Serenity

This movie is one that I've seen several times and enjoyed immensely.  The movie begins with the Earth being overpopulated, so space is the inevitable frontier for colonization.  There's a new government, The Alliance - the Americans and Chinese - that is ruthless in its pursuit of its own interests.  And those interests include capturing a young woman named River Tam who is extremely gifted.  What ensues is a classic count and mouse game, with Reavers thrown in to spice it up a little.

There are many parallels in this story relating to the title, Serenity, that are interesting.

Serenity relating to space.  Space is calm, quiet, and peaceful.  Yet, in this story line space is a place of conflict and struggle.  And in certain Reaver occupied portions of space, it is a death sentence.  

Serenity relating to the operative.  He was ruthless, confident, intelligent, and at peace with who he was, and his role in the grand scheme of the Alliance.  However, it wasn't until after watching the Miranda message, that he seemed to fully be at peace.

Serenity relating to River Tam.  River was a gifted, talented, and tortured soul, who moved through the world operating on a different plane.  Even during the throes of combat, she remained serene, peaceful, and composed.  Yet, death seemed to surround her.  

Serenity relating to Captain Malcolm "Mal" Reynolds.  He was a man he seemed to have his hurts, issues, and demons that he didn't like to expose, but they effected how he treated people. It wasn't until he was able to get Inarra Serra, a Companion, back that he seemed to have found serenity.

There are a few qualities that make a movie great.  The main and most important quality is believability.  And this movie, though it's science fiction, is not so far from our scope of thinking to be thought of lightly.  Which is what makes this movie so great.  It's believable and for many has answered the question "Where do we go next?"