Seven Lucky Gods

Seven Lucky Gods delves deeply into the intricate tapestry of relationships and emotions that bind us all, regardless of geographical, cultural, or religious borders. The 2014 movie, directed by Jamil Dehlavi, is a thought-provoking exploration of interlocking destinies, the human quest for acceptance, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy.

Seven Lucky Gods unrolls its story on a backdrop of multi-cultural London. The plot is set into motion by the arrival of Mehmet, a charming young Albanian immigrant played by Nik Xhelilaj. He's looking for a place within society, trying to carve an identity for himself amidst the melee and chaos of a new city with an unfamiliar culture.

Christopher Villiers assumes the fascinating character of Dr. Allman, a tutor of Theology at a London university, who provides Mehmet with a job and a roof over his head, thereby stepping into the first phase of an intricate relationship full of twists and turns. With a seasoned performance, Villiers manages to bring to life the complex character of Allman who is caught between his attraction for Mehmet, his own deeply-rooted fears, and his strong Catholic beliefs. The inclusion of Alison Peebles in the multi-layered narrative, playing Allman's mother chemically thrown off balance, adds another substantial dimension to the entangled storyline and sets the stage for more intrigue and untwining emotions.

Seven Lucky Gods then diverts into a series of arresting sub-plots, examining the distinctive dynamics of the complicated relations Mehmet shares with the seven people he encounters – the Seven Lucky Gods - each adding a layer of depth to the narrative, enriching it with observations on human behavior, relationships, and societal structures. These 'Gods' take the characters on haunting journeys through London's underbelly, showing them worlds they never knew existed, challenging their beliefs, and turning their lives upside down.

The movie keeps consistently focused on the constructs of faith, culture, and identity, explored through its compelling characters who are all in one way or another, border-crossers. The diverse cultural backgrounds and unique personal histories of each character portrayed in the movie serve to underline the overarching theme of acceptance and adaptation.

As the narrative progresses, Seven Lucky Gods delves into the surreal realm of dreams, wandering incessantly on the brink between waking life and a hallucinatory space, stirring up questions about perception and reality. By doing so, it touches on the extraordinary influence of dreams on the human psyche, comparing it intricately to the power of religious conviction, societal pressures, and human emotion. Here, the lines of the real, imaginary, and spiritual are blended, creating an intriguing mix of reality, dreams, and fantasies which leaves the audience pondering over their own perceptions.

Seven Lucky Gods showcases commendable performances from its leads, with Xhelilaj delivering a captivating portrayal of Mehmet, skillfully exhibiting an outsider's perspective on culture, morality, and human bonds. Villiers and Peebles also deliver memorable performances, adding gravity and heartfelt emotions to their respective roles. The film further benefits from its well-crafted script, matey realist dialogues, and neatly directed scenes, offering an absorbing exploration of self-realization and human interaction.

Visually, the movie is imbued with rich cinematography, using the landscape of multicultural London as its canvas, and juxtaposing it with the overwhelming expanse of the human mind. Combining dark and vivid colors, the movie creates a visual narrative that aptly reflects the varying emotional states and spiritual dimensions of its characters.

Laced with intricate themes and gripping narratives, Seven Lucky Gods is an engaging exploration of culture and identity, navigating through an extraordinary blend of relationships and divergent paths to self-discovery. The complexity of the characters and their relationships gives the movie a great psychological depth, making it a memorable viewing experience that stays with you long after the end credits roll. This cinematic labyrinth of dreams, reality, and spiritual awakening ultimately provides a vivid social commentary, wrapped in a mesmerizing blend of drama and surrealism.