I just saw the movie Inception and I agree that it is probably one of the most talked about summer movies. There were SO many issues, topics, worldviews, and life questions that come from this movie.
First I must comment on how dreams are an incredible creation. That humans can have an experience in the day and twist it around to something in their head while they aren't conscious is incredible. It was neat to see (and a little scary) Fischer being fed all these lies and situations in the simulations/dreams that were from his real life/reality that he could relate to i.e. the hospital that housed his dying dad, kidnapping an important friend, a family photo etc. One of their famous quotes about knowing whether or not a dream is really a dream is "try to remember how you got where you are"....if you can't then its a dream. Along the lines of how you always remember the end of the dream most vividly. Also the writers commented on how we use only a portion of the capability of our brain and I think the complexity of actually having a dream is proof. We are a fallen people, whose bodies were affected by the consequences of sin.
I thought it was interesting, too, how certain events seemed unbelievable in the movie which reminded me it was a dream...much like dreamers often find themselves, in the middle of a dream, saying this can't be happening because it's only a dream.
The question of faith and what is reality was huge. Also do people choose reality of truth or do they choose to live happily in fantasy? Characters are constantly asking what if I'm right, what if this is reality, etc. and they are left to make an active choice based on what they believe is the outcome (Hebrews 11). Some are correct and others are not. This so parallels scripture and life as some believe and are saved while others don't. John 20:29 praises those who believe and yet don't see. The movie definitely makes characters make a choice....they can't be lukewarm.
Suicide is also a heavy issue presented. I appreciated how Cob pleads with his wife to believe in the worth of the present true reality. However, she thought that an alternate reality was better than this life. I think of how God offers abundant life...John 10:10. God desires for his children to have life and not just any life but a good life (Jeremiah 29:11).
Cob also has to deal with guilt, grief, and death. He couldn't let go of the death of his wife and blamed himself. Again I look to scripture and know that guilt is something that can be forgiven and forgotten (Psalm 103:12, 2 Cor. 5:17, Romans 3:23,26) I think back to a sermon I heard recently based on the disciples who were in the boat when Jesus calmed the storm. The pastor mentioned how often times, we can't control the circumstances or storms in life, that there was nothing we did to cause it (much like Job) but Jesus is in the boat to help us through the storm (Mark 4:35-41)
I also had the thought about how one person's actions affect so many. Yes the main character seems to have gotten what he wanted but at what cost....a change of leadership, whether or not its good or bad viewers don't know but a whole people will be affected. Interesting to think about well yes the guy got what he wanted, a happy ending but others may not have gotten a happy ending.
The biggest question is did he choose reality or the dream? Was it all just a dream? I think that he finally ended it and was back in reality reunited with family. This is mostly because the top spinner looked like it was about to fall, the grandpa was never in any of the projections, and he was finally able to see the face of his kids.
This was a very well done combination movie-you have Lost (they all exit the plane to their separate lives), the Matrix (all the floating), some Kongfu (fight scene in the floating) a bit of the Bourne syndrom and probably a James Bond feel, The Day After tomorrow (with the crashing of the third dream demension) and Ground Hog's Day (the repetitive scenes) and Oceans movies (the different character roles to complete the mission). If you notice any other repeats let me know :).
Oh and as for the "men" that were trained to protect Fischer's subconscious....I was reminded of how important it is to guard your mind. It is so easy to put stuff in there that just shouldn't be there, also easy access for spiritual battles and thus the Bible calls man to ready himself for battle (Acts 17:11). I remember my dad telling me how important it is to be careful what you are exposed to as once it gets in your mind, it is there forever, whether or not it has a prominent spot it will always be there. And for those who may have been quite affected by the movie and think there is a need to watch a cheery movie to kinda clear your head, I think you should know that, "the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."-Phil. 4:7
I am sure this will be discussed much more with many but if you have any thoughts feel free to share! And if you have a differing view on the ending, let me know!
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