Before reading this post:
This post might contain some spoilers, minor or major. I suggest you watch the movie before reading this post. Also, this review is based on MY take of the film, please do not criticize me if you have a different opinion. Thank you very much.

Seven pounds is a story of a certain “IRS agent named Ben” Thomas, and his journey of redemption, with the fact of lost hope for himself. A man who is tormented by the guilt of the death of a loved one, and by the thought of not being able to do anything.

And this is he

Ben Thomas now tries to redeem himself by saving people who he sees as deserving to be saved. Going out of his ways to do just that, making too many great sacrifices, and even paying the ultimate price for a person he became emotionally attached to. In these ways, Ben Thomas sees his redemption for the one great mistake of his life.

Basically, that’s the gist of the story. Objectively looking at it, Seven Pounds is a good movie. The whole movie being covered in mystery is a good way of getting the audience interested, and a greater way of making their attention stick the movie. The thought of “what is really going on,” and “how will things turn out” are what got my attention to this movie most. Yes, there are also a few dragging and overkill moments in the movie, but Will Smith actually handled all the moments pretty well.

One of the few times Will Smith wore casual in the film

However, what i did not like in this film is the concept. The thought that one man tries to redeem himself for the death of a loved one through his own life. Yes, I can see that he did not want to live anymore, after the death of his wife. I can also see that people will be saved through his life, which is better than Ben just hanging himself. What I don’t get is the point, the point of wanting to die because of a loss, and the point of having to sacrifice yourself for redemption.

I guess if he had not meet Emily Posa who needed a heart, he wouldn’t have died, but still, it does not change the fact that you are trying to sacrifice yourself for redemption. What good is redemption if you are not there to be redeemed? Will your “noble death” be your redemption?

I honestly do not think so. Once a person is dead, he is dead, nothing more. Yes, he may leave a legacy for the people he has saved, but what good is that legacy? Everything becomes meaningless once you die, simply that.

So, that’s my take on the movie. I said in the very first part that this is based on my take of the film, because this review is based on my opinions and principles. If you have any thoughts or any reaction on this post, please feel free to hit the comments.