It's too easy to dismiss The Man Who Sued God as 'just' a lighthearted romantic comedy. Any genre can be elevated to the level of genius, if it's done this well.
Starting with a brilliant premise - challenging the stupid 'act of God' terminology used by the insurance industry - this film explores the philosophical ramifications. Is there a God, and is He responsible for random misfortunes? Does organized religion really believe what it preaches? And how does it respond to a logical, even legal, challenge to its dogma? At the same time, the film follows an eccentric but extremely likable character, played by the inimitable Billy Connolly, as he seeks his own form of redemption. And it adds a quirky, yet equally likable news reporter, whose views are drastically different from Connolly's.
It's a formula, to be sure, but it's worked out brilliantly. (One comparison that comes to mind is Adam's Rib, which uses the law and some very witty dialog to explore marital relationships.) And the ending is absolutely perfect, resolving all the questions with just the right mixture of theology and enlightened common sense. Instead of a heavy-handed Hollywood resolution, we get something more delicate and subtle, but also far more satisfying.
The Man Who Sued God manages a difficult feat - being both hilariously funny and deeply thought-provoking. It's a near-perfect film, and a highly enjoyable one as well.
Starting with a brilliant premise - challenging the stupid 'act of God' terminology used by the insurance industry - this film explores the philosophical ramifications. Is there a God, and is He responsible for random misfortunes? Does organized religion really believe what it preaches? And how does it respond to a logical, even legal, challenge to its dogma? At the same time, the film follows an eccentric but extremely likable character, played by the inimitable Billy Connolly, as he seeks his own form of redemption. And it adds a quirky, yet equally likable news reporter, whose views are drastically different from Connolly's.
It's a formula, to be sure, but it's worked out brilliantly. (One comparison that comes to mind is Adam's Rib, which uses the law and some very witty dialog to explore marital relationships.) And the ending is absolutely perfect, resolving all the questions with just the right mixture of theology and enlightened common sense. Instead of a heavy-handed Hollywood resolution, we get something more delicate and subtle, but also far more satisfying.
The Man Who Sued God manages a difficult feat - being both hilariously funny and deeply thought-provoking. It's a near-perfect film, and a highly enjoyable one as well.