Film Overview"Wisdom", released in 1986, is a thrilling American crime drama directed by its main star, Emilio Estevez. Estevez portrays John Wisdom, a rather unconventional lead character together with Demi Moore, who stars as his lover, Karen Simmons. This movie manifests as a mix of a romantic, crime, and social drama genre, marking Estevez's launching as a director.
Plot OutlineAs the movie begins, we fulfill John Wisdom, an extremely intelligent person who, regrettably, is a small-time felon. Versus his will, his criminal record obstructs his efforts to land a good task, resulting in the development of aggravation in him. Throughout his struggle, he falls for Karen Simmons (Demi Moore), who becomes his helpful accomplice in an extreme strategy that Wisdom develops to assist society.
Feeling alienated and unable to fit within society's standards, Wisdom develops a Robin-Hood-style plan: robbing banks however burning the loan records instead of taking the money, consequently reducing the financial problem on struggling farmers and individuals. The Wis-dome (a play on words of Wisdom's name), as it ends up being recognized, rapidly attracts public interest, and Wisdom becomes a folk hero regardless of his criminal habits.
Conflict and ResolutionAs the film progresses, authorities pressure increases on Wisdom and Karen, highlighting the government's failure in comprehending Wisdom's intention behind the criminal activities. Consequently, the couple ends up on the run from a number of police, triggering an across the country manhunt. The couple's actions change them into anti-establishment folk heroes, and they are viewed affectionately by the general population, juxtaposing them against the relatively insensitive banks and the law.
After a series of thrilling chases after, near leaves, and hideouts, the film reaches its climactic end. Wisdom and Karen are cornered in a Los Angeles storm sewage system by law enforcement officers. Caught with apparently no escape, Wisdom goes out of the drain unarmed and deals with the officers who ruthlessly shoot him down in a hail of gunfire. Yet, in an unexpected twist, Wisdom awakens in his vehicle where he fell asleep at the start of the film, recommending that the experiences were only a dream.
Critical Reception"Wisdom" received mixed evaluations. While some praised it for its daring technique to socially relevant concerns and Estevez's compelling performance, others slammed it for its shaky story and the abrupt ending, considering it more of a symbolic gesture than a trustworthy plot advancement. Overall, while Estevez's very first film showcased his capacity as a director, it also revealed space for enhancement. The film's social commentary and adventurous plot made it a memorable piece, showing the predicament of one male attempting to make a distinction.
In conclusion, "Wisdom" is an intriguing film of a guy identified to alter the world, blurring the lines in between criminality and heroism. While its delivery may be flawed, its bold activities and social discourse unquestionably make it worth a watch. Especially, it raises profound concerns about the justice system, society's attitude towards felons, and how far a person can go to pursue what they believe is right.
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