments, he does nothing but beg for the life of a human being, then, taking the full risk and responsibility of killing Doomsday himself to protect WW, Batman and all the world. Doesn't get more heroic or selfless than that.
t: I agree with the above, and I think the two lines in bold are connected and have a lot to do with that.
