The movie “Seven Pounds” contains a quote that states, “God created the earth in seven days and I shattered mine in seven sec.” This particular quote is the sole reference to Christianity found within the entire movie. Although there are no explicit religious references throughout “Seven Pounds,” it encourages viewers to contemplate deeper themes. Despite the storyline’s lack of direct allusions to Christianity, it does not dismiss the potential impact of its influence. According to Christian beliefs, redemption remains achievable despite one’s errors and flaws.
Although it is possible to compensate for lost things, time cannot be recovered. Both giving and taking life are feasible actions. Giving life is perceived as a divine blessing, while taking a life is considered a sin. Ultimately, God holds the highest authority. In a movie review by The New York Times, there is reference to Will Smith’s recent films transitioning from comedy to showcasing the protagonist’s selfless deeds and significant sacrifices for others. It remains uncertain if this shift in storytelling serves financial objectives or subtly communicates the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus.
The film Seven Pounds showcases Will Smith’s exceptional talent. Despite his previous popular roles in Men in Black and Wild Wild West, Smith has successfully transitioned to delivering captivating performances in more serious and heroic films like I Am Legend and Seven Pounds. This shift from comedic storylines to deeper, determined characters began with the movie The Pursuit of Happyness, where Smith mesmerized audiences with his portrayal of a driven individual on a mission. What can we anticipate next from Will Smith? The answer lies within the enduring impact he has made on his fans, an impact exemplified by Seven Pounds.
The story revolves around Tim Thomas, a man who tragically causes a fatal car accident while texting and driving. This incident results in the deaths of seven individuals. Motivated by guilt and the need for redemption, Tim embarks on a determined journey to overcome his remorse. In the film, he assumes the name Ben Thomas but later discloses that this is actually his brother’s name. To hide his true identity and evade suspicion, he takes on the persona of an IRS agent named Ben Thomas, enabling him to clandestinely infiltrate people’s lives.
Although not explicitly referencing Christianity, the movie Seven Pounds depicts a man’s quest for redemption and his efforts to bring about positive change, mirroring the narrative of Jesus Christ. This omission opens up the possibility of allegations of plagiarism. Numerous American audiences have noticed the resemblances between Seven Pounds and the well-known storyline of Jesus Christ.
Start reading the Bible from the first chapter of Matthew as it relates to the story of Jesus Christ. The movie “Seven Pounds” also connects with key points of Jesus’ story. If you are familiar with Christ’s journey, you’ll notice that the film focuses on his walk. Jesus is widely known for performing miraculous acts like feeding thousands and healing the sick. One of his main goals was to give people a chance to experience a new and abundant life through him. Tim/Ben Thomas, played by Will Smith in the movie, embodies this same purpose in his own life, which is ignited by taking seven lives, including his wife.
He believes he must influence and alter seven other lives for the lives he has ended. This film is incredibly profound as I could spend the entire day scrutinizing various similarities. However, there are three overarching connections between the film and Jesus Christ. Firstly, the comparison lies in how Jesus performs miracles. In the movie, Ben Thomas is shown by Emily Rosa, portrayed by Rosario Dawson, her former office where she conducted her publishing work. Inside the office, she had an old printing press which she affectionately named “The Beast”.
She tells Ben that she cannot find anyone to fix her 1956 printing press, as it is considered a dying art. This makes it seem hopeless. However, Ben Thomas takes on the challenge of fixing the machine, even though it appears to be impossible. Just as Jesus was known for his miraculous healings, such as giving sight to the blind, Ben Thomas is able to give sight to Ezra, a blind pianist portrayed by Woody Harolson. After Ben’s death, Ezra receives new eyes that previously belonged to Ben, although his sight is restored in a different way than Jesus restored sight.
Comparing Jesus’ last hours on the cross to a scene in the movie where Ben Thomas endures intense pain while giving bone marrow to a young cancer patient, it is evident how much physical abuse both men endured. The movie scene, positioned at the end and coinciding with Ben’s death, holds a relevance to Jesus’ final hours. Moreover, there is a biblical reference with the number seven symbolizing completion.
In the movie “Seven Pounds,” there are various interpretations, but I personally believe in the symbolism that mirrors God’s creation of the earth in seven days. This signifies how he aided seven individuals before finding rest. The film also reflects my viewpoint on “Only God Can Judge Me.” While some may see the main character as someone attempting to make amends for past errors, we all carry guilt and strive to correct our wrongdoing. Every person in this world has a destiny ordained by God, irrespective of whether it is perceived as positive or negative. As long as it aligns with God’s will, it is deemed righteous.
