Product: The Fisher King [VHS] (1991)
Rating: 5.0
Allegory on the most universal of themes
According to a reviewer for the Boston Globe "Terry Gilliam tries to make a mainstream movie but can't help being himself." I think this is well said. The story, characters, setting and dialogue give the movie a decidedly contemporary feel, but beneath the surface lies a sly allegory on some of the most universal themes: sin, suffering, compasion and redemption. Sin (Jack's sins of arrogance and self-centeredness) leads to suffering (the tormenting guilt he feels almost in spite of himself), which is cured only by the compassion he feels for Perry (forced at first, but it soon becomes real enough), which leads ultimately to his redemption and deliverance from suffering. All of which reminds one of God's pursuit of the sinner who is reluctant to be redeemed, but ultimately won over and hence delivered of his suffering. (Whew!)Another reviewer here descirbed this movie as "Eucharistic." Also very well said.