This is fiction, understand?

Rating: 8/10 (21 May 2006)

Ever look at a painting, see something, and have someone else see something completely different? This is important to comprehend before delving into the mystery and controversy that Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code takes you through. Whether it is Da Vinci's painting of The Last Supper or different geometric shapes around the world, just about anything you want to believe can be twisted and turned to fit a certain belief.
Ron Howard's take on the book that has sold the most copies second only to the Bible, The Da Vinci Code is a fictional journey to figure out what the Catholic Church has been hiding for thousands of years. It is a thrill ride, uncovering secret societies that were believed to be nonexistent and exposing the untouchable. Mistaken identities, incredible theories, and astounding character revelations create the tip of the ice berg for The Da Vinci Code.
The movie opens with the death of a man at the hands of what appears to be a derange monk. Following this murder is the introduction of Professor Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks), speaking at a Religious Symbology seminar for his new book. While signing autographs, the French authorities come to take Langdon to the murder. While there, he encounters Sophie Nevou (Audrey Tautou) who tells him he is in grave danger and Captain Fache (Jean Reno) is not one to be trifled with. From here on out, the duo rely on Langdon's capability of memory and decoding and Nevou's own history to guide them through a sea of madness, leading only to the truth about one of the most astounding questions in history: did Jesus have an offspring?
To accompany them on their journey is Sir Leigh Teabing (Sir Ian McKellan), a Grail enthusiast bound to find out the truth behind Jesus's divinity, or mortality. The troublesome monk Silas (Paul Bettany) and his mentor Bishop Aringarosa (Alfred Molina) provide much needed suspense to the plot of the story. They are apart of the secretive order Opus Dei, portrayed at a murderous creed sprouting from the Catholic Church, trying to protect the world from something they need not know about.
Again, this story is fiction. This must be understood before reading the book or in this case seeing the movie. To think that this is an attack at the Church and all of its teachings would mean the Indiana Jones trilogy is also trying to bring down Catholicism. Just because a story involves real groups doesn't make it true. Certainly, there are people who might take offense to what this film deals with. The film is meant to entertain and tell a riveting story.
Without a doubt this is not just an ordinary film. It isn't groundbreaking or instrumental to cinema history. What it does, just as the book did, is grab hold of the audience and stays with them long after. Questions about the Knights of Templar and the truth behind Mary Magdeline don't just stay in the theatre, but stay with the person long after the credits roll.
The film works on many levels other than the story. Howard's direction is right where it has been all these years; stellar. His mixture of real time, flashbacks, and even the thoughts the characters have are a delight for the senses. Accompanying his direction is Hans Zimmer's breathtaking score. Much like his other works, this is a spine-tingling soundtrack that is a perfect match with the film. On top of this is the acting. Although Hanks has had better characters, he does what is needed for Langdon. McKellan and Bettany truly shine in their roles as well.
Movie goers alike can't deny the fact that this is an entertaining movie. Who is to say what is true and what is not true? This is the premise of faith. Faith is being able to believe in something and no matter what people say or what is presented your faith remains the same. The movie isn't a brainwashing tool, it is different way to tell a story. Entertainment. That is what this is.