Movie Review: Three Thousand Years of Longing
Henry was searching for our favorite movie star, Idris Elba, when he stumbled upon this movie. Although it was made in 2022, it wasn't new, and we couldn't find it on streaming, so we borrowed it from the library. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
Cast:
Idris Elba as the Djinn
Tilda Swinton as Alithea Binnie
Production:
Directed by George Miller, Three Thousand Years of Longing is a visually captivating romantic fantasy film adapted from A. S. Byatt’s 1994 short story The Djinn in the Nightingale’s Eye. Miller co-wrote the screenplay with Augusta Gore, blending myth, love, and the timeless nature of desire into a rich narrative.
Release:
The film premiered out of competition at the 75th Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2022. It was then released theatrically in the United States on August 26, 2022, and in Australia on September 1, 2022.
Plot:
The story follows Alithea Binnie (Tilda Swinton), a British narratology scholar, who stumbles upon an antique bottle during a trip to Istanbul. Unbeknownst to her, the bottle releases a Djinn (Idris Elba) who has been imprisoned for thousands of years. The Djinn offers to grant her three wishes, but with certain restrictions, including no wishing for immortality or an end to sin.
Alithea is skeptical, fearing that wishes are dangerous and often come with unintended consequences. The Djinn, in an attempt to convince her, shares three of his past tales—stories of his entanglements with queens, concubines, and tragic love that span centuries.
Each of these stories highlights the Djinn's longing for freedom and the complexity of the wishes granted, showing the often bittersweet nature of desire. Through these fantastical stories, Alithea begins to confront her hesitations about love and the implications of her wishes.
In the end, Alithea realizes she has fallen in love with the Djinn, and the two navigate their complex relationship in a modern world filled with technological advancements that threaten the Djinn’s existence. The film culminates in Alithea’s final act of love for the Djinn, freeing him from his earthly bonds.
Box Office:
The film grossed $20.3 million globally, which was considered a box-office bomb, particularly given its production budget of $60 million. This lackluster performance can be attributed to the film’s niche appeal, blending mythology and romance in a way that might not resonate with a wide mainstream audience.
Rating & Warnings:
This movie is rated R for nudity, sexual content, and thematic elements. Please be advised if you're considering it for younger viewers.
Final Thoughts:
Three Thousand Years of Longing is a beautifully crafted film that offers more than just a traditional love story. It explores the complexities of desire, the consequences of wishes, and the timeless search for freedom. While it may not have set the box office on fire, its rich visuals and deep philosophical themes make it a standout for viewers seeking a thoughtful and visually enchanting film. Please comment if you read and like this content. Gwen