"Half of history is
hiding the truth." This western in space portrays a well imagined
future in which humans have scattered across hundreds of planets and
moons. The Alliance rules a flourishing civilization which fought
successfully to defeat the secession of outlying settlements on the
wild frontier. Serenity is a ship with a crew of former independence
fighters who now make their way smuggling and hitting the Alliance when
they can. The film brings the crew face to face with the dark heart of
the Alliance's mission to bring enlightened civilization to all,
whether they want it or not. Filled with well wrought characters and a
wonderful sense of humor, this film insightfully portrays not only the
empire but a doughty band of independent spirits who just want to be
allowed to go their own way. Rated PG-13 for violence and
sexual references. See this review.
More films in Films on Liberty and the State.
Note: Despite good reactions from critics, fans of the Firefly series that preceded this film and folks who just wandered into the film, this film is not doing well. (See this review by the great science fiction writer Orson Scott Card to get an idea of the enthusiasm for this film). So if you want to catch it in the theatre, and you do, go now. Seriously, today.
