It seems as though the mighty movie moguls of Hollywood have found the Christian faith to be very marketable among the American audiences. Recent releases such as The Passion of the Christ and The Nativity Story contain explicitly biblical storylines, while The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings have overtly Christian imagery. Occasionally, a comical but still largely reverent parody of the Christian faith is made, such as Keeping the Faith, Sister Act or the recent Evan Almighty.
But throughout film history, several excellent movies have been made which, while not explicitly Christian in their content or purpose, nonetheless present themes that invite spiritual, even redemptive, discussion. Below is a list of 10 films that I have really enjoyed, and that I believe can promote such discussion. Some of them are R-rated, and a few have some objectionable content, but taken as a whole, each asks excellent questions to which, in my opinion, the Christian faith has the only acceptable answer.
There are probably many more films like this out there, but I've chosen these 10 just to start some discussion. If you can think of others, please add them!
1. Seven (1995) – Directed by David Fincher, starring Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman
Discussion Theme: What is sin/evil? What are the effects of sin in the world?
2. The Game (1997) – Directed by David Fincher, starring Michael Douglas and Sean Penn
Discussion Theme: What is the purpose of suffering and evil? Can evil ever be redemptive?
3. On the Waterfront (1955) – Directed by Elia Kazan, starring Marlon Brando and Karl Malden
Discussion Theme: How should faithful people stand up to evil and injustice in the world?
4. Places in the Heart (1984) – Directed by Robert Benton, starring Sally Field and Danny Glover
Discussion Theme: What are the essential components of true Christian community?
5. The Shawshank Redemption (1994) – Directed by Frank Darabont, starring Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins.
Discussion Theme: What is hope? How should people translate hope into action?
6. Chariots of Fire (1981) – Directed by Hugh Hudson, starring Ian Charleson and Ben Cross
Discussion Theme: What kind of loyalties should a person have when God is the motivating force in his life? Other than God, what forces motivate people to action?
7. Elmer Gantry (1960) – Directed by Richard Brooks, starring Burt Lancaster and Jean Simmons
Discussion Theme: What happens when techniques, “numbers,” and a business ethic—rather than changing lives—become the motivation for Christian witness?
8. Signs (2002) – Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, starring Mel Gibson and Joaquin Phoenix
Discussion Theme: Can a person prove God’s existence? Are there really signs in the world that He exists, or is it totally a matter of faith?
9. Glory (1989) – Directed by Edward Zwick, starring Matthew Broderick and Denzel Washington
Discussion Theme: What are the marks of true Christian manhood? How can Christian men stand together?
10. Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003) – Directed by Peter Jackson, starring everyone.
Discussion Theme: There’s plenty to choose from. I just included this because I love the Elves and think it would be cool to be one!
7 comments:
Good choices, Jeff. Here a few I would have on my list.
1. Leap Of Faith - Starring Steve Martin and Debra Winger - God can work through us even when we least expect it or don't even know it.
2. The Devil's Advocate - Starring Al Pacino - How does evil manifest itself in the world? In what ways are we setting ourselves up to be the masters of our own destiny rather than trusting God to be the master?
3. The Fisher King - Starring Robin Williams and Jeff Bridges. Discovering that one's true worth comes from a relationship with God.
4. Braveheart - Starring Mel Gibson. I just love the film. It's about justice, standing up for what you believe, loving unconditionally.
Can I just tell you that two of those in the list I have actually seen? We may have just witnessed a miracle. I love both Chariots of Fire and Shawshank Redemption.
A great list of films!
I would add THE GREEN MILE to the list. It was the movie that inspired a ministry entitled REEL SANCTUARY at the last church that I served. A group of about 20 people would gather every two weeks at the Destinta theater in Bridgeville. We would see a movie that raised various theological, spiritual, or ethical issues. Then we would grab some popcorn and gather in one of the "party rooms" for the purpose of discussing the film and its implications.
Anyway, THE GREEN MILE was the film that led a bunch of us to develop that ministry.
Great list, Jeff. Mine would DEFINITELY include Shawshank (remember that was filmed at old Mansfield Prison, just 20 minutes away from Ashland Seminary?) and the Green Mile, both offerings from the great mind of Stephen King. I would add "The Matrix" with Keanu Reeves (the FIRST movie of the trilogy). I believe it examines such spiritual themes as 1 - taking a leap of faith; 2 - the understanding that the world in which we live is NOT the only world we need to be concerned with, indeed the other world (in the Matrix, the gaming/techno world, for us, the spiritual realm) is ultimately the real one.
I would also add "Finding Nemo" - seeking after the one that was lost, and at the end, Nemo is willing to jump into the net with the other fish that are caught in order to set them free (incarnational theme? I'm sure the writers weren't intentionally attempting spiritual themes, but they are evident, regardless).
One of the best Movies that probably none have seen, (except Eric) is Babette's Feast. It is a French Film. If you can find it, and you probably can online, I would check it out. Fabulous!
What about "The Truman Show"?
And "The Godfather".
Post a Comment