Should you watch this at weekday movie ticket prices? Yes.
Should you watch this for free? Definitely!
Secret ending? No.
Running time: 89 minutes (1.5 hours)
“Lucy” is a French science fiction film about an unwilling drug mule who develops special powers after accidentally ingesting an unknown drug. It follows the adventures of the eponymous “Lucy” as she seeks to understand her transformation into something more than human. It stars Scarlett Johansson (Lucy) and Morgan Freeman (Professor Norman).
“Lucy” is a refreshing take on the (disproven) idea that humans only use 10% of their brain. While it doesn’t break any new ground, the movie elevates this concept into a thought provoking discourse on the nature of humanity and the meaning of life. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the film is anchored by the strong performances of both Scarlett Johansson and Morgan Freeman.
So let’s move on to the best aspects of “Lucy!”
Powerful imagery and symbolism
Right from the beginning, the movie uses nature imagery to symbolise the evolution of Lucy as she goes through her transformation. Not only does this lend a poetic touch to the film, it also strengthens the core message of and prompts deep thinking about the purpose of humanity. It also book ends the story wonderfully with its strong thematic links between the opening and closing of “Lucy.”
Excellent pacing
The scripting is incredible – the pacing is almost perfect, with no slow or boring scenes, keeping you in suspense every step of the way. It manages to maintain tension through conflict, curiosity, and character, grabbing and holding your attention all the way till the sudden ending.
Philosophical messages
As mentioned previously, the themes are not so metaphysical as to be inaccessible, but insightful enough to make you pause and wonder about our raison d’etre. The answer isn’t 42 of course, but it does leave you musing about the meaning of our existence. And isn’t that what a good movie does – lingering in your mind long after you’ve watched it?
Interesting and well executed action scenes
No science fiction movie is complete without some action, and “Lucy” delivers on that account. Gun fights, car chases, superpowered conflicts – the movie varies the type of action to clearly display the growth of Lucy’s power. You never feel that the action is just there to pander to the audience. Instead, the action serves to drive the story forward.
However, this is not to say that “Lucy” was a perfect movie. Two glaring flaws come to mind.
No proper motivation for the antagonist
The antagonist is a flat, one-dimensional character who’s only purpose is to scowl and provide Lucy with an opponent. Everything about the antagonist screams “evil!” and his actions don’t make sense. If he’s peddling such a powerful drug, why are his smuggling methods so inept and straightforward?
Abrupt ending
Despite the fantastic pacing of the plot, the movie climaxes to a sudden stop. There’s no proper denouement to end the film. It leaves you wanting more, but it also feels like an unfinished story.
“Lucy” manages to balance both an artistic film with a commercial blockbuster, thanks to its blend of both French and American influences. It’s a fine tale that will appeal to all audiences with its insightful look into human nature and motivations. Go catch it while you can!
“Lucy” opens in cinemas 21 August, 2014 (Thursday).
This review was also published on Yahoo Movies Singapore.
Reblogged this on the ESCAPIST.
Seen the film today, and after watching this wild ride, had to take a look at what the critics are saying (in the process finished here).
Quite incredible that this guy managed to make money with this film, as it is way over the head of most movie going public, and even more so of regular critics.
Yours is a great writeup ( top 1% from what I can see 😉 ).
Also to add on my understanding of the ending – Luc uses the 10% myth as a driver to explain his position on the meaning of life and the whole concept of God/human relationship in a fun way. Definitely entertaining on the way, best screen presentation on that topic that I can remember, or have even though possible.
The one dimensional antagonist, is purposefully so – as he is the methaphore of today’s humanity – ie what drives most of us individually and overall in our current socio-political environment. We as current “humans” generally behave so one dimensionally as that antagonist in principle, if you would look at us from a higher point of view and this character just drills it down. In the same way that he goes for what he “wants” being “evil” and killing without thinking for his merchandise, so do we (environment destruction, wars in general, even interpersonal relationships on individual level in a huge number of cases, and so on).
Lucy on the other hand due to the “wonder” drug goes through what Besson speculates will happen over next billion years of evolution in 24 hrs (he eludes to it through the film, and at the end we get his point), which through the metaphore of “using the brain to the fullest” she goes to the “end” of evolution itself —> transforms into “God” herself! ( hinted quite blatantly with several scenes towards the end ) conquering time, space and existence. Quite a bold statement from Luc, basically when you put intelligence to infinity, you get God, and this is exactly where evolution is going towards (multiplying knowledge through time from one generation to the next). Fairly hard to disagree with that one.
All in all – Besson went all out to show us his “philosophy” or understanding of the world in an entertaining way, but as it stands most of the audience missed it (not to mention the critics). In a way it is amazing that this weird creation even made money at all, let alone seems to be closing on making 10x the budget at the box office given that so many get hung up on fake science (in a SF film!!! ) and just about everyone misses his philosophical take.
As it said in one popular book: “”Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.”
This was a nice parable, and just like in the days of old – people look and do not see… “same as it ever was”, in the words of Talking heads.