AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR (2018) Movie Review

Self-sacrifice is noble. It is ultimate selflessness. It is the ultimate act of love.

What about the sacrifice of another?Could you kill one person to save half of the world, even half the universe? Even if one gives permission? If one insisted?

Who decides who lives and dies?

What is the right thing to do?

Avenger: Infinity War is a thorough and tragic analysis of this idea. An ultimate evil invades Earth to retrieve two Infinity stones. With all six stones in his possession, he would have the power to wipe all life from the universe. He would have the power of God.

The Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy unite with other heroes in order to stop Thanos' efforts. They pull every resource available to keep the infinity stones out of his possession. Everyone unites in one goal. Each plays a crucial role in order to save Earth.

It explores the consequences of three separate choices:

The Sacrifice of Another
Genesis 9:6 - "If anyone takes a human life, that person’s life will also be taken by human hands. For God made human beings in his own image." (NLT)

Thanos in his blind ambition doesn't hesitate to take the life of the person he loves most in order to collect the Soul Stone. A soul for a soul. The decision breaks him. Still, he remains strong in his belief that death is the solution to the universe's problems.

Self-Sacrifice

John 15:13 - "There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." (NLT)

Vision, willing to die, attempts to destroy the Mind Stone in his body. He is willing to die in order to keep Thanos from collecting the final stone. He considers death without a second thought, without hesitation, and out of concern for everyone he loves.

Proverbs 21:3 - "The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices." (NLT)

There is always a secret option C. Many of the Avengers insist upon it. All life is valuable. Each person has a part to play. Nobody needs to die. Their efforts are noble but unsuccessful. Two of the six stones are surrendered in an effort to save the life of another.

Only Doctor Strange knows how to defeat Thanos. Before he dies he makes a radical decision to surrender the stone in exchange for Tony Stark's life. However the story continues, Tony Stark is the key to Thanos' defeat. He is humanity's last hope, even with the sacrifice of so many others.

This bold story certainly takes risks, unafraid to jar a sense of shock and hopelessness into Marvel fans. Thanos wins. At great cost. Or does he?

Whatever Doctor Strange sees in his vision, Thanos must first win. He must succeed in his goal in order to face defeat. He gets everything he wants, but at great cost. He loses everything. His throne becomes a lonely place.

The remaining heroes must regroup and recover in order to figure out the solution. Defeat Thanos and reverse his act of genocide. The Infinity War sequel cannot come soon enough.