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57 of 68 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Let the symphony of this film unfold before you, March 29, 2009
I grew up watching Will Smith on the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, so he's a familiar face that I enjoy seeing. I truly think he's at his best in the drama category. His has such a soothing quality to him that can speak volumes in a couple words or a look. No one else could have played an IRS agent that doesn't immediately get a door slammed in their face.
For once, the plot was not spoiled before I could watch this movie on DVD. Usually you can't help but hear all about it before you see it. So I went into this knowing nothing, and while it's not completely surprising how it unfolds, it works in an amazing way.
For some, they will have a very large, elephant in the room problem with a film that concerns suicide(don't worry, not spoiling for you...this is the opening scene). This is a movie that develops like a symphony, slowly building before you. It will break your heart, but let you see that some people do have the best of intentions. They're willing to sacrifice more then you'd think.
Others have complained its "slow" or "boring". I believe 'seven pounds' is for those who like subtlety and things to think about. They don't give you all the information to figure out the story immediately.
I watched slumdog millionaire right before this, and honestly, thought this was stunningly better and I'm really shocked it wasn't nominated for an oscar. This would have been my personal choice for best film of the year.
Also, as I will always mention - finally, some good special features!! I love behind the scenes stuff, or the writers talking about how the story came to them. There is all that and more.
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65 of 81 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Disturbing yet thought-provoking, April 1, 2009
"Seven Pounds" is a depressing movie, but it also reaffirms life, ironically. Will Smith plays Ben Thomas, who in the beginning of the movie utters these heartbreaking lines:"There's been a suicide," he tells a 911 operator. "Who's the victim?" the operator asks. Ben [Will Smith] replies, "Me."
So, the viewer sort of knows what Ben's ultimate fate is. As the plot unfolds, the viewer learns that Ben is a rich entrepreneur who causes a deadly traffic accident that claims the lives of his beloved wife, and six other people. The grief-stricken and remorseful Ben then decides to atone for his sins by making a difference in the lives of a chosen few. How Ben goes about this makes for compelling viewing, though at times, it does seem contrived.
What made this movie worth watching in my opinion was the wonderful, credible performances by Will Smith as the tormented Ben Thomas, and Rosario Dawson as Emily Posa, a sad, lonely young woman with a terminal heart condition. Their chemistry carries this movie through - Ben is at first hesitant in forming any sort of emotional attachment to Emily, but he soon recognizes in Emily the same desire to connect on an emotional level with another empathetic soul. It is interesting to watch Ben's conundrum as he struggles between his desire and need for Emily and the intolerable situation that necessitates his intervention in the manner he first decided upon.
Final verdict - a depressing and disturbing movie that forces us to face some unpalatable life decisions, yet despite the flawed premise, the compelling performances by the leads makes this a stirring emotional drama.
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41 of 50 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Besides redemption, Seven Pounds is a great movie about compassion, April 4, 2009
Seven Pounds is an outstanding and very UNDER RATED movie. Those who didn't like this movie probably have a limited understanding of what it means to show compassion towards other people. From the special features commentary, that came with the DVD, the movie's concept was mildly based on an actual event. Seven Pounds has to be watched, not from a critical eye as to whether this movie achieved this or that, but, from the point of view of someone who is telling their story and you are the viewer. If you ignore the few negative reviews, and enjoy the movie for the compassionate theme it's portraying, you will have a better appreciation for life that transcends the daily problems we sometimes face. The chemistry between Will Smith and Rosario Dawson was great. The movie flowed well; and, the accompanying music enhanced the essence of the feelings being conveyed. If you haven't seen this movie yet, don't let the trailer (for this movie) mislead you; the movie is not as suspenseful as it is made out to be; Seven Pounds is more about Love and Compassion. I hope you enjoy the movie!!!
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