August 20, 2008
Movie Recommendations: Christian Films
Many Christians see Hollywood as a belligerent carnival barker standing outside a porta potty, proudly promoting the results of their latest effort. Film producers are seen offering revenge, frivolous sexual acts and substance abuse as values, while teaching that rebellion against everything is better than standing for anything. Heroic icons such as John Wayne have been replaced with sarcastic, emotionally retarded slackers who couldn’t find their own moral code if it were printed on the back of their bong. Hollywood forces their products into our lives through intrusive marketing campaigns all in a ploy to get us to watch films that do little to improve our lives. They provide porn on demand, advertise graphic violence to children and demean anything that hints of traditional morality. When they’re done peddling their inane wares, they hand out awards to each other and ask us to applaud.
Skilled Christians have responded to this situation by learning to survive in Hollywood and have slowly been working their way up the ranks of the industry. It's become clear over the last few decades that many of the unskilled Christians have just gone ahead and made films themselves. For decades, Christians have been developing a sub-industry with the label "Christian film". This branch of film is littered with some of the most embarrassing films released. As a film critic and as a Christian I am constantly amazed that some apparently think that making crappy movies glorifies God. I believe that given the despicable shape of Christian film, this industry deserves all of the mockery and dismissals it has received. My regular readers have been subject to my bombastic rants against the genre. Recently, a few of my readers requested that instead of just beating up on Christian film, that I should actually point out some of the good works done in the genre. Fair enough. Below are some of the true gems to be found amongst the towering piles of cinematic waste in the Christian film trash bin.
I am going to avoid the clear choices like Passion of the Christ or The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Babette's Feast, The Hiding Place and Chariots of Fire in favor of concentrating on selections that most mainstream audiences may have missed.
Luther is one of those uncommon films that is conscious of its subject matter and the seriousness of its content. A lesser film would have found cause to be little more than an anti-Catholic rant. While most Catholics won’t be overly enamored with the story, I believe many will agree that the church was fairly represented. The film also does well to show the violent aftermath of Luther's actions in an even-handed and respectful manner. This is an all-around strong film worth viewing despite one's theological beliefs.
This is a masterfully crafted film that brings the final six days of this brave young woman to life and is a fitting tribute to her.
Mercy Streets (2000)
This film is hurt by its willingness to show criminals acting like criminals - bad guys do bad things, we don't need to see gore and horrific details, but we need to see enough to at least make the point. In this respect, this production is a casualty of Christian restraint. The problem is that when Christians want to water down the world to make it fit in a nice, Christian template (no cursing, no violence, etc.) they end up creating something that is not truthful - and therefore a lie. Showing violence isn't forbidden, its the how and why its shown that is of concern. Despite the milquetoast villain, this small production has a lot going for it. The story is a mistaken identity plot, identical twins, one a Episcopal deacon, the other a con man switch places and learn about each other's lives. The cheesy plot works and David A.R. White is a solid lead actor. If you're into Christian film, this will certainly be one you want to see.
Woman Thou Art Loosed (2004)
Kimberly Elise is very impressive as Michelle Jordan, a woman devastated by sexual abuse, prostitution and drug abuse. Michelle turns to pastor T.D. Jakes whose preaching helps her see the light.
Jakes wrote the novel one which this film is based and while I have some difficulty with parts of his theological belief, the script (by Stan Foster and Christine Swanson) is very strong, avoids sentimentality and avoids some of the property Gospel elements of his ministry. Taken as a whole, this film packs a ton of dramatic punch without getting manipulative or exploitative.
The Jesus Movie (1979)
Believe it or not, this is believed to be the most watched film ever made. It is estimated to have been viewed over 5 billion times and has lead to over 200 million people turning their lives over to Christ.
Not bad for a simple movie made thirty years ago.
Other than the fact the source material for the film IS THE WORD OF GOD, Deacon's performance drives much of the production's success. Brian Deacon's Jesus is an approachable character who serves to deliver the story of Christ very effectively.
If you haven't seen this movie yet you probably should, before too long, you'll be in the minority.
Skilled Christians have responded to this situation by learning to survive in Hollywood and have slowly been working their way up the ranks of the industry. It's become clear over the last few decades that many of the unskilled Christians have just gone ahead and made films themselves. For decades, Christians have been developing a sub-industry with the label "Christian film". This branch of film is littered with some of the most embarrassing films released. As a film critic and as a Christian I am constantly amazed that some apparently think that making crappy movies glorifies God. I believe that given the despicable shape of Christian film, this industry deserves all of the mockery and dismissals it has received. My regular readers have been subject to my bombastic rants against the genre. Recently, a few of my readers requested that instead of just beating up on Christian film, that I should actually point out some of the good works done in the genre. Fair enough. Below are some of the true gems to be found amongst the towering piles of cinematic waste in the Christian film trash bin.
I am going to avoid the clear choices like Passion of the Christ or The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Babette's Feast, The Hiding Place and Chariots of Fire in favor of concentrating on selections that most mainstream audiences may have missed.
Luther (2003)
A well-paced look into one of the most influential men in history. Joseph Fiennes is commanding in the title role and portrays Luther not as some larger-than-life icon, but as a bookish man who combats his fears to stand against his superiors.
Luther is one of those uncommon films that is conscious of its subject matter and the seriousness of its content. A lesser film would have found cause to be little more than an anti-Catholic rant. While most Catholics won’t be overly enamored with the story, I believe many will agree that the church was fairly represented. The film also does well to show the violent aftermath of Luther's actions in an even-handed and respectful manner. This is an all-around strong film worth viewing despite one's theological beliefs.
Sophie Scholl: The Last Days (2005)
Sophie Scholl was a student involved in die Weiße Rose (The White Rose), an anti-Nazi group. Following her arrest, she is quickly shuttled through the Nazi bureaucratic machine on her way to her trail for treason. During her imprisonment she stands firm on her beliefs and against the dehumanizing socialist arguments of her interrogator Robert Mohr. The verbal sparring between the two is not only brilliantly written, but is the best clash of worldviews put to film.
This is a masterfully crafted film that brings the final six days of this brave young woman to life and is a fitting tribute to her.
The Ultimate Gift (2006)
This is not a master work. Its actually pretty sappy and the audience for this movie probably isn't all that broad. That said, the movie is well constructed, and even though I'm a jaded, critical jerk, I enjoyed it.
Following the death of his rich father, Jason (Drew Fuller) an aimless trust fund baby, is prepared to collect his inheritance. His father has other plans and links the family riches to Jason performing tasks meant to give the rudderless kid direction and a new found love of life. There is little here that is fresh and, again, many will find this to be a sap-fest. Some good screenwriting by Cheryl McKay (Gigi: God's Little Princess) and good performances by Fuller, Bill Cobbs, and Brian Dennehy saves this from becoming a mindless, Hallmark card put to film.
Following the death of his rich father, Jason (Drew Fuller) an aimless trust fund baby, is prepared to collect his inheritance. His father has other plans and links the family riches to Jason performing tasks meant to give the rudderless kid direction and a new found love of life. There is little here that is fresh and, again, many will find this to be a sap-fest. Some good screenwriting by Cheryl McKay (Gigi: God's Little Princess) and good performances by Fuller, Bill Cobbs, and Brian Dennehy saves this from becoming a mindless, Hallmark card put to film.
Mercy Streets (2000)
Jakes wrote the novel one which this film is based and while I have some difficulty with parts of his theological belief, the script (by Stan Foster and Christine Swanson) is very strong, avoids sentimentality and avoids some of the property Gospel elements of his ministry. Taken as a whole, this film packs a ton of dramatic punch without getting manipulative or exploitative.
The Jesus Movie (1979)
Believe it or not, this is believed to be the most watched film ever made. It is estimated to have been viewed over 5 billion times and has lead to over 200 million people turning their lives over to Christ.
Not bad for a simple movie made thirty years ago.
Other than the fact the source material for the film IS THE WORD OF GOD, Deacon's performance drives much of the production's success. Brian Deacon's Jesus is an approachable character who serves to deliver the story of Christ very effectively.
If you haven't seen this movie yet you probably should, before too long, you'll be in the minority.
Do you have any favorite Christian films I did list here?
Labels: movie recommendations
posted by Michelle Obama's Left Nut at 8:00 AM
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6 Comments:
I unashamedly adore the old short film Music Box with gospel music by the Sensational Nightingales. It manages to tread a fine line between camp and sincerity, and at just over 30 minutes it doesn't wear out its welcome. If you've never seen it, the company which distributes it has put it up for free on YouTube.
Hey, I just ran across your blog somehow. Love it so far. I put you in my bloglines.
Thanks for stopping in Robert.
Eehahinc, I'll check it out. Thanks for the suggestion.
I agree with EegahInc. I love the Music Box as well. I also have found a young adults series by Frank Peretti called the Veritas Project. The first book, "Hangman's Curse", was turned into a movie and is really good as well.
I really liked Amazing Grace starring Ioan Gruffudd. Saw it at a family ministries conference at my church. What did you think? I'd also like to know what you thought of Fireproof. I haven't seen it yet but people keep telling me I should. I watched the trailer and I thought it looked cheesy.
Fireproof: http://www.goodnewsfilmreviews.com/2009/02/fireproof-2007.html
I recommend it, but it is sappy. Taking it for what it is, a heavy-handed Christian film, its not so bad. As a film in the general sense? Not so much.
Amazing Grace: http://www.goodnewsfilmreviews.com/2008/07/amazing-grace-2006.html
This is a very solid film - well acted, well produced. Absolutely worth seeing.
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