Why you should watch ‘The Equalizer’
‘The purpose of life is finding the largest burden that you can bear and bearing it’.
Jordan Peterson
In this article I am referring to the movie starring Denzel Washington as Robert McCall, released in 2014. There are several reasons you must watch it. In keeping with the methodical nature of the protagonist of the movie, here they are as a bulleted list.
1. Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington himself is a good enough reason to watch the movie. It is delightful to see his wrinkles and to see him getting old. He is letting age make a mark on his appearance, as it should. It gives solace to those of us who are unsettled to see such little representation of appropriately-aged faces in the media.
And then there is Washington’s visible comfort in himself. His manner of walking and talking is unhurried and soothing to watch.
2. The quiet hero
McCall is trying to lead a regular life after giving up his violent job. Having faced the kind of dangers such a job must have presented, he is self-assured and unfazed by most day to day struggles. Despite this, there is no arrogance in his actions and his interactions. He uses his confidence and knowledge to provide a sense of support and security to his co-workers. This concept of a quiet hero is very pleasant to watch.
3. The warmth of the diner
The diner where McCall meets the young girl whom he eventually decides to protect is like a small home. A place where all sorts of odd-ones-out can gravitate and face no judgement. Where no questions are asked and where you receive sustenance, a brief respite, respect and warmth.
4. The awakening
McCall decides to pursue his second calling in his characteristic understated manner. This is probably the main theme of the movie and is captured beautifully in the Mark Twain quote at the beginning of the movie. ‘The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why’.
While trying to explain his state of mind to his friend Susan, McCall says, ‘One day somebody does something unspeakable to someone else. To someone you hardly knew, and you do something about it because you can’. In other words McCall found his purpose in life.
5. McCall’s precision
You will get lost in the precision of all McCall’s actions-from his washing of dishes to his inventive ways of bashing up his opponents.
6. Hope
The movie itself has a message of hope despite all the violence. It makes one believe that there is a chance of protection for even the weakest and loneliest people. There is someone with superhuman fighting skills who can be reached out to when they are stuck with no one to turn to. At least in this one arena, the playing field has been levelled by The Equalizer.
And if you do like the movie, the behind-the-scenes action is even more engrossing. It is available at:
