Stubborn, arrogant, and ambitious (yet renowned) neurosurgeon Stephen Strange has his world turned upside-down when a car accident leaves his hands in a condition unsuitable for his profession. Desperate after traditional medicine fails, he heads to the far east for answers. Led to the Ancient One, master of the mystic arts, he learns just how little he knows . . . and his training not only gives him great power but exposes him to multiple planes of reality. He discovers a terrible threat to Earth, and must decide: should his powers be used for personal benefit or for the good of all?
This movie presents several messages to contemplate (see next paragraph). The visuals are stunning, the acting is (mostly) good, and the plot is decent, if rushed or confusing in places. The humor and dialogue are okay (but seemed forced or cheesy at times). In summary, it's part good, part complicated . . . and part strange.
There are a few themes in this movie that bear discussing:
- The first is selfishness. Strange claims to be motivated in medicine to 'help others,' but his teacher recognizes his heart: he's in it only to help himself. He's motivated by his performance; his identity is in his trade. The Ancient One's greatest lesson to him: "It's not about you."
- Another is the nature of this life. Is the universe simply material and (therefore) indifferent? What gives life meaning? People long for the eternal and recognize that the world is not what it ought to be. We also see only in part . . . there's so much out there we don't know or even recognize.
- Another is power and control. "Power is for a purpose," claims a protagonist at one point- and that purpose is not to benefit self, but serve others. In addition, we have a delusion of control . . . but to be truly free, we must surrender control and silence our ego. "We never lose our demons . . .we only learn to live above them."
There are some great thoughts in the above, and though mysticism is present, I see the gospel, too. Check this one out.
Rating: A-
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