Man of Steel: A Superman for a new generation

Everyone looks up to a superhero. Since the time that one is able to walk and talk, the obsession with superheroes begins. We try to emulate them and do what they do so we can be better people, or just because we like their style and want to be as cool as them. Regardless of our intentions, superhero movies are a craze that can inspire generations and live in the hearts of millions forever.

Clark Kent is an unseemly young man jumping from one odd job to another. What is most astonishing about him is the fact that his superhuman abilities are revealed slowly as he helps people he meets in his search to find his true identity. He discovers that he is an alien from a planet called Krypton which was destroyed long before he arrived on Earth. As his search continues, he realises the purpose of his existence on Earth at the same time that a group of rebels from his home planet discover him. The rebels come to Earth in the hope that they can continue their villainous rein by restarting their own race of Kryptonians on planet Earth. Now under the identity of Superman, Clark must take sides as he decides whether to trust his own race or the humans.

A complete restart of the Superman series, Man of Steel has a charm that has not been witnessed in any Superman film prior to this one. This can be attributed to the directorial work of Zack Snyder and the production inputs from Christopher Nolan. A certain amount of credit also goes to the editorial work put in by Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer who worked on the screenplay for the film. Both Snyder and Nolan have a penchant for creating exquisite action sequences and brilliant films which shows in this movie as well. Snyder’s directorial influence also shows in his use of decolourised scenes which he is well known for.

While the previous Superman film franchise was known for being loved out-and-out for being relatable and humanistic, this Superman also endures a far bit of soul-searching in his quest to find himself. The character was always well-known for being a ruggedly handsome powerful being who was shaken more by his inner demons than actual physical combat with his foes, which is also seen in this film to a certain degree. It also shows Superman’s vulnerability when the people he loves are affected, particularly his family and love interest. His weakness is also exposed when he is faced up with people as powerful as himself; in overcoming that weakness he is forced to perform an action he almost never does which produces a scene of amazing impact towards the end of the film.

While certain apprehensions persist over whether it was a true-to-the-style Superman film, it is nevertheless a great action film in its own rite. In fact, apart from just being a great action film, as an epic about a superhero that happens only once in a few generations, it fares quite well too.