Movies to Watch

"A central aspect of this task of being a thinking Christian . . . is a willingness to take seriously the prevalence of theological talk in our society, not the least of which is the theological discourse that is both overt and lying beneath the surface of pop culture expressions. Taking this theological discourse seriously involves learning how to perceive its presence, evaluate it, and respond to it constructively in a distinctively Christian manner . . . The media — television, movies, pop music, etc. — have become the most prevalent voices articulating the language that is constructing the world of contemporary North Americans." — Stanley Grenz

The following movies are recommended as films that can be helpful in provoking thought and conversation about issues related to spirituality, religion, and/or philosophy. The views presented in these films are not necessarily endorsed by New Life Presbyterian Church, but they will hopefully help Christians sharpen their skills in responding Biblically to contemporary issues. Watching these movies with others might very well open opportunities to share the answer the Gospel offers to the perplexing questions that face us all. The content of some of these films may be objectionable to some people, so please investigate further before watching.

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Amazing Grace
(2006)
This is the story of William Wilberforce, who was elected to the British House of Commons in 1784 and entered into a long, embattled campaign to abolish slavery in England. The movie only gives a short amount of time to the song from which it gets its name, but does give attention to Wilberforce's Christian faith, and makes the point that one's desire to praise God in the church need not be divorced from one's desire to change the world.

The Apostle
(1997)
Robert Duvall invested a large amount of his own money to fund this film about a charismatic Pentecostal preacher who happens to be a volatile, loose cannon. Duvall's character is no paragon of virtue, but his passion for the Gospel is hard to deny. Movie is an interesting look at the fight between the Spirit and the flesh.

Babette's Feast
(1987)
Highly regarded Danish movie which tells the story of a woman who wins a lottery and decides to spend her winnings on the preparation of a lavish meal. This film has much to say about the proper place of beauty and taste in the Christian life.

The Big Kahuna
(1999)
If you always wanted to see Kevin Spacey and Danny DeVito sitting around a table talking about Jesus, this movie will end your search. Spacey and DeVito are salesmen who are breaking in a third colleague, who happens to be an evangelical Christian. Good questions are raised about the proper time and nature of Christian evangelism, and how this relates to the workplace.

Contact
(1997)
A priest and an atheistic scientist square off in a film about the search for life beyond the earth. In terms of the views presented, there is much to which we can object, but the movie does attempt to grapple with matters of faith vs. science.

Crimes and Misdemeanors
(1989)
Say what you will about Woody Allen, but there is simply no other film maker who is willing to so regularly deal with moral and spiritual issues. Here he tells the story of a man wrestling with guilt after he agrees to have a mistress killed.

Dead Man Walking
(1995)
Compelling drama about a man on death row who is befriended by a nun. Raises questions about the proper place of the death penalty in our society.

Devil's Playground
(2002)
Fascinating documentary examining the practice of Amish teens who leave their communities and live among the "English" for a time before deciding whether they want to commit themselves to Amish life.

Hannah and Her Sisters
(1986)
One of Woody Allen's most famous films, and perhaps his best overall. Explores the lives of three sisters dealing with a variety of challenges and crises. Sub-plot involves Woody trying to discover the meaning of life.

Hell House
(2001)
Documentary about a church in Texas that creates haunted houses every Halloween that seek to give visitors a glimpse of what they believe hell is like.

Jesus Camp
(2006)
Oscar-nominated documentary (2006) about a children's pastor who runs an evangelical camp in North Dakota that seeks to prepare children to "take back America for Christ." They are charismatic, Republican, fervently pro-life, and prepared for war. Includes a somewhat strange encounter with Ted Haggard prior to his resignation from the pastorate.

Luther
(2003)
There is an older movie about Martin Luther's life from the 1950s, but this is a more polished, 2003 depiction of the Reformer's life. Story is sometimes hard to follow, but the acting and directing are rather good, and Luther's passion for Biblical truth is captured admirably.

My Flesh and Blood
(2003)
Heartbreaking, difficult documentary about a single, unemployed woman who adopts 11 children – all of whom are handicapped. This movie will help you reevaluate how difficult you think your life is, and will help create compassion and understanding for handicapped children.

Shadowlands
(1993)
Story of the life of CS Lewis, starring Anthony Hopkins. Unfortunately, movie gives little attention to Lewis' spiritual pursuits, but is worth watching to learn about Lewis' short-lived marriage.

Waking Life
(2001)
Highly unique film that is basically one long philosophical conversation. A degree in philosophy might help to follow this one, but if you are thinker by nature, this film is for you. And oh yea – it's a cartoon.

Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music?
(2004)

This film sheds considerable light on the pros and cons of the Christian music industry. Filmed mostly at the annual Cornerstone Music Festival in Bushnell, Illinois, this film allows its subjects – mostly Christian musicians and fans -- to speak for themselves.  The filmmakers are not Christians, but in the spirit of a good documentary, they manage to leave out their own opinion. Featured are interviews with and footage of bands like MxPx, Supertones, Steve Taylor, Pedro the Lion, Danielson Famile, Duvall, Cool Hand Luke, Squad Five-O, Ballydowse, and the Blamed. If you are a lover of Christian rock music, you will find some of your opinions openly challenged, but you will also be inspired by the sincerity and passion of many of the Christian musicians and fans. If you question the integrity of Christian music, you will find many of your thoughts well articulated in this film.