An X-cellent beginning, which led to bigger and better things

Rating: 10/10 (27 April 2009)

'X-men' and its sequels have always been notable for standing out from other superhero films. The reason for this distinction probably lies in the universe the films portray, a pseudo-science fictional take on a 'near future' reality where a conflict is brewing between ordinary human beings and the people who are considered the next step in the evolution of man: mutants. The mutants are of course a metaphor for the discrimination rampant in the world on the basis of caste, creed, religion, gender and orientation. The X-men mythos simply puts a sci-fi spin on a real-world problem and takes it to a whole new level: discrimination on the basis of genetic makeup! Once you understand this to be the context of these films, you will realize exactly what sets the X-men apart from other superheroes. Mutants are not just people born with extraordinary and superhuman powers and abilities, they are also a minority fighting for their civil rights, hiding from a world which fears and often hates them. And as with any other minority in the world, there are two opposing factions among the mutants as well: the hardliners who wish to eliminate their opposition and thus spare their brethren from persecution; and the negotiators, who wish to resolve the conflict by means of peaceful negotiation and cooperation founded on mutual trust and benefits. In the film, the former camp is represented by Magneto (Ian McKellen) and his 'Brotherhood of Mutants'; the latter camp is represented by Proffesor Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart) and his X-men. The plot of the film itself is quite simple, and serves merely as an introduction to this dark world which shall be explored in greater scope in the next two films. The film, for the most part, follows the stories of two characters; Rogue (Anna Paquin) and Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), as they are drawn into the human-mutant conflict and find themselves, before long, at the centre of it. Wolverine, in particular, is a character who will be greatly explored in the sequels as well as in the upcoming prequel film. The other X-men are not particularly developed much, though the actors have done a pretty good job with their portrayal. Xavier and Magneto ultimately become seen more as representatives of their respective ideologies than characters in themselves; both are ultimately of the same type of personality-great leaders willing to spread their ideologies through the actions of their followers. So, while this film is certainly no where near as intricate and suspenseful as X2 or epic as the vastly under-rated X-men: The Last Stand, it is nevertheless an excellent prologue into an interesting sci-fi world which in many ways is a twisted reflection of our own.