KANSAS CITY, Kan. (BP)–For the best films of 2006, I am focusing on films that especially moved me with their spiritual or uplifting themes.
— “Charlotte’s Web” (Rated G). What an incredible film, one loaded with life lessons for children and reminders for adults. Not only have Walden Media and Paramount Pictures done justice to the book, they have given families a flawless film. I was completely charmed and that’s saying something, because I am not a fan of films with talking animals. Perhaps my objection to talking-animal movies rests in the fact that they usually say nothing worthwhile. Here, they do.
— “Facing the Giants” (PG, nothing objectionable). A down-and-out coach and his beleaguered high school football team are regenerated when they are inspired to give God glory in all things. Financed on a shoestring budget, with associate pastors Alex and Stephen Kendrick of Sherwood Baptist Church acting as an artistic and technical two-man army, the issues of faith and fear have been addressed within a satisfying sports movie.
Oh, there are the usual filmmatic shortcomings associated with well-meaning religious storytelling. This awkwardness is seen especially in the opening scenes, where both actors and introductory dialogue are clumsy and forced. But within minutes, something special begins to happen. Suddenly, the story kicks in. (Story used to be a main ingredient in the filmmaking process before special effects and cartoonish concepts became cinema kings.) Here’s a narrative that provides positive answers to nagging spiritual questions.
— “The Nativity Story” (PG, nothing objectionable). Though missing some of the grandeur we would love to have seen when the angels proclaimed the birth of the baby Jesus, the film successfully fleshed out Mary and Joseph, making them real people and clarifying their love and devotion to God and to one another. It’s a love story in so many ways.
— “Beyond the Gates of Splendor” (PG-13 for violent content). Based on a best-selling novel, the documentary “Beyond the Gates of Splendor” premiered on DVD in October 2005 from Fox Home Entertainment. I mention it because this past year a movie version of the story was released called “End of the Spear.” I personally found the earlier documentary version a more powerful film. It is more successful at capturing the faith, forgiveness and cultural boundaries. Narrated by the son of one of the couples, it uses historical footage and personal insights to reveal how the two groups came to understand then embrace each other.
The documentary catches the spirit of people who trust so much in God that they are willing to sacrifice their lives in order to follow His will. “Beyond the Gates of Splendor” is a moving testament to those who have taken Christ’s teachings to heart and given all in order to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. It is an emotional journey that will give you new insight concerning international missions and a deepening respect for missionaries.
— “Pearl Diver” (not rated). It had a limited release, but I’d suggest you keep an eye out for this one. It will show up in either art houses or on DVD this coming year. The story concerns two sisters dealing with the 21-year-old murder of their mother, and what happens when a farming accident rips away the layers of secrecy surrounding that night. Well, that sounds like a lot of fun, I know, but this film moved me more than any other this year. I was very affected by the sacrifices portrayed and amazed at how this incisive film reminds us that no sacrifice ultimately goes unrewarded.
— “Akeelah and the Bee” (PG for some language). Smartly written, uplifting and charming, a great film about a young girl participating in a national spelling bee. The film reminds viewers of the obligation we have concerning the maintenance of language. The film has several positive messages, including caring and sacrificing for others. It also reminds each of us that while there are dark valleys we must go through on our travels through life, green pastures also lay ahead.
— “TSOTSI” (R for strong language and violent content) traces six days in the life of a young gang leader who steals a woman’s car –- unaware, in his panic, that her baby is in the back seat. A gritty contemporary portrait of ghetto life set amidst the sprawling Johannesburg, South Africa townships, this affecting story is ultimately a redemptive tale of hope and the triumph of love over rage.
It’s a parable, a story about the seeking and finding of redemption. Though this young thug is full of rage and insecurity, enough to beat up an ally, threaten an old man in a wheelchair and shoot a hijack victim, he is mysteriously moved by this infant. And the longer he is around the baby, the more he opens up his heart. He even comes to an awareness of the need for forgiveness and salvation. I won’t give the ending away, but the last shot is a symbolic illustration of a man surrendering his life. We know as we leave the theater that a miraculous change has occurred.
Caution: “Tsotsi” is replete with violent imagery and mood, plus around 30 harsh curse words. For those who don’t have to struggle with poverty, ignorance and daily danger, well, maybe it will remind them to be compassionate and patient. It helped me in that area.
— “United 93” (R for strong language, scenes of violence and terror). For me, this was the best film of the year. The day that changed the modern world hits home and testifies to the fact that this war will be unlike any other. (How do you defeat zealots willing to kill themselves and innocent bystanders for an unjust cause they believe is just?) Though our country is at odds with its involvement in Iraq, the film makes it clear that we face an evil masking itself as righteous. It is a film that will touch you, move you and make you think.
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Phil Boatwright is the editor and film reviewer for previewonline.org
