Movie review: Noah

“Ham: Is this the end of everything?
Noah: The beginning, the beginning of everything”

The Bible, is the most read book in the world. The story of the great deluge and Noah's ark, only occupies a few verses in the Bible. Yet, it is one of the most iconic Bible stories. This story also caused a lot of heated debates, with divided opinions regarding the historicity of this story. Some people insist this story is real history and a global flood really happened, some people argued that this story is real history but it was only a local flood, some people suggest this story is borrowed from a more ancient flood story found in the Sumerian legend, while some argued the entire story is a fabrication of the human imagination. The debate on the historicity of the story of Noah's ark, is where religious apologists and scholars argue ceaselessly as the cycle of four seasons.

Meanwhile, I wonder, have we been distracted by the snows of arguments on the historicity of this story, while missing out what the story is trying to tell us? In other words, is the essence for the story of Noah's ark still relevant to us today?

Under artistic license, the director Darren Aronofsky undertook the mission to adapt this biblical epic into a movie. In Aronofsky's interpretation, he wants to show us, the 21^th century audience, how and why, the essence of this ancient story is still relevant to us.

The question is, is this adaptation any good? Let's find out.

Synopsis:

In the beginning, the Creator (i.e. God) created the heaven and the earth. He made life on earth, from plants, to creatures that creeps, crawls, and swims. He also made Adam and Eve, the first humans in his image, and set them in the garden of Eden, to rule over the earth. The first humans were tempted by the serpent, and ate the forbidden fruit. As a result, they were expelled from the paradise. Generations after the fall, mankind was corrupted and violent. The creator (God) wanted to destroy the world and mankind's wickedness in a flood, to start new again. Noah, was chosen to carry out God's mission, of building an ark to preserve life and re-populate the earth after the flood. However, building the ark is not the hardest part of Noah's mission....

What I think about the film:

This movie has generated so much controversy and angers from the religious community (especially from the conservative religious folks), that we are almost re-living the day when The Da Vinci Code was released in the cinema. A lot of Christian folks criticized this movie, because they said it is not “biblical”.

Well, yes, this movie is not strictly “biblical”, because the story in this film, has more contents than just the five hundred something words found in the Bible. The director also took the liberty to reinterpret the story, and added some extra contents (such as the watchers being depicted as rock giants). However, in my humble opinion, this movie does have all the central elements of the biblical Noah story. Furthermore, this movie truthfully explores several biblical themes, such as the human condition (sin), divine justice, mercy, hope, wonders of God's creation, and most importantly, the stewardship of mankind over the earth, this is a most relevant topic to our 21^th century world, where we are facing the serious challenges from man induced climate change, and the disastrous consequence should we continue to irresponsibly abuse the earth and creation. In the movie, Noah is depicted as a man who respects the creation and values life, he tried to be a good steward to the creations. In comparison, are we being good stewards today? For example, how many species have become extinct due to our irresponsible abuse of the earth?

After I saw this movie, from the Christian perspective, I began to ponder on the meaning of stewardship over the earth. If one was to believe that mankind was created in the image of God to rule over the earth (i.e. representatives of God on earth), then what should that look like? From here, my question is, in our 21^th century world, are we, humans, the image bearers of God, ruling the earth/creation the way God intended us to? Or are we establishing our own dominions on earth, abusing the creations, betraying the responsibility that was appointed to us from God, the creator himself?

A refreshing aspect of the film is, it explored the humanity of Noah. I have read the biblical story of Noah several times, and whenever I read it, I always felt there is something strange about this character. To me, it feels as if Noah was an automaton, completely detached from emotions, who simply followed instructions. However, in this movie, Noah is depicted as an obedient man, yet he also has emotions and faces struggles due to the human condition. Without spoiling the plot here, let me just say, this film explores the difference between our understanding of justice and truth, and that of God's.

The genius of Darren Aronofsky's art doesn't stop here. Viewing the movie from a secular perspective, one can also explore the important messages about the human condition, and respecting the earth, and keep the earth a habitable place for the future generations.

In other words, I think Aronofsky has made a Noah story that everyone can relate to, while still explored some central elements found in the the biblical story of Noah. As the end credit of the movie begins to roll, there are messages and questions that can be taken away, and explored by both the religious, and the non-religious folks.

This movie also explored the mysteries of creation, in the most beautiful and eloquent way. There is a scene, where Noah began to narrate the creation story in Genesis 1, in parallel with moving images from the beginning of the universe starting with the big bang, to the forming of earth, and the evolution of life on earth from cellular organisms to creatures of all sorts of kinds. As I watched this scene, I could not but help to gape in wonder, at the majesty and the grandeur of God's creation, and the miraculous existence of life. This interpretation of the creation story is nothing new, but I have never seen it done in such a visually beautiful, and eloquent way. No wonder why Charles Darwin wrote, at the end of “The Origin of Species”, that “there is grandeur is this view of life”. Regardless of one's stance towards Judea-Christianity, somehow, I think anyone who has watched that scene cannot help but feel the marvels and wonders of life itself, and how precious it is.

Indeed, what kind of creature are we, to observe the physical universe with our five senses, while being emotionally moved and touched by the wonders and the beauty of it all?

Despite the controversy surrounding this movie, I deeply enjoyed this film. Under the artistic license, Darren Aronofsky has made the story of Noah relevant to our own world. This is a film containing messages that can be explored, and appreciated by both religious, and non-religious folks. In this movie, the story of Noah's ark is not just a joke, nor a heated debate about history, science and the literal reading of the Bible. Instead, it makes us ask questions, about the literal meaning of this story, and how its echoes relate to each and everyone of us.

Book Review: The Crippled God by Steven Erikson (The Malazan Book of the Fallen book 10)

“And now the page before us blurs.
An age is done. The book must close.
We are abandoned to history.
Raise high one more time the tattered standard
Of the Fallen. See through the drifting smoke
To the dark stains upon the fabric.
This is the blood of our lives, this is the
Payment of our deeds, all soon to be
Forgotten.
We were never what people could be.We were only what we were."

Remember us”

• Steven Erikson, The Crippled God

It is finished!

I still can't believe it! After spending 3 months, reading 11,000 pages and 3,3 million words, I have finally finished reading The Malazan Book of the Fallen, all 10 books!

The Crippled God is the final book in this series, bringing a satisfying conclusion to this titanic epic. Let's have a closer look:

Synopsis:

Long ago, a foreign entity came to the world, his body was shattered, and scattered across the world. The gods imprisoned him, feeding on his power, chaining him to endless pain and suffering. This entity became known, as the crippled god.

Years later, out of compassion, Adjunct Tavore and her renegade army, The Bonehunters, seek to free the crippled god from his eternal torment. Following the events in Dust of Dreams, The Bonehunters suffered great losses. They are tormented by questions about their cause, bringing them to the edge of mutiny. Still, Adjunt Tavore seek to hold her army together through her sheer will. She set the course to travel to Kolanse, to free the heart of the crippled god. To do this, they need to embark on a dangerous journey, and cross the perilous Glass desert. Can Adjunct Tavore succeed? Or will her army break into mutiny before they can even arrive at Kolanse?

At Kolanse, the Forkul Assails await their arrival. This ancient race of people draw terrible power, from an unknown source, seeking to renew the order of the world, by cleansing the world of every human, and their civilizations. In the meantime, three elder gods released Korabas, the Otataral dragon, into the world, hoping to further their own schemes. Korabas is a powerful force, when unleashed, she brings unspeakable devastation upon mortals, who can stand against Korabas?

The final chapter of The Malazan book of the Fallen has begun, this is a story where compassion and survival induce heart wrenching events, from powerful confrontations, demanding a final absolution..

What I think about this book:

I enjoyed The Crippled God more than previous 2 books, Dust of Dreams, and Toll the Hounds. The pacing in this book is faster, and more compact, similar to the pace found in the first 5 books of the series. In terms of characters, most characters are returning characters from previous books, tracking the story is not as hard as in previous books. The characterization in this book is great. If you've read previous books, then like me, you would probably wonder, why Erikson placed so much focus on secondary characters in previous books. Without spoiling the story, let me just say, in The Crippled God, you will find the answer to this question.

One of the strengths of this book, is the portrayal of characters. Their emotions, feelings, thoughts, and relationship with each other, are depicted in lively details and colorful vividness. From the desperate march of The Bonehunters, to the tragic story of Onos Toolan and the Imass, I was able to sympathize and empathize with them, not at them, living their lives the moments they step onto the stage of the story. To me, this is why I love and read fictions, because I want to live more than just one life. Through the white papers and black inks, I want to live other people's lives, to be with them, whether it be among their sufferings on a sea of storm, or experiencing joys as comforting as the sunset warmth, so I can explore life, from another perspective. After all, isn't this one of the main values of reading fictions? Such that we can open our minds, and expose ourselves to new ideas, instead of just affirming our own views?

This is why I especially adore The Malazan Book of the Fallen series, because as I read

through the pages of stories about the fallen, I was with them. Especially in The Crippled God, I was reminded, that compassion must be given freely, without expecting something in return. Some say the Malazan series play with the idea of moral ambiguity, like in George R.R Martin or Joe Abercrombie's books. However, I am not so sure if that claim is correct. My opinion, is that the Malazan series is a compilation of stories, about imperfect people in an imperfect world, trying to live up to the principle of universal truth, of right and wrong, even if it means the consequences of upholding this truth come at the cost of their own sacrifices. These ideas, are beautifully and masterfully blended into the narratives. When you live their lives by reading these pages, you can explore these ideas alongside these characters. This is masterful storytelling at its best, and Steve Erikson has truly break the stereotype of clichéd fantasy books, because I think every book in the Malazan series is meaningful, the stories are trying to tell us something about ourselves.

Now that the story of the fallen is told, the book must close. The story and the heroic deeds will fade from my memories, like falling autumn leaves. Yet, the meanings and the truth behind them, shall live on inside of me.

One day, I shall revisit the world of The Malazan Book of the Fallen, where I would travel with the fallens once more, alongside their shattered standards, on the ravaged lands, to marvel, to be thrilled, to feel every moment of the story, to remember.

Book Review: Dust of Dreams by Steven Erikson (The Malazan Book of the Fallen book 9)

“Don't worry. I am like most people. I can keep my eyes and still see nothing.”

• Steven Erikson, Dust of Dreams

Some say wars are meaningless. Steven Erikson set out to explore the meaninglessness of wars, in Dust of Dreams, the 9^th book and the pan-ultimate episode in The Malazan Book of the Fallen series. I was very excited when I finished reading Dust of Dreams, and I couldn't help but congratulated myself for having made it this far. After reading 10,000 pages, now I am only one book away from finishing this super epic, fantasy series. Without further delay, let me review this book.

Synopsis:

On the continent of Letherii, Adjunct Tavore commands the Bonehunters, the last great army of the Malazan empire. In the name of redemption, Adjunct Tavore and her army are marching into the desert wastelands, to make a final stand against a deadly, ancient enemy. Should they succeed, this deed of heroic, though unwitnessed by history, will forever change the fate of the world.

Meanwhile, Onos Toolan, became the newly appointed warleader of the Barghast clan. Onos' policy of peace is causing much dissatisfactions among his war-hungry followers. Can Onos succeed in leading the Barghast clan to a new era of peace?

On a dark, fateful night, the Deck of Dragons was read, ancient powers unleashed, demanding a final confrontation of all powers new and old. The last chapter of The Malazan Book of the Fallen is about to hit the stage...

What I think about this book:

I find Dust of Dreams more enjoyable than its predecessor, Toll the Hounds. This is because the pace of the story is faster than in Toll of the Hounds. In Dust of Dreams, a few new characters are introduced, but most are returning characters from previous books, so readers will be familiar with the characters and their stories. However, just like all Malazan books, the cast of characters is huge, and it is still quite difficult to keep track of the stories.

In Dust of Dreams, multiple story arcs develop simultaneously, while they do relate with each other, and converged in the end, but this book also features a huge cast of characters, making this book very dense. It is not an easy read. However, if you have made it this far to Dust of Dreams, chances are that by now, you should be familiar with the style of these books. Every Malazan book is meant to be a self contained novel, until Dust of Dreams, where the book ended with a cliff hanger, setting up the stage for the next book, the final chapter to this series, The Crippled God. 

Overall, I found Dust of Dreams more enjoyable than Toll the Hounds. Having said this, I didn't enjoy

this book as much as the first 5 books in this series. There is no doubt, that Steven Erikson is an excellent writer, although these books are very dense, but the story and the world he created in these books are vast, imaginative, and unique, but for me, after Midnight Tides, reading the Malazan books have become a chore, reading these books demand a reader to make a lot of commitment. In my opinion, so far, all books after Midnight Tides are too long. They could have been much better if they were shortened by 200 pages. At this point, even before I read the final book, The Crippled God, I have already come to accept that this series has already peaked somewhere back in book 3 (Memories of Ice) or book 4 (House of Chains), and the last 5 books in this series are just not as enjoyable as the first 5 books.

Having said this, as a big reader of fantasy fictions, I still find The Malazan Book of the Fallen series remain unmatched, in terms of scope, depth, originality, and imagination. This is definitely, one of the best fantasy epics in the genre.

With great excitement, I will start reading The Crippled God, the final book in this series. Thank you for reading this review, and stayed tuned, until the next time when I will be reviewing The Crippled God, the final chapter to The Malazan Book of the Fallen.

Book Review: Toll the Hounds by Steven Erikson (The Malazan Book of the Fallen book 8)

“The soul knows no greater anguish than to take a breath that begins with love and ends with grief.”

• Steven Erikson, Toll of Hounds

I turned to the last page in Toll  the Hounds, the 8^th book to The Malazan Book of the Fallen series, and reality suddenly strikes me, as I realized how much commitment is needed to read this series.

 At 11,000 pages and 3.3+ million words, The Malazan Book of the Fallen is probably the longest epic fantasy series just after The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan. I really like the Malazan series, but after reading 8 books, the flaws in this series are becoming more evident. Suffice to say, Toll of the Hounds is currently, my least favorite book in this series. Let's take a closer look at it.

Synopsis:

The story in Toll of the Hounds returns to the city of Darujhistan. After the Pannion Rebellion was quenched in Memories of Ice, peace and prosperity followed. The surviving Bridgeburners are now retired and settled in the city, operating a bar while enjoying their retirement. However, underneath all these signs of peace, is a hidden current driving the tide of another convergence, where powers will collide.

In the meantime, Anomander Rake, the Son of Darkness, now rules the city of Black Coral. Rake's legendary deeds from the past allows him no rest. Ancient crimes awake to stir the the heavy burden chained to Rake's legendary sword, Dragnipur, demanding a final absolution to questions centuries old...

What I think about this book:

Toll the Hounds is my least favourite book in this series, but it is not a bad book. In fact, this book is extremely well written, and it has more depth than previous books.

However, Toll of the Hounds is also the hardest book in the series to read. The pace of the story is extremely slow, it is the longest book in this series, and the style of writing is very verbose. Overall, this book is just too dense.

Fantasy fictions is the perfect genre for making social commentaries via narratives and storytelling. I am all for introspective, philosophical characters in fantasy books. However, too much of good things are not always good. In Toll of the Hounds, every POV character is a philosopher, and these characters spend 70% of their time brooding, and reflecting over topics such as politics and religion, while only 30% of their time are spent doing things to move the story forward. This severely handicaps the pace of the story, and it is borderline on bad storytelling.

 The flow of this book is congested in a traffic jam of philosophical musings, and an ocean of social commentaries. Granted, while the story in Toll of the Hounds is centred around a very interesting theme about grief and redemption, but for me, Toll of the Hounds is not fun, because it feels convoluted.

Secondly, while the POV characters in Toll the Hounds are mostly, returning characters from previous books. However, Erikson introduced too many characters, and some of them appeared too late in this series, so it is extremely difficult to recapture who or what these characters are about. This is definitely a big problem that began to surface in Toll of the Hounds, when I was reading this book, I didn't really care about some of the characters or their stories.

What saved Toll the Hounds from being a really bad book, is the ending. The last 150 pages of this book is breathtaking, and we finally see the book returned to the standard of previous books in this series; unexpected twists to the story, emotional drama, and thrilling actions.

II am a bit disappointed with Toll the Hounds. I have made a huge commitment to read The Malazan Book of the Fallen series. The first five books in this series (and Reaper's Gale) were fantastic.  However, after a somewhat disappointing experience with Toll the Hounds, now I am beginning to wonder where this series is heading. I have two more books to read in this series, Dust of Dreams, and the final book, The Crippled God. I can only hope the next two books will be less convoluted, and somehow the quality of storytelling will return to the standard found in previous books.

With such a hope, I will now endeavor to venture into the second last book in this series, Dust of Dreams.