Ship of Fools: Films for church film groups

Thread: Films for church film groups Board: Oblivion / Ship of Fools.

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Posted by Percy B (# 17238) on :

I read somewhere that Derby diocese recommends certain films as a means of stimulating discussion about religion and faith.

A friend was talking to me about this kind of thing because he is thinking about starting a film group in his parish.

He said he wouldn't want the latest blockbuster - as they would probably have been seen, and anyway couldn't be got by DVD.

No he has in mind films that inspire or prompt thought, that are not over violent or scary. That may be on religious themes or at least raise such themes, and, of course be available on DVD.

Some serious, some light hearted.

Any suggestions? And not to just have a list of names, but reasons why would be good as well.

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :

Gotta see The Big Kahuna(1999)

An indie film with most of the activity taking place in a hotel suite with three characters on a sales convention-- Two seasoned salesmen who are old friends (Kevin Spacey, and Danny DeVito at his best) and a young fresh hire who just happens to be an evangelical Christian.(Peter Facinelli)

The late Kenwritez insisted this film should be required viewing in youth groups. Mostly this had to do with the conflict between the evangelical character and his colleagues, and one fantastic speech about character delivered beautifully by DeVito toward the end of the film. That speech alone is worth it all.

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :

Percy B:

quote:
... that are not over violent or scary...

Pity. There goes Dogma.

I love this film. [Tear]

Posted by Eutychus (# 3081) on :

I'll note that one down, Kelly.

This looks like a good place to do another plug for The Apostle.

Pentecostal preacher ends up re-planting a church whilst on the run from the law. Allegedly described by Billy Graham as one of the best non-christian films about christian subculture, and plenty to discuss.

Another more provocative favourite of mine about christian subculture is Saved!, but you'd probably want to watch that one first as it might well upset some church members. I find my feelings when watching it are a good barometer for my own faith.

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :

I'm gonna put in a plug for a crazy little indie film called "Household Saints" (you might guess I'm kind of an indie nut.)

Stars the ever-wonderful Lili Taylor as a devout Catholic girl, who, when thwarted from her heart's desire of becoming a nun by her parents, finds a way to live the devout life in every day ways. She also develops a huge crush on Jesus. I'm not kidding. It works, trust me.

As weird as it may sound, it is a joyous exploration of application of the methods of St. Therese-- the sacrament of the every day, the way one serves God by serving the people around them, and how even ironing shirts (or having sex) becomes an act of devotion.

Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :

I very much enjoyed 'Doubt' - what choices do people make when in positions of responsibility (and how do they deal with the aftermath when they are not sure if they have made the right choice?).

Posted by leo (# 1458) on :

I do a lot of pizza and film nights.
Although the bible Society is a bit protty for my liking, they have an excellent website which suggests films, delineates themes, has questions for discussion etc. It's here.

Posted by ArachnidinElmet (# 17346) on :

The year I went to Greenbelt they showed Priest . A cracking film, but the plot hinges on a priest's gay relationship and the sexual abuse of one of his parishoners by her father, so it's not the Sound of Music. Apparently making it made writer Jimmy McGovern come back to the church though, so food for thought.

The year before, Greenbelt showed Pulp Fiction, which may be a bit of a stretch.

For something a bit chirpier: Keeping the Faith

Posted by Percy B (# 17238) on :

Thanks for the Bible Society site Leo. It is helpful but I also feel it lacks something- maybe it's the more arty film that isn't on there or classic things like Babettes Feast.

However, it is a great help.

Priest is a good one. It's years since I watched it, as I remember it also raised issues of priestly celibacy and traditional v. Liberal in Catholicism. In fact a book full of issues!

I do like the suggestion of the Indie films - especially as they are less likely to have been widely viewed.

I watched Kinky Boots a few months ago with a group of Christians and it raised a good discussion afterwards.

Posted by Hilda of Whitby (# 7341) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Percy B:
I read somewhere that Derby diocese recommends certain films as a means of stimulating discussion about religion and faith.

A friend was talking to me about this kind of thing because he is thinking about starting a film group in his parish.

He said he wouldn't want the latest blockbuster - as they would probably have been seen, and anyway couldn't be got by DVD.

No he has in mind films that inspire or prompt thought, that are not over violent or scary. That may be on religious themes or at least raise such themes, and, of course be available on DVD.

Some serious, some light hearted.

Any suggestions? And not to just have a list of names, but reasons why would be good as well.

The Way. It stars Martin Sheen and was directed by his son, Emilio Estevez. It's about a Type A medical doctor (Sheen) whose son (Estevez) is killed in an accident in Spain when just about to start the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Sheen decides to go in his son's place. He's a crusty, arrogant, stand-offish man who falls in with some other pilgrims along the way and over the course of the pilgrimage he changes considerably. It's quite touching and the scenery is lovely. The film was a labor of love for both star and director. I liked it very much.

In this house of Brede. Film version starring Diana Rigg of the novel by Rumer Godden. It's about a woman who leaves a high powered prestigious job in a government ministry to become a nun in a Benedictine monastery. While not as good as the book, it was worth watching. Diana Rigg was very well cast. The book, BTW, is terrific.

[ 18. December 2012, 23:19: Message edited by: Hilda of Whitby ]

Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :

I doubt it will encourage discussion, but it might work on a very different level. That is the file Into Great Silence. It really is a mini retreat in itself.

Jengie

Posted by Pyx_e (# 57) on :

Babettes Feast
Whale Rider

Michael

Fly Safe Pyx_e

Posted by Pyx_e (# 57) on :

Also, how much does it cost to get permission to show films in church? (and how do you go about it?)

Ta, Pyx_e

Posted by Albertus (# 13356) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Eutychus:
I'll note that one down, Kelly.

This looks like a good place to do another plug for The Apostle.

Pentecostal preacher ends up re-planting a church whilst on the run from the law. Allegedly described by Billy Graham as one of the best non-christian films about christian subculture, and plenty to discuss.
...

Yes, I was going to suggest that one. I saw it when it first came out and although I've never seen it since, it made a deep impression on me. Some very strong themes there of vocation and redemption. In fact, I'd say it was only a non-Christian film insofar as it wasn't made by Christians with a Christian purpose.

Posted by Alex Cockell (# 7487) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Pyx_e:
Also, how much does it cost to get permission to show films in church? (and how do you go about it?)

Ta, Pyx_e

In the UK, CCLI have this option available - the Church Video Licence.

Here you go - http://www.ccli.co.uk/licences/churches_showing-entire-films.cfm

http://www.ccli.co.uk/licences/churches_playing-music.cfm

Looks like you'd need a Church Video Licence, a PRS Music for Churches Licence , and PPL Church Licence to be aboveboard. There is also a list of studios that your content has to be from - as they are signatories to the blanket deal.

I think one of the stipulations is you can't charge for it...

Posted by Alex Cockell (# 7487) on :

Here's the SHowing Films info - http://www.ccli.co.uk/licences/events_showing-films.cfm

Posted by Stetson (# 9597) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Kelly Alves:
Gotta see The Big Kahuna(1999)

An indie film with most of the activity taking place in a hotel suite with three characters on a sales convention-- Two seasoned salesmen who are old friends (Kevin Spacey, and Danny DeVito at his best) and a young fresh hire who just happens to be an evangelical Christian.(Peter Facinelli)

The late Kenwritez insisted this film should be required viewing in youth groups. Mostly this had to do with the conflict between the evangelical character and his colleagues, and one fantastic speech about character delivered beautifully by DeVito toward the end of the film. That speech alone is worth it all.

Wow, that's the first film that came to my mind, and I was gonna post about it before I saw your entry.

POSSIBLE JOKE SPOILER

I love the scene where the Christian guy gets assigned bartending duties, and he starts fantasizing about handing out the drinks right and left like an old pro, all the while shouting "JESUS SAVES"!!

Then, they cut to the actual party later on, and he's poring over a recipe book, struggling to figure out how to make a simple drink. It pretty much encapsulated my entire experience at learning new processes.

Posted by Hawk (# 14289) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Pyx_e:
Also, how much does it cost to get permission to show films in church? (and how do you go about it?)

Ta, Pyx_e

This is the one we use, from CCLI. It doesn't say how much it is on the website, but if you get in touch with them they can give a quote I think. It gives a blanket licence for a list of distributors. Unfortunately a lot of indie and foreign distributors aren't on it but it's got a good number.

in terms of films to show, it depends whether you're primarily doing it for Christians, or for a wider audience. I always think its best not to be too explicitly Christian in the films shown, otherwise it curtails discussion a bit.

Films we've shown are:

True Grit: A little violence and olde-time swearing, but it prompted one of our best discussions, about redemption, forgiveness and vengeance. The Coen Brothers are genius' as well so any excuse to watch somethingby them.

The Hunger Games: Again a bit of violence, and quite shocking for some people as it's about teenagers fighting to the death. But prompts very good discussion.

The Iron Lady: Surprisingly balanced portrait of Thatcher, neither lauding or castigating her. Primarily not a biopic about Thatcher at all, but about the nature of power, of the loss of power, and about delaing with old age and dementia.

Another Earth: Excellent, but slow burning film about coping with personal tragedy. Lots of lingering washed-out shots and haunting notes. Uncomfortable in it's realism (despite being sci-fi). But very good and thoughtful perspective on ourselves and the meaning of life.

The Lovely Bones: A child who was murdered by a neighbour looks down from heaven as her family tries to cope with their grief. Difficult but beautiful in its depiction of the afterlife, and the ending especially presents good points for discussion about the nature of natural justice.

Another Year: Superb kitchen sink drama from Mike Leigh. Any of Mike Leigh's work would be good to show, (Happy-Go-Lucky especially) as its a clautrophobically realistic portrait of ordinar people and their small but very personal struggles.

Crazy Heart/The Wrestler: Very similar films about a washed up star still stumbling through their routines despite it being bad for them, and needing to sort their lives out. The Wrestler is my faviorite, though has a bit of violence in the ring.

Little Miss Sunshine: Absolutely superb portrait of a dysfunctional, though sweetly loving family. You could talk about it all night as well. Its got themes of suicide, child beauty pageants, drug taking, self-help writing, and overall the tension between being happy and being a winner - and what that even means.

The Grey: Unfortunately not covered by our licence so I can't show it. But I really wish I could. A pack of wolves hunts a group of alaskan oil workers through the forest after their plane crashes. Its an amazing study of the will to survive, to facing ones own certain death, and the existence or not of God in the harshest places.

Hope these help.

Posted by fletcher christian (# 13919) on :

It probably depends on what themes you want to draw out and how you use the film (which can sometimes be different from the intent of the maker), but a few good ones might be:

Dead Man Walking - film about a nun who befriends a man on death row. A fairly strong argument against the death penalty without ever shirking on the horror of what he did. A couple of unpleasant scenes though.

The Straight Story - a kind of morality play about reconciliation; it has one particularly good scene on the nature of spontaneous confession and absolution near the end - right before he does what he travelled all the way to do.

The Gospel According To Saint Matthew - a socialist Gospel that doesn't try to explain or reduce the miracles of Jesus.

The original blockbuster Spiderman is essentially a dressed up morality tale about the nature of personal responsibility.

Not One Less - a Chinese film that reworks the parable of the lost sheep while at the same time showing the deep inequality of Chinese society between the cities and the rural areas. It cleverly paints the rural areas of China as the lost sheep nobody wants to find, with references to Kafka.

Eyes Wide Shut - a surprisingly moralistic turn on sexual ethics by a master. Has lots of sex scenes though.

...just to name a few

Posted by Stetson (# 9597) on :

quote:
The Gospel According To Saint Matthew - a socialist Gospel that doesn't try to explain or reduce the miracles of Jesus.

And for a companion piece, you can show Pasolini's Salo, as a cautinary tale on the dangers of abandoning Christian morality in favour of carnal excess!

(No, don't.)

Posted by Stetson (# 9597) on :

On a more serious note, if your audience is open-minded enough, I'd recommend Hail Mary. It got a lot of negative press from conservative Catholics at the time of its release, based(I think) on a misunderstanding of what the film was doing. But it actually makes a rather charming case for a religious worldview.

The audience should be prepped, however, not to expect a straightfoward narrative. By Godard's usual standards, the film is an exercise in clarity and coherency, but even here he manages to throw in a subplot that, on the surface, has no connection whatsoever with the main story.

Posted by Percy B (# 17238) on :

Wow thanks for the suggestions so far. So helpful, so kind [Smile]

Length is an important factor. I suspect 90minutes is a good length if discussion is to follow. Longer makes it a long evening.

Posted by HCH (# 14313) on :

I know of two films in which there are highly memorable prayers. One is "Shenandoah" (1965) and the other is "Drums Along the Mohawk: (1939). I can't promise the rest of either film is suitable, though I am fond of both.

Posted by Percy B (# 17238) on :

You know it is not always easy to get these films.

I was interested in Hail Mary! But goodness it's £75 on amazon.
How do you get these more obscure DVDs to borrow!

Posted by Ariel (# 58) on :

Have you tried Lovefilm? They seem to have a lot to rent.

Posted by Percy B (# 17238) on :

Yes I know of them.

Hail Mary is not in their list though.
[Frown]

[ 19. December 2012, 22:50: Message edited by: Percy B ]

Posted by Spike (# 36) on :

A seemingly forgotten and (at the time) underrated film was Jesus of Montreal from 1989. It's in Canadian French with subtitles. As the linked review says, the actors performing the "unorthodox" passion play find their own lives mirroring the Passion, and they highlight the hypocrisy of the church and society.

None of the characters is particularly religious. In fact, one earns his living doing voiceovers for porno movies!

There are a few scenes I particularly remember.

The actor playing Jesus smashes up a TV studio, reminiscent of Jesus in the Temple.

A theatrical agent spots the same actor and there is a scene from the top of a huge skyscraper overlooking the city and the agent saying something along the lines of "give up all that religious stuff, come and work with me and all this will be yours"

The most moving part is after the "Jesus" actor dies and his organs are donated, thus giving life to others.

All in all, a very thought provoking film that could generate very interesting discussion.

Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :

I asked a similar question of the Ship a couple of years ago, and got some very helpful suggestions. One of the gentlest and best (which couldn't offend anyone) turned out to be The Straight Story. It is a richly beautiful film, with themes of forgiveness and reconciliation, and the journey to get there. It went down really well with my church, and especially with the older people.

I also second The Way, and a similarly titled - though much 'tougher' film - The Way Back. In the face of terrible human suffering, it is about the saving power of kindness and the desire for freedom. I plan to use it over Lent this year to reflect on themes of wilderness wandering and testing.

Posted by Stetson (# 9597) on :

Good recommendation on Jesus Of Montreal, Spike.

quote:
None of the characters is particularly religious. In fact, one earns his living doing voiceovers for porno movies!

(JOKE SPOILER)

Heh heh. I remember he's distracted by eating a donut during the voiceover sessions, and reads the wrong actor's lines. They tell him it doesn't matter.

Posted by TurquoiseTastic (# 8978) on :

I remember seeing Jesus of Montreal as a teenager (about 20 years ago now!). Agree with the recommendation.

Possibly a cliche but how about "The Truman Show"? Lots of thought-provoking material on what we choose to believe and why, and what a quest for truth might involve...

Posted by Pulsator Organorum Ineptus (# 2515) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Spike:

None of the characters is particularly religious. In fact, one earns his living doing voiceovers for porno movies!

Porno movies have voiceovers? Not the ones I've, err, been told about.

Posted by geroff (# 3882) on :

Thanks for the recomendation, Kelly, The Big Kahuna is now on my wish list.
I like the recomendations of Babettes Feast and Into Great Silence - the two most soporific films I have ever seen [Snore]

- at least something happens in Into Great Silence at about 1 hr in,if I remember rightly.

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :

quote:
Originally posted by geroff:
at least something happens in Into Great Silence at about 1 hr in,if I remember rightly.

**** BIG STOMPIN' SPOILER!****

One of the monks breaks silence to start chattering to a pack of feral cats. It's fantastic. Especially the look on his face when it hits him what he's done.

The thing I loved about that film is that it wasn't silent, not at all. The monastery is rich with sounds, just not that of voices.

I tend to be a lot more comfortable with "slow paced" films than most folk, though.

Posted by Eutychus (# 3081) on :

Another vote for Jesus of Montreal here, if only for the Québecois accent [Biased]

quote:
Originally posted by Kelly Alves:
**** BIG STOMPIN' SPOILER!****

One of the monks breaks silence to start chattering to a pack of feral cats. It's fantastic. Especially the look on his face when it hits him what he's done.

I don't remember that at all. Perhaps they edited it out of the French version as being too shocking?

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :

One of the most conversation provoking films I've seen is a French film called Angel A.

From the riveting but emotionally revolting opening it challenges the way the viewer thinks about God, divine intervention, supernatural beings, worth and worthlessness, suicide, prostitution, criminal behaviour and assumptions about behaviour.

Definitely NOT for the younger members of a youth group. But for a young adults night it would be a real goer.

You'd probably have to look in the Foreign Film section for it, but I recommend trying to see it if you can.

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Eutychus:
Another vote for Jesus of Montreal here, if only for the Québecois accent

quote:
Originally posted by Kelly Alves:
**** BIG STOMPIN' SPOILER!****

One of the monks breaks silence to start chattering to a pack of feral cats. It's fantastic. Especially the look on his face when it hits him what he's done.
I don't remember that at all. Perhaps they edited it out of the French version as being too shocking?

I wonder, because it was pretty flippin' memorable. He was up in an attic or hayloft or something feeding the cats and cooing at them, telling the camera operators the names he'd given the cats and other little details about them. Then he freezes in mid sentence and his face just goes white.

And we the crowd laughed heartily, because we are mean bastards.

(another memorable thing about seeing that film-- it was actually a Shipmeet-- was that some jackass brought in a cellophane package of caramel corn into the very small arthouse screening room and spent the first ten minutes of it chomping and crackling. SILENCE, you idiot! It's right in the title!)

Posted by Spike (# 36) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Pulsator Organorum Ineptus:

quote:
Originally posted by Spike:

None of the characters is particularly religious. In fact, one earns his living doing voiceovers for porno movies!
Porno movies have voiceovers? Not the ones I've, err, been told about.

Dubbed into another language then. That's the joke that Stetson referred to. The actor is reading the wrong part, but the director says "don't worry, nobody pays any attention to the words anyway"

Posted by womanspeak (# 15394) on :

Into Great Silence drove me crazy. Watching it during a BTh residential on Christian Spirituality drove me up the wall. I did appreciate the snow play scene as a respite, but it was a long time coming and I don't remember the cats!

I've been using films with primary aged children who are very media savvy these days during pupil free day missions.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory ( Johnny Depp version) in the afternoon of a Generosity Day was enjoyed with impromptu chorus lines during the songs and led to great discussion.

Posted by Eutychus (# 3081) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Kelly Alves:
I wonder, because it was pretty flippin' memorable. He was up in an attic or hayloft or something feeding the cats and cooing at them, telling the camera operators the names he'd given the cats and other little details about them.

Ah, I remember now. But it didn't strike me as him breaking his vow of silence.

I've just realised I'll be going somewhere near that monastery in about a week's time. I wonder if I could stretch a look?

Posted by Percy B (# 17238) on :

quote:
Originally posted by womanspeak:
Into Great Silence drove me crazy. Watching it during a BTh residential on Christian Spirituality drove me up the wall. I did appreciate the snow play scene as a respite, but it was a long time coming and I don't remember the cats!

I've been using films with primary aged children who are very media savvy these days during pupil free day missions.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory ( Johnny Depp version) in the afternoon of a Generosity Day was enjoyed with impromptu chorus lines during the songs and led to great discussion.

That's v interesting! Maybe we should have a children's film group in our churches.

Slightly more on topic, if I may, it seems one opinion is to take a familiar film and draw themes out, another is to take one less known but more overtly religious and explore it.

Babettes Feast involves a Danish sect and the small village context provides a good context to explore themes. I wondered if there are similar religious films set in sects or small village like communities, which raise bigger questions.

Posted by Latchkey Kid (# 12444) on :

If you don't mnd sub-titles then Monsieur Ibrahim

Monsieur Ibrahim et les fleurs du Coran, also known as Monsieur Ibrahim in English, is a 2003 French movie starring Omar Sharif, and directed by François Dupeyron. The movie is based on a book and a play by Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt.

Another one is The Band's visit
The Alexandria Ceremonial Police Orchestra, consisting of eight men, arrive in Israel from Egypt. They have been booked by an Arab cultural center in Petah Tiqva, but through a miscommunication (Arabic has no "p" sound, and regularly replaces it with "b"), the band takes a bus to Bet Hatikva, a fictional town in the middle of the Negev Desert.[5] There is no transportation out of the city that day, and there are no hotels for them to spend the night in. The band members dine at a small restaurant where the owner, Dina (Ronit Elkabetz) invites them to stay the night at her apartment, at her friends' apartment, and in the restaurant. That night challenges all of the characters.[6]

They both have a thought provoking human/spiritual dimension. Recommended if you are interested in inter-faith matters.

There are also a couple of movie review sites that I have bookmarked on another computer. One is called Past the Popcorn. I will have to find the browser for the other one.

Posted by Ariel (# 58) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Latchkey Kid:
Another one is The Band's visit
The Alexandria Ceremonial Police Orchestra, consisting of eight men, arrive in Israel from Egypt. They have been booked by an Arab cultural center in Petah Tiqva, but through a miscommunication (Arabic has no "p" sound, and regularly replaces it with "b"), the band takes a bus to Bet Hatikva, a fictional town in the middle of the Negev Desert.[5] There is no transportation out of the city that day, and there are no hotels for them to spend the night in. The band members dine at a small restaurant where the owner, Dina (Ronit Elkabetz) invites them to stay the night at her apartment, at her friends' apartment, and in the restaurant. That night challenges all of the characters.[6]

Sorry Latchkey Kid but does that text come from another site? I'm guessing the [5] and [6] refer to notes that aren't reproduced, and we have to be careful about copyright. In this instance, could I ask you for an attribution (with link) please? Thanks!

Ariel
Heaven Host

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Percy B:
That's v interesting! Maybe we should have a children's film group in our churches.

I think teaching kids the concept of applying critical thinking to films/ TV is excellent. And smart. And necessary.
[Cool]

Posted by The5thMary (# 12953) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Lyda*Rose:
Percy B:
quote:
... that are not over violent or scary...
Pity. There goes Dogma.

I love this film.

It's one of my favorite movies, too! So many great lines in it. AND Alanis Morissette as a VERY attractive God! [Biased]

Posted by The5thMary (# 12953) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Kelly Alves:
I'm gonna put in a plug for a crazy little indie film called "Household Saints" (you might guess I'm kind of an indie nut.)

Stars the ever-wonderful Lili Taylor as a devout Catholic girl, who, when thwarted from her heart's desire of becoming a nun by her parents, finds a way to live the devout life in every day ways. She also develops a huge crush on Jesus. I'm not kidding. It works, trust me.

As weird as it may sound, it is a joyous exploration of application of the methods of St. Therese-- the sacrament of the every day, the way one serves God by serving the people around them, and how even ironing shirts (or having sex) becomes an act of devotion.

Oh, Lord! I LOVE this movie!! However, I cried and cried at the very end... you know what part I'm referring to, don't you, Kelly? What an amazing movie! And after I saw it, I dreamed God and I were playing a game of Scrabble... She didn't cheat!! [Biased]

Posted by Hart (# 4991) on :

The Vatican put out a Film list in '95, which is not at all what some might guess (eg. it includes a Kubrick film).

My personal recommendations:

Saint Ralph: For a light-hearted look at how a boy's life changes when he starts to engage his faith, and the lives of those around him.

Au Revoir, Les Enfants: Probably the only French movie where the church comes out looking good. It's about a Catholic school which harbors Jews during WWII.

Posted by Hart (# 4991) on :

And as soon as I hit reply, I thought of another:

Bajo La Misma Luna: The power of family, and a bit of social commentary on immigration to boot.

Posted by SvitlanaV2 (# 16967) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Percy B:

Babettes Feast involves a Danish sect and the small village context provides a good context to explore themes. I wondered if there are similar religious films set in sects or small village like communities, which raise bigger questions.

'Oranges are not the only fruit'? The book version is based on an Elim Pentecostal congregation, which might seem sectarian to some. Interestingly, the Christian response to the film was rather muted, so I understand. There had been worries that religious groups would be vocal about their objection to the film.

Documentaries about aspects of church history would be constructive. My sense is that Christians in some denominations don't know know a lot about their origins. I once saw a fascinating film about the Asuza Street revival that led to the Pentecostal movement. Perhaps if a church group is going to watch 'Oranges are not the only fruit' (which is unlikely, to be honest!) it would be a good idea to watch something more positive as well, so they can compare and contrast.

Posted by Stetson (# 9597) on :

Danny Boyle's Millions. A charming morality play centred around the activities of a small boy in the Christmas season leading up to the UK dropping the pound for the euro. Numerous Catholic saints make their appearence, in typical Boylean fantasy sequences.

Two caveats...

1. The idea of Britain dropping the pound is probably even more implausible now than it was in 2004.

2. The film takes a rather negative attitude toward Mormons. Not that I'm an apologist for the LDS, but given that this is a British film, it's difficult to escape the suspicion that the writer was just going after a safe, suitably "foreign" target(as opposed to, say, hypocritical Anglicans or Catholics).

This is one time when I think a script could have benefitted from the usual device of having the theological bad guys being just "generic self-righteous Christians".

Posted by ArachnidinElmet (# 17346) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Hart:
The Vatican put out a Film list in '95, which is not at all what some might guess (eg. it includes a Kubrick film).

I had a quick look: The Mission! I'd forgotten the Mission. One of my favourite religious films. Jeremy Irons in outstanding form, scenery chewing from Robert de Niro, beautiful music. Perfect.

Posted by Arethosemyfeet (# 17047) on :

Red Dust, a fictionalised portrayal of the truth and reconciliation commission in South Africa raises some hard questions about Christian ideas of forgiveness, and what it means to be loyal. It's not explicitly religious but the questions raised very much ones Christians should consider.

I was also going to suggest The Mission.

Posted by Stetson (# 9597) on :

quote:
The Vatican put out a Film list in '95, which is not at all what some might guess (eg. it includes a Kubrick film).

Christiane Kubrick, Stanley's widow, attended a special screening of 2001 at the Vaticsn, in 2001.

And I think Decent Films over-simplifies things in saying that the film presents a "non-theistic" view of man's origins. Yes, the creation-force in that movie is conceived as a material entity, so not quite the God of the philosophers. Apart from that, though, the story makes a case(albeit a fanciful one) for the last step in evolution from lower primates to man being the result of intelligent intervention.

Kubrick himself talked about 2001 presenting [url= http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanley_Kubrick's_political_and_religious_beliefs#Religion]a scietific definiton of God[/url]. And he blamed the film's poor reviews(yes, at the time, some of them were scathing) on the "lumpen literati" who were "dogmatically atheist".

Posted by Stetson (# 9597) on :

Wow. That last paragraph really didn't work out. Again...

Kubrick himself talked about 2001 presenting a scietific definiton of God. And he blamed the film's poor reviews(yes, at the time, some of them were scathing) on the "lumpen literati" who were "dogmatically atheist".

[url= http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanley_Kubrick's_political_and_religious_beliefs#Religion]link[/url]

Don't think that link wants to work.

Posted by Ariel (# 58) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Stetson:
Don't think that link wants to work.

No, for whatever reason, it seems to like inserting a space between "url=" and "http". In which case, Tinyurl is your friend.

And here's your tiny link. Merry Christmas. [Biased]

Posted by Stetson (# 9597) on :

I can't believe I didn't think of tinyurl myself. Thanks Ariel.

Merry Christmas to you too!

Posted by HCH (# 14313) on :

Let's not omit "The Life of Brian".

Posted by Golden Key (# 1468) on :

quote:
Originally posted by The5thMary:

quote:
Originally posted by Lyda*Rose:
Percy B:
quote:
... that are not over violent or scary...
Pity. There goes Dogma.

I love this film.
It's one of my favorite movies, too! So many great lines in it. AND Alanis Morissette as a VERY attractive God!

And she's a bit of a klutz, which I found very comforting!
[Smile]

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Stetson:
Danny Boyle's Millions. A charming morality play centred around the activities of a small boy in the Christmas season leading up to the UK dropping the pound for the euro. Numerous Catholic saints make their appearence, in typical Boylean fantasy sequences.

Two caveats...

1. The idea of Britain dropping the pound is probably even more implausible now than it was in 2004.

2. The film takes a rather negative attitude toward Mormons. Not that I'm an apologist for the LDS, but given that this is a British film, it's difficult to escape the suspicion that the writer was just going after a safe, suitably "foreign" target(as opposed to, say, hypocritical Anglicans or Catholics).

This is one time when I think a script could have benefitted from the usual device of having the theological bad guys being just "generic self-righteous Christians".

Heartily second this recommendation.

Posted by Eleanor Jane (# 13102) on :

The Shawshank Redemption? Terribly cliched, but beautifully shot and some great acting. Plenty of useful themes to discuss.

The final Harry Potter film has some very Easter-ish overtones, if you ask me. The noble hero sacrificing himself for others...

Cheers,
Eleanorjane

Posted by Percy B (# 17238) on :

I loved Shawshank,, but it is long isn't it.

I think church film groups probably need something shorter, if there is to be food and discussion too.

Posted by leo (# 1458) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Hart:
The Vatican put out a Film list in '95, which is not at all what some might guess

I have just watched On the Waterfront - made in 1954 so a bit of a period piece but has plenty for a group to discuss:

Priests involved in politics
Christians in trade unions
corruption
martyrdom

Posted by The Riv (# 3553) on :

I've facilitated a few film evenings, and one thing I tried that's worked well was to host the film on one evening with prepatory discussion, and then reconvene a couple of days later for a meal and post-viewing discussion. The in-between day was useful for processing, and the discussions were rich. One way to deal with longer films.

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Kelly Alves:
Gotta see The Big Kahuna(1999)

The late Kenwritez insisted this film should be required viewing in youth groups. Mostly this had to do with the conflict between the evangelical character and his colleagues, and one fantastic speech about character delivered beautifully by DeVito toward the end of the film. That speech alone is worth it all.

I miss Ken! The Big Kahuna I remember was a disc jockey in the 60s and 70s on LA radio station KHJ. They published top 40 lists. I wonder if this film is on Netflicks...

[ 09. January 2013, 21:00: Message edited by: Sir Kevin ]

Posted by Hart (# 4991) on :

Just come back from a retreat in which we watched Nouvena, a French Candanian film. I'd say it's about what it means for the Church to accompany a benign but secular society.

Posted by Stetson (# 9597) on :

Speaking of Quebec, I'm going to give an off-hand, take-it-or-leave-it recommendation to one of Alfred Hitchcock's more neglected films, I Confess, set in rural Quebec.

Not, as I recall, theologically profound, but it's got a priest as the main character, and touches on issues related to celibacy and especially confessional confidentiality. Plus, if you're a big Hitchcock fan, it's of some historical interest, partly from being his most overtly "Catholic" film.

Posted by Percy B (# 17238) on :

Must confess I don't know that Hitchcock film.

Anyone recommend a film which could prompt discussion on prayer?

Posted by Stetson (# 9597) on :

Yeah, that Hitchcock film is relatively obscure.

As for prayer-themed films, you might want to check out The End Of The Affair, based on a novel by Graham Greene. The plot is a little complicated, but it ends up being about a preyer for a particular wish that gets answered, and what results from that.

Warning: The story revolves around adultery, and, while my memory is a little faulty, there might be a few racy love scenes that would make it possibly inappropriate for younger viewers(possibly not of much interest to kids anyway). As well, it relies heavily on flashbacks, jumping back and forth in time, which I personally find a little annoying in movies.

Also, I think the overall viewpoint is rather Catholic, and the story hinges on sainthood(in the Catholic understanding) as a theme. But it's been a while since I've seen it.

[ 12. January 2013, 07:09: Message edited by: Stetson ]

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :

I'd second The Way
A film with about three characters and a powerful ending of redemption was from Finland, Letters to Father Jacob.
A couple of years ago Chocolat was used as a lenten study locally; someone in our church produced a study booklet to go with it.
A film our group used – and I can't remember the name (it's a bit latte at night to phone someone!) was Swedish, about a famous conductor who comes back to his remote village and takes on the church choir. Ring any bells? Maybe tomorrow...

I must admit that the two congregations I'm a part of would need very different films: one is largely senior folk with few if any tertiary qualifications, the other with a much lower average age and mostly university graduates.

GG

Meant to preview – hit the wrong button.

[ 12. January 2013, 07:55: Message edited by: Galloping Granny ]

Posted by rolyn (# 16840) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Chorister:
I very much enjoyed 'Doubt' - what choices do people make when in positions of responsibility (and how do they deal with the aftermath when they are not sure if they have made the right choice?).

I too found that film very challenging.
Streep, of course, never failing to make to her every performance totally convincing.

This would be a relevant choice as the saville scandal, with it's conspiracy of silence, is still at the front of many minds.

Posted by ArachnidinElmet (# 17346) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Stetson:
As for prayer-themed films, you might want to check out The End Of The Affair, based on a novel by Graham Greene. The plot is a little complicated, but it ends up being about a preyer for a particular wish that gets answered, and what results from that.

Warning: The story revolves around adultery, and, while my memory is a little faulty, there might be a few racy love scenes that would make it possibly inappropriate for younger viewers(possibly not of much interest to kids anyway). As well, it relies heavily on flashbacks, jumping back and forth in time, which I personally find a little annoying in movies.

Also, I think the overall viewpoint is rather Catholic, and the story hinges on sainthood(in the Catholic understanding) as a theme. But it's been a while since I've seen it.

Ooh, good call. I love this film. You're right, it is pretty Catholic, a continuing Greene theme. Re: suitability. I remember the furore when the film came out with an 18 certificate, justified by 'adult themes'. In reality, there is maybe one sex scene with a view of Ralph Fiennes naked bum, but nothing too graphic (maybe worth checking through yourself, if your not sure). The BBFC just seemed to think that it was too difficult for kiddies to understand; an odd stance in the face of last-years ultra-violent Batman film and it's 15 certificate.

How about Sister Act, for a little light relief. The middle bit is a bit cheesy, with Whoopi Goldberg being down with the kids, but a guilty pleasure.

Posted by Stetson (# 9597) on :

Thanks for the details on The End Of The Affair, AE.

re: Sister Act, I've only seen it it patches, so can't really comment either way. But in the same vein, I'll give another off-hand suggestion to the 1989 version of We're No Angels, with De Niro and Sean Penn as escaped cons impersonating academic monks while hiding out in a monastery. Has a mildly thoughtful subplot involving the nature of miracles.

And hey, anyone up for Oh, God? In the words of a Canadian film critic, the theology "makes Unitarianism look strident". But a cute little story nonetheless, and kids especially seem to warm to the George Burns persona.

[ 13. January 2013, 09:48: Message edited by: Stetson ]

Posted by Sparrow (# 2458) on :

How about Groundhog Day - a strong theme of redemption.

Posted by Latchkey Kid (# 12444) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Ariel:

quote:
Originally posted by Latchkey Kid:
Another one is The Band's visit
Sorry Latchkey Kid but does that text come from another site? I'm guessing the [5] and [6] refer to notes that aren't reproduced, and we have to be careful about copyright. In this instance, could I ask you for an attribution (with link) please? Thanks!

Ariel
Heaven Host

Sorry, it comes from the Wikipedia entry http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Band's_Visit#Plot

I tried to work out their Creative Commons Deed but could not work out what attribution was required.

Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :

It's years since I've seen it, but you could check out Heavenly Pursuits (a.k.a. The Gospel According to Vic). It starts the ever-watchable Tom Conti (these days making a living as various comedy dads) and Helen Mirren. I remember it as a quirky little comedy, which sympathetically explores the whole idea of miracles and divine intervention without giving any easy answers. In part, it belongs to the 'inspirational teacher' genre, but gains enough realism from the tough Glaswegian setting to save it from being sappy. And it is only 92 minutes long!

But as I say, it was a long time ago. I was charmed then, but I don't know if it will have stood the test of time.

Posted by Huntress (# 2595) on :

Favourites for CathSoc film nights a good many years ago have been previously mentioned here:
Dogma
Life of Brian
Sister Act

A Catholic Chaplaincy retreat featured a screening of The Terminal and discussion afterwards which was about practical Christian behaviour and help for those in need.

The Christian Union used to do occasional film showings in Halls of Residence, I saw the Shawshank Redemption in this context. They also screened episodes of the A-Team "because Jesus was punished for crimes he didn't commit and pledged to help those in need".

I must say, as an adult, one of my favourite films for inspiring prayer is The Prince of Egypt which I first saw in my late teens when it was released in the late 1990s. Very suitable for children and extremely good viewing for all.

Posted by Stetson (# 9597) on :

quote:
A Catholic Chaplaincy retreat featured a screening of The Terminal and discussion afterwards which was about practical Christian behaviour and help for those in need.

Funny. I was just thinking about that film, a propos of not much, a few hours ago, in a context touching on the very theme you mention.

I was remembering how the Tom Hanks character is supposed to be understood as a good guy for possibly fudging the truth in order to get his compatriot cleared by the airport authorities to bring his sick father's medication onto the plane(I believe the script leaves it ambiguous as to whether or not Hanks is translating the man's pleas correctly, the point being that even if he's lying, it's okay because someone's life depends upon it).

What I was thinking was, even apart from the post-911 paranoia that the film satirizes, most people would probably agree that there are good reasons for laws governing the international transport of medicine to be strictly enforced. I suppose from a Christian perspective, you've got numerous passages in the New Testament where Jesus says that fidelity to the spirit behind the law trumps fidelity to the letter of the law. But does that apply to cases where(unlike, say, miracles on the sabbath) the law still serves to protect public health and safety?

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :

The film that I couldn't remember the name of, and it took a few days to track it down – As It Is In Heaven, Swedish.
Famous conductor returns to his village, takes over the church choir in a stuffy, bickering congregation with a gloomy, rigid minister. Steps on a number of toes; everyone changes. Redemption, really.

GG

Posted by iamchristianhearmeroar (# 15483) on :

I'd second the call for The Mission. Wonderful film.

I have always found Twelve Angry Men to be a very thought-provoking film. Certainly not an explicitly "Christian" film but morally interesting I would say. It's also short!

Then there are some films which are just good films, but I can't think of any particular reason why a church film group should watch them (other than them being really good films). Rain Man, for example.

And there's no way I can recommend films simply because they're my favourites is there? Well, if you insist then, The Big Lebowski, Withnail & I and This is Spinal Tap. No reason for a church film group to watch them unless they want a bit of a laugh...

Posted by Hart (# 4991) on :

quote:
Originally posted by iamchristianhearmeroar:

Then there are some films which are just good films, but I can't think of any particular reason why a church film group should watch them (other than them being really good films).

Tacit in any human story is a story of God.

Posted by Percy B (# 17238) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Galloping Granny:
The film that I couldn't remember the name of, and it took a few days to track it down – As It Is In Heaven, Swedish.
Famous conductor returns to his village, takes over the church choir in a stuffy, bickering congregation with a gloomy, rigid minister. Steps on a number of toes; everyone changes. Redemption, really.

GG

GG sounds good, is it subtitled or in English?

Posted by Huntress (# 2595) on :

A favourite film of mine is Black Narcissus adapted from the novel of by Rumer Godden.

A group of Anglican nuns are sent to found a convent in a former palace in the Himalayas - the building was previously used as a harem - where they will nurse and be missionaries to the local area and teach the children. They encounter difficulties from the climate and the local population and gradually tensions build up within the community and some nuns struggle with their calling. It stars Deborah Kerr and is very very good.

I also really like The Nun's Story starring Audrey Hepburn. It follows a young nun through her postulancy, novitiate and after taking her vows and the circumstances and challenges she faces.

Posted by Percy B (# 17238) on :

I just LoVe Black Narcissus ...

Now someone suggested

MASS APPEAL

But how do you get a copy of theat movie on DVD.

Sounds a good one for a church group but its not on Lovefilm.

Posted by Ariel (# 58) on :

Percy, may I recommend Google as your first port of call when trying to find answers to queries like this? It should be your first resource. I'm not sure if this is your usual search engine, but it's quite straightforward and produces better results than many of the others.

Google

Posted by ChaliceGirl (# 13656) on :

For something light, I like "Keeping the Faith" starring Ben Stiller It's about faith, love and friendship and very funny.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keeping_the_Faith

I also liked "Doubt".
I also liked "Priest", though the end is a real tearjerker.

Posted by Percy B (# 17238) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Ariel:
Percy, may I recommend Google as your first port of call when trying to find answers to queries like this? It should be your first resource. I'm not sure if this is your usual search engine, but it's quite straightforward and produces better results than many of the others.

Google

I detect sarcasm!

Of course I tried Google. Why assume I didn't?

I tried Lovefilm, I tried eBay, I read reviews of the movie.

Mass Appeal seems a good choice, it raises questions of sexuality, modern v traditional in the priesthood, vocation, mission... however, some good choices like this movie are not easy to get. And so having tried some avenues I looked for help here.

This made me wonder whether or not there is a Christian church DVD library which can be accessed. Now perhaps I should have tried Google for the answer to that, but I thought perhaps someone here may be able to give a personal recommendation in the way which Google cannot.

Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Percy B:

Of course I tried Google. Why assume I didn't?

I think it is a ready assumption because of the number of posts you have made asking questions or requesting information.

If you were to make clear what lines of inquiry you'd already followed, and what specific help you were looking for, that would secure a more sympathetic response.

I can tell you, from my days as a librarian, that the more precise you are about what you ask, the greater the chance of finding an answer.

Firenze
Heaven Host

Posted by Percy B (# 17238) on :

Thank you, as one who also has worked as a librarian, albeit many years ago, I agree.

Now may I return to the thread topic? Films for church film groups.

Some of the films which to me seem appropriate, such as MASS APPEAL are also very difficult to get hold of. I am not aware of a specifically Christian library for this purpose, but perhaps others are.

Having said which PRIEST does raise some of the issues MASS APPEAL would seem to.

It seems to me that films for this sort of group are probably best not being too challenging, because of a mixed audience, and not too long, partly for the same reason but also partly because discussion may follow in some groups.

Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Percy B:

Some of the films which to me seem appropriate, such as MASS APPEAL are also very difficult to get hold of.

I wouldn't have thought Amazon was so very obscure.

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :

As my mind goes blank every time I'm in the video and DvD rental place I'm writing some of these down.

One suggestion I have is "Insatiable Moon". It's about Arthur who is the self proclaimed second son of God and what happens when the boarding house where he lives is threatened with closure. From memory there is a suicide and some disturbing scenes of mental illness, but in some ways the not-in-my-backyard attitude of ordinary people is amongst the most disturbing aspects of this film. Probably not for the easily upset though.

Stars Rawhiri Paratene who was also in "Whale Rider".

A NZ Vendetta DvD, distributed by Rialto.

Huia

Posted by Stick Monitor (# 17253) on :

Take a look at The Damaris Trust. Quote from their website:

quote:
Damaris is an educational charity that is growing very fast through our partnership with the film industry.

We create official community resources to accompany the latest feature films.

Our resources help a wide range of community groups to engage with the themes and ideas explored in the films.

Posted by Percy B (# 17238) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Firenze:

quote:
Originally posted by Percy B:

Some of the films which to me seem appropriate, such as MASS APPEAL are also very difficult to get hold of.
I wouldn't have thought Amazon was so very obscure.

Thank you for your kind and helpful comment, Firenze. It was good of you to take the time to point to that link and offer help in that way.

In fact I had checked Amazon,, and eBay, by the way. But the price was too high. That is why I raised the question of how to borrow, having, first of all checked out Lovefilm.

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