Leigh Anne has put together this list of movies that she "recommends for
their high degree of spiritual content". (Part 2 will be published in
the next issue of the WAVES Newsletter.) -- Editor
Star Wars (sci-fi) No list of spiritual movies would be complete
without this classic. Star Wars is the quintessential spiritual film
of the 20th century. Complete with its own brand of Warring
Angels, Star Wars totes the Jedi Knights who are empowered by the Force
to perform amazing physical and mental feats. It is by staying in a place
of stillness and peace that the Jedi draw the Force to them. Of course,
the Force can be used for both good and evil. But we know which side
wins!
Rated PG sci-fi violence and brief mild language. Generally appropriate
for older children (ages 10+).
The Matrix (sci-fi) This is an incredible film with powerful
spiritual themes about the nature of reality with a little Alice in Wonderland
thrown in –- i.e., follow the white rabbit. Will you take the red
pill or the blue? Take the blue pill and everything will stay as it is.
But take the red pill and down the rabbit hole you go. The question is,
are you sure you want to see how deep the rabbit hole is?
Caution with children under 14. Violence, language and frightening
situations.
Phenomenon (drama) This is a wonderful film that is brimming
over with heart. It is the story of George Malley, who is struck by a
ball of light on his birthday and rendered unconscious. When he awakens,
he is a changed man. He becomes a genius overnight, can predict earthquakes,
becomes telekinetic and cracks secret government codes. Soon, all of
the people who loved him begin to fear him for his obvious differences.
Ultimately, George falls in love and discovers, when faced with the eventuality
of death, that it is not so much the things you do that make your life
successful, but rather the things that you inspire others to do and the
legacy of love that you create while living.
Rated PG for language and mild sensuality. Appropriate for older children
(ages 10+).
Mean Girls (comedy) Yes, you heard it right, ladies and gentlemen!
Mean Girls is on the list. The reason I chose to include this film is
that it is a wonderful morality play about lessons of self-love, self-acceptance,
friendship and forgiveness. The story is about a very sheltered young
woman who becomes “friends” with a group of girls known as
“The Plastics.” In her quest to understand The Plastics,
our heroine (to her dismay) discovers she is quickly transforming into
one of them herself. As the plot plays itself out, she discovers she
must not only ask forgiveness from others but must also forgive herself.
Rated PG-13 for sexual content, language and some teen partying.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (children) Many fairy tales
have powerful spiritual messages behind them. Snow White is no exception.
Here we have a story of a beautiful, pure young woman who is pursued
by her evil stepmother, the Queen. The Queen, obsessed with being the
most beautiful, conspires to put Snow White to sleep forever. But, when
love’s first kiss comes along…well, enough said.
Appropriate for children.
|
