Couldn't agree more… seems like I'm always waiting for that cringey preachy moment in Christian films. I can predict when and who almost all the time. They have made their own cliche. Thanks for putting into expression my soapbox. I want my Christian lessons more sneaky and subtle… even Christ knew that… they are called parables.
Now, I can listen to a Paul Washer sermon or an Andrew Klavan discussion. Guess which one gives me more confidence, encouragement, growth, and enlightenment in my Christian Faith?
Cuckoo's Nest is a great film, a really entertaining and moving story. Lord of the Rings are an obvious, easy example. The Book of Eli is another. That's quickly become one of my favorite movies of the 21st century. It's cool, it looks gorgeous, it's really well acted, and it has great themes contrasting true religion, seeking and following the will of God and loving your neighbor as yourself, and corrupt religion thats only interested in using faith and spirituality for power and selfish gain. The former is shown to inspire and give hope, while the latter falls apart and destroys itself. I rekember reading that main actor (and I believe one of the producers) Denzel Washington made sure that these elements were preserved in the story.
If you are interested in something that is more modern and slightly art house I recommend Only God Forgives. The film is a depiction of how humans are so depraved and God can be both merciful and just. It’s directed by Nic Refn who is a really stylish director and stars Ryan Gosling. It’s dark and disturbing but it gets its point across really well.
I LOVE “Whistle Down the Wind” ! I saw it when I was a very young child, but I never forgot it! I can still hear that little boy saying, “ you’re not Jesus! You’re just a man!“ ❤🥹
Fun thing about One Flew Over the cuckoo nest. Kirk Douglas had a conversation with Michael about what kind of film he ought to do and he made the suggestion that this book would make a great movie. I expected his son to call him to play the lead but instead he chose Jack Nicholson LOL tell that story in an interview some years ago:-) it was laughing about it
Pulp Fiction, particularly the last part, is actually very Christian. Jules recognizes that he experienced a miracle and should be dead, but is still walking. He decides to repent for his sins as a hitman and show some mercy and forgiveness for even the scummiest people (the diner robbers) and commits to living his life with his belief in God. Conversely, Vincent, who was also saved just like Jules, refuses to believe in the miracle and goes about his life as though nothing significant happened. He happens to wind up dead a day or two later.
I randomly put on the brothers bloom with my parents and the ending turned out to have some surprising symbolism for me at the end. I don’t want to spoil anything but check the movie out and wait til the ending and tell me if that visual doesn’t give you anything.
Great commentary by Andrew. I enjoy his film reviews, especially those flix from the past. Curious to know if anyone has seen The Heart is a Lonely Hunter from 1967(?). Great film with Alan Arkin playing a deaf man. Aesthetically great and the acting is amazing. A young Cicely Tyson is in it as well. I think it’s another film that could fit into this category.
I have seen a video here on YT making the case for The Shawshank Redemption being an illustration of the Gospel.
Couldn't agree more… seems like I'm always waiting for that cringey preachy moment in Christian films. I can predict when and who almost all the time. They have made their own cliche. Thanks for putting into expression my soapbox. I want my Christian lessons more sneaky and subtle… even Christ knew that… they are called parables.
"Sometimes nothin' is a real cool hand."
Truly classic line. Thx for the reminder.
The look on Nurse Ratched's face when R.P. emotes "Someone get me a f–kin' weiner before I die!"
True cinematic pricelessness.
The Elephant Man by David Lynch starring John Hurt, Anthony Hopkins, John Gielgud and Ann Bancroft is another film that fits in this category.
Thanks for the ideas, Andrew. Just bought "One flew over the cuckoo's nest" on audiobook. Looking forward to it. That really was a great movie.
Andrew Lloyd Webber did a musical version of Whistle Down the Wind set in Louisiana.
Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering. The six Star Wars movies by George Lucas are very Christian.
Hey Drew!
Now, I can listen to a Paul Washer sermon or an Andrew Klavan discussion. Guess which one gives me more confidence, encouragement, growth, and enlightenment in my Christian Faith?
Wasn't foucault a pedo, I heard jordan peterson talk about it
Andrew, did you say “Bull Goose?”
He failed to mention the OG Spider-Man trilogy. A very Christian series of films.
Cuckoo's Nest is a great film, a really entertaining and moving story. Lord of the Rings are an obvious, easy example. The Book of Eli is another. That's quickly become one of my favorite movies of the 21st century. It's cool, it looks gorgeous, it's really well acted, and it has great themes contrasting true religion, seeking and following the will of God and loving your neighbor as yourself, and corrupt religion thats only interested in using faith and spirituality for power and selfish gain. The former is shown to inspire and give hope, while the latter falls apart and destroys itself. I rekember reading that main actor (and I believe one of the producers) Denzel Washington made sure that these elements were preserved in the story.
If you are interested in something that is more modern and slightly art house I recommend Only God Forgives. The film is a depiction of how humans are so depraved and God can be both merciful and just. It’s directed by Nic Refn who is a really stylish director and stars Ryan Gosling. It’s dark and disturbing but it gets its point across really well.
“Land of the Blind” What you get when “the Revolution” succeeds….
Hayley Mills movies made my childhood and early teen years better. Her films were all delightful. My favorite? In Search of the Castaways.
Great video Andrew!!!
I LOVE “Whistle Down the Wind” ! I saw it when I was a very young child, but I never forgot it! I can still hear that little boy saying, “ you’re not Jesus! You’re just a man!“ ❤🥹
Andrew please return to Judaism. You noted that life is hard. Study the Hebrew word Israel. Please study the Torah in Hebrew. Please!
Wonderful Andrew,
Thanks.
Wonderful, thank you Andrew.
Surprised the original Rocky film didn’t get a mention as a Christian film though.
One of my favorite non-Catholic movies (although, a Catholic priest figures prominently in it) is Clint Eastwood's "Gran Torino."
I'd also add The Green Mile, it works very well as a Christ metaphor.
Fun thing about One Flew Over the cuckoo nest. Kirk Douglas had a conversation with Michael about what kind of film he ought to do and he made the suggestion that this book would make a great movie. I expected his son to call him to play the lead but instead he chose Jack Nicholson LOL tell that story in an interview some years ago:-) it was laughing about it
Pulp Fiction, particularly the last part, is actually very Christian. Jules recognizes that he experienced a miracle and should be dead, but is still walking. He decides to repent for his sins as a hitman and show some mercy and forgiveness for even the scummiest people (the diner robbers) and commits to living his life with his belief in God. Conversely, Vincent, who was also saved just like Jules, refuses to believe in the miracle and goes about his life as though nothing significant happened. He happens to wind up dead a day or two later.
I randomly put on the brothers bloom with my parents and the ending turned out to have some surprising symbolism for me at the end. I don’t want to spoil anything but check the movie out and wait til the ending and tell me if that visual doesn’t give you anything.
Great commentary by Andrew. I enjoy his film reviews, especially those flix from the past. Curious to know if anyone has seen The Heart is a Lonely Hunter from 1967(?). Great film with Alan Arkin playing a deaf man. Aesthetically great and the acting is amazing. A young Cicely Tyson is in it as well. I think it’s another film that could fit into this category.
I love Whistle Down the Wind. Hayley Mills is the best child actress I've seen.
The Poseidon Adventure is my favorite Christian allegory.
Beautiful, thank you Klavan! God bless!