Even committed Christians have slumps. Prayer bores us. Scripture sounds like old news, and the saints remote and irrelevant. At these times, a work of imagination, such as a movie, may re-energize our spiritual practice. One New Year’s resolution might be to view a special film each month. Here are a few you might have missed.
“3 Godfathers” — John Wayne and two companions are bank robbers fleeing a posse when they come across a woman giving birth. They promise to care for the dying woman’s child and find redemption in keeping that promise.
“Amazing Grace” — William Wilberforce leads the struggle to end the British slave trade, despite poor health and social ostracism. We also meet John Newton, the former slaver who wrote the hymn “Amazing Grace.”
“The Apostle” — A Pentecostal preacher severely beats his wife’s lover and flees justice. He starts over, developing an interracial church in rural Louisiana. Writer, director and star Robert Duvall is incredible.
“Barabbas” — How would you feel if Jesus literally died in your place? Anthony Quinn stars as the man faced with that question in this critically acclaimed film.
“Bella” — Bella, pregnant and single, gets fired. Her co-worker Jose helps her find a new job and make the right choices for her baby and herself.
“The Blind Side” — A white Christian family takes in a homeless African American boy who becomes a football sensation. Sandra Bullock won an Oscar for her performance.
“The End of the Affair” — Maurice Bendix loves Sarah, a married woman. She abruptly ends their affair with no explanation. He gradually learns of Sarah’s spiritual journey and how it affected all her relationships.
“For Greater Glory” — Between 1917 and 1929, the Mexican government actively persecuted the Catholic Church provoking widespread resistance. Andy Garcia plays Enrique Gorsieata, the man who led the guerrilla army known as Cristeros.
“The Hiding Place” — Arrested for hiding Jews, Corrie and Betsie ten Boom discover that God’s love is present even in a Nazi concentration camp. Sadly, most critics ignored this true story and its outstanding cast.
“Love Comes Softly” — This historical romance stars Katherine Heigl as a widow forced by circumstances to marry a stranger. It’s the first of a series on the Hallmark channel.
“The Mission” — Robert De Niro stars as a former slave catcher and murderer who joins a Jesuit priest (Jeremy Irons) in defending the recently converted Guarani Indians from slavers. This film is on the Vatican’s list of recommended movies.
“The Painted Veil” — Walter is a bacteriologist in China. When he learns his wife is unfaithful, he retaliates by taking her along on his mission to fight cholera. Slowly they learn to forgive and trust one another again.
“Shadowlands” — Author C.S. Lewis (“The Chronicles of Narnia”) married late in life. His wife died of cancer soon after. This film dramatizes Lewis’ memoir “A Grief Observed” and stars Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger.
“The Spitfire Grill” — The Sacred Heart League produced this story of a paroled convict who becomes a catalyst for change in a small Vermont town. It faces the truth that real love can cost you everything.
“Tender Mercies” — Robert Duvall plays a washed up country singer who finds work at a small motel and eventually marries its owner. She gently influences him to become a Christian and a father to her son, but his new life is not without suffering.
I’ve deliberately left out films about Biblical figures, the saints, religious or clergy. The characters in these movies are ordinary laypeople just like us, which is both a comfort and a challenge. Happy New Year and happy viewing.
Kathleen welcomes comments. Send them to Kathleen Choi, 1706 Waianuenue Ave., Hilo 96720, or email: kathchoi@hawaii.rr.com.
