Redeeming Films

On yesterday's Focus on the Film, Dobson and crew provided an unusual program -- their version of the Oscars. Although some people think that Dobson is too reactionary or political, I must admit that he was right on yesterday -- pointing to the degrading nature of some many award-winning films, and yet describing some of his favorites that have redeeming value. He had his two guys that run Plugged In Online, which is a movie review that I check frequently (go to www.family.org and look to the column on the right).

Susan and I had an interesting discussion about this program and about films after hearing this broadcast while preparing dinner. She reminded me of a website that she often checks late in the week -- the media section of www.Christianitytoday.com (go to their website and click "media" at top and you'll see "movies" come up). One neat thing about this website that Susan pointed out is that the reviewers provide their "Top Ten List," including a "Top Ten of Redeeming Films" That's how we learned about the somewhat quirky British film, "Millions." (What an amazing ending!)

I asked her, "What have been some of the most redeeming films you've seen the past few years?" I like films that especially remind me of Jesus, what matters in life, the power of love, poeple who overcome, and other such redeeming qualities.

Here are a few of my favorites (some oldies and some new):

1. Chariots of Fire -- I suggest you rent the 25th anniversary edition and watch the interview between the director, Hugh Hudson, and David Puttnam, the producer. What they say shows that God's hand was all over the production of that exquisite film about the missionary/Olympic runner, Eric Liddle)

2. Tender Mercies -- the only film that for which Robert Duvall received an Academy Award. It has some sad moments, but is so powerful...and what a great baptism scene.

3. Akeelah and the Bee -- one of Christianity Today's top 10 redeeming films for 2006. Lawrence Fischer and the young girl playing the spelling bee participant were wonderful. What a tremendous message about the power of community

4. Enchanted April -- another quiet British film with an extraordinary cast and sweet story. I especially loved the performance by Michael Kitchen

5. The Apostle -- okay, I know this is another Robert Duvall film. But I have loved his performances ever since his debut as Boo Radley in "To Kill a Mockingbird." Another Oscar worthy performance. Great conversion scenes. And an honest portrayal of the believer's battle of the flesh and our desire to be led by the Spirit.

6. Regarding Henry -- one of my favorite performances by Harrison Ford. Screenplay by a young 20-something budding screenwriter named J.J. Henry who has gone on to be a Hollywood wonderboy (Creator of Lost and Alias, director of Mission Impossible 3). I showed a clip of it in my men's Bible class a few weeks ago -- the tender scene of Ford with his young teenager daughter, as he has been transformed from a hard-driving and selfish attorney into a compassionate father and husband.

Okay, bloggers, what is your Top 5 (or 6) REDEEMING films -- those that feed the soul and grip your heart with an uplifting message?

Jim