The Book of Eli joins the current spate of post-apocalyptic films, perhaps riding high on the uncertainty of the times. Is the strong violence gratuitous or meant to give expression to the ultimate manifestation of dog-eat-dog society? Are the motives behind hunger for possession of the sacred book aimed at self-aggrandisement or service  of others? These questions and other metaphors that arise in the telling of the story seem to be suitable for contemporary times, not just an imagined future. Make allowances for Hollywood sentiments and characterisations and you may find yourself thinking about the film longer than an hour after leaving the cinema.