Three GREAT Christian Films (That Aren't Actually Christian)
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One of my biggest criticisms of Christian films is that they don't accurately portray reality. These three films, in addition to portraying realistic people and scenarios, are injected throughout with Christian themes, though none of them are explicitly Christian in nature.
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1:55 - Whistle Down the Wind (1961)
4:56 - Cool Hand Luke (1967)
10:08 - One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)
What makes Andrew different is that he talks from experience and you can feel it when he talks
He's not talking at us. It's more like he's a teacher.
Authority is even more important & convincing than experience, but I agree with you, & with the narrator of the video, nonetheless.
A lot of people have experience in all kinds of areas, but that doesn't make them authorities.
Remember, experience is subjective & subject to individual interpretation, not necessarily verifiable facts .
But true, successional authority handed down from ones generation to another is usually objective, & provable, or at least the most trustworthy & reliable.
He's not "like" a teacher. He is a teacher.
How come no one ever mentions "Book of Eli"? I know it's a bit violent, but the whole movie is about the Bible. Also Denzel is in it, and any movie he's in turns to gold 👍❤
Really great movie! Mila Kunis' roll was great also.
Book of Eli is criminally underrated.
@@spiderleenie if I'm not mistaken, it didn't have the funding it deserved for advertisement.
@@carr0302 A shame. It's a quality flick.
it's one of the best Christian films and I'm guessing they didn't promote it as much as they should have or could have, BC of the Christian influence in it. but yes what a great film.
How does Klavan have the least amount of subscribers of the whole DW team? Come on, people! This is A+ content, as always. Show my man some love!
He used to have a lot of subscribers when he started out at the DW, but after the move to Tennessee and with the addition of a few more talent, he went down to one day a week 😣
I never see him promoted or do any special projects. Maybe he's working part time on purpose?
Klahan's the best of the bumch imo. His perspectives on faith and art, both individually and together, have had a huge impact on how I see the world.
@@guest_5992 He writes a lot of books
I had to look for him, he's never in my suggested feed. I do need to make an effort. I've missed him very much.
The Elephant Man by David Lynch starring John Hurt, Anthony Hopkins, John Gielgud and Ann Bancroft is another film that fits in this category.
One of my favorite non-Catholic movies (although, a Catholic priest figures prominently in it) is Clint Eastwood's "Gran Torino."
I loved Cheers when it premiered in 1982 and I still love the re-runs. Back when comedy didn't insult your intelligence but elevated it and alluded to it. I once heard that drama speaks of and to the tragic part of ourselves while comedy speaks to human intellect. This was one of those shows that did precisely that.
I love Cheers (and Frasier! One of the greatest spinoffs ever!). In 2020, I found out that my husband had never seen it, so naturally I made him watch it. He LOVED it and now calls it one of his favorite shows.
Good comedy is timeless, and Cheers is good comedy!
Couldn't believe it when Andrew mentioned Sam and Diane! Before I commented about it, I looked to see if there were other fans out there...and here you were. I was 25 when Cheers premiered and by then had 12 years of Catholic education under my belt. Loved Sam and Diane, who needless to say, were not practicing Catholics! She was mostly "cerebral" and he, mostly "libido." Aside from the entertainment value of the humor and sexual tension, I was drawn in by watching two people whose natures couldn't have been more different, try to nudge themselves past their comfort zones to make the other happy. There were even flashes of self-awareness when they acknowledged their flaws. They often times had to overcome their fear of being vulnerable to the other's rejection or ridicule and be honest about their feelings. Cheers succeeded as great television and classic comedy, but it also offered some real insights into how to love, forgive and be a friend.
The Count of Monte Cristo starring Jim Caviezel is one I definitely consider a Christian film
It was good, just disappointing given how good the book is
@@aethelstan95 I couldn't compare since I have yet to read the book. But as a film it has always been in my top 5 favorites
To do it any justice, TCOMC should be a TV series.
@@jake_tollefson agreed
@Have A Good One if you like reading it is a must. Not a small book but it's the best I've read alongside East of Eden
Please keep doing these film recommendation Andrew! This makes me so happy. I've been looking for the Christ figure in so many unlikely places. Very rewarding. There is a foreign film called, " In the Land of the Moon" with Marion Cotillard that blew my mind. It's all in the ending but the entire film is beautiful and strange. I think you and your wife might enjoy it.
The Shawshank Redemption…probably too obvious
One point I want to make. Courage isn't the absence of fear. It's doing the right thing in the midst of it. What's right is right, even if no one else does it. What's wrong is wrong, even though everyone else does it.
Yes! I taught my boys that the definition of Hero is someone who does what is right even when it's very hard.
@@dawnmichelle4403 I learned from my dad, a Vietnam War vet.
@@kjunpreacher ❤️❤️❤️
What a great episode, Andrew! I watch a lot of Daily Wire but I haven’t watched many of Andrew’s episodes, however I must say that this one was sublime! I am catholic and I usually throw some hang outs with friends of mine at my house where we all have dinner and then we watch a movie. I always try to find entertaining movies which also have great messages, so that we can all learn through that form of art and so that some less catholic friends of mine start thinking more about their faith and their morals without getting bored (or even without realising they’re doing so hahaha). This episode helps me a lot!! Thank you so much.
Ben Hur starring Charlton Heston is still the best Chistian movie ever made.
Honestly I like the new one better
I always preferred The Ten Commandments
@@dylanmccallum2355
The new one with Morgan Freeman.
@@dylanmccallum2355 That is not something you should admit in public.
@@richardcahill1234 🤣 , honestly though the story was way better and more realistic and the ending of the first movie sucked in comparison.
I grew up loving Hayley Mills movies. As someone who went to Catholic school back in the 90's and 2000's, her movie, "The Trouble With Angels," was an essential in my movie rotation. Haha. That movie is definitely more overtly Christian, but it's a really accessible movie to anyone.
She was such a 60s’ breakout star with the release of both Pollyanna and The Parent Trap.
Home Alone the OG. Hear me out. The Christmas scene in the church is all about forgiveness. Kevin misbehaving ends up in him accepting he needs his family and his neighbour gets back to his too.
Great trio of films! I have heard of "Whistle Down the Wind" and it was a childhood favorite. "Cuckoo's Nest" was a beautiful movie that never fails to move me. But "Cool Hand Luke" is my favorite of the three and I just happened to have watched for the umpteenth time last night. I, too, thought of Jesus while watching the movie, how Luke sacrificed himself over and over for his fellow prisoners, even though they turned their backs on him. They lived vicariously through him and waited to see what he would do next. There's even a moment after the infamous "egg contest" where Luke is left, in his undershorts, lying on a table with his legs together and his arms spred to either side of the table, like a crucifixion pose. I'm positive that this wasn't an accident.
Thanks for this video, @Andrew Klavan! As a Christian, I'm always looking for a Christian theme or moment in secular movie, because, to be honest, I watch them more than I do Christian moves (except for films like "Jesus of Nazareth," "The Gospel of John," and "The Greatest Story Ever Told). Again, super video! God bless you.
Pollyanna still brings me to tears. My children loved the book as well
It is not so much about not being afraid as it is about not being a slave to fear, doing the right thing in spite of fear.
The Mission with Robert De Niro would be in this category of movies.
Tender Mercies starring Robert Duval is a wonderful movie about forgiveness and family.
What wa that other film that he did, where after murdering someone with a baseball bat Duval goes to a church community where he is taken in. that was a true Christian movie I think, and perhaps really the greatest one. I am not all that religious, but the film almost made me want to call a chruch to join at the time.
@@elnick1000 Apostle. It is a movie Robert Duval funded himself to make.
@@jaylinn416 Thanks, that is correct. Just could not think of the film at the time.
My favourite "Christian" film is The Ninth Configuration, written and directed by William Peter Blatty and starring Stacy Keach and Scott Wilson. It's meant to be an indirect sequel to The Exorcist but deals with redemption.
The "Arts & Faith Top 100 Spiritually Significant Films" includes a lot of great classic Christian films. The Vatican's 1995 list "Some important films" is also a great one. I think a big problem is that people are not familiar with most of the great masterpieces made outside of Hollywood, in other countries, and the many smaller art films rather than the big productions and more comercial films.
Another good example of a "non-Jesus" Jesus movie, I think, is Forrest Gump. Mainly with Lt. Dan's character arc of finding God and making peace with God through his struggles from the war, losing his legs and at first hating God for it, but seeing a God-like character in Forrest Gump, as Forrest showed unconditional love and friendship to Dan, and loyalty. Forrest also showed unswerving friendship and loyalty to Bubba, and unconditional love to Jenny, no matter how messed up she ever got.
I would recommend another movie was one that has incredible Christian overtones, without being blatantly Christian. Ink, from Jamin Winans (2009). It's one I had to watch twice; the first time, to see how it ended and suddenly understanding the context of everything that came before, then again, to appreciate all the little details I didn't understand the first time around. Truly amazing.
Ink is definitely one of my favorite movies ever. Top 3 for sure. Small budget, huge impact
Rocky. Right from the opening scene. And I love the scene in Rocky II when Rocky visits the church before his fight... "Yo, Father Carmine!..."
Ben Hur, Ten Commandments, King of Kings, and The Last Temptation of Christ are all awesome!
I couldn't get on too well with King of kings
@@AlrightDave I get that. Im a big fan of the director so im a homer!
Most historical Christian movies depict the actions of Christ, but Ben-Hur stands out as it shows the world at the time; essential context that helps modern people understand the Gospel.
Last Temptation of Christ isn't quite Christian. It portrays Christ as more of a flawed man instead of the messiah. It was *very* controversial upon its release and denounced by religious groups. It's still a great movie and one of Scorsese's most underrated.
nobody is saying The Robe! Watch The Robe. It's about a Roman that arrested Jesus and his path to Christ starring Richard Burton.
I have seen a video here on YT making the case for The Shawshank Redemption being an illustration of the Gospel.
'Spartacus'. 'Dances with Wolves' 'Outlaw Josey Wales'
Thank you for this critique! I’m going to rewatch/watch these.
If you could pick 10 books for a high school senior to read, what would they be?
I'm so glad that Andrew highlighted _Whistle Down the Wind_. Such a deeply affecting -- largely because it is so outwardly _un_affected -- movie. An absolute jewel. Another wonderful little film, made slightly earlier but featuring the pre-Disney Hayley Mills and also her father, is the suspense thriller _Tiger Bay_. You couldn't quite put in the "Christian Film" category, but there are subtle references to Christianity and Christian themes throughout, beginning with a very young Hayley's piercing little voice soloing on "The Lord's My Shepherd" at a church wedding.
I’m with you Christine … Whistle Down the Wind and Tiger Bay are two of my favourite films. Hayley Mills and the other children were just priceless. Like you I definitely picked up on Christian references in Tiger Bay, even though I was not a practising Christian. And Hayley worked so well with her father. Excellent black and white movies coming out of the UK back then.
For religious movies, I think some really good ones could be made from Bible stories, as long as the script stuck very close to the source material.
If it sticks closely to the source material it will be at least an R rating
It’s A Wonderful Life is possibly of the top 10 greatest films of all time.
it's possibly the best movie of all time.
Wonderful, thank you Andrew.
Surprised the original Rocky film didn’t get a mention as a Christian film though.
Signs is another film you could put in this category. It's a great film that no one thinks as a Christian film, but it is. On the surface it seems like a spooky sci-fi flick about an alien invasion but in reality, it's about a man's relationship with God and faith in the worst crisis possible.
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.
7th Heaven - Frank Borzage's masterpiece about the transcendental power of love and faith.
The Idiot - Kurosawa's extraordinary adaptation of Dostoevsky's novel.
Mr Deeds Goes to Town - Gary Cooper is labelled insane by the media and politicians for wanting to help the ordinary people.
Sergeant York - One of Howard Hawks' best films about Alvin York, a young delinquent who found God and became a WW1 hero.
The Song of Bernardette - Probably the best film ever made about a saint.
7th Heaven….excellent , saw at about 10 years old, stayed with me my. Whole life , now 70.
I think "Amadeus" has a strong Christian message. Salieri first tries to manipulate God, then to thwart him, but God wins in the end by giving His gift to whom He will.
It's definitely a Cain and Abel story for sure
It's just Salieri's projections upon the situation. The rest of the film, as far as I remember, is free of Christian stuff (except incidentally, stuff like locations or statues or something).
I’ve long believed Amadeus to have Christian themes. Compare the story to the parable of the prodigal son. Salieri is the older son angry that his undeserving brother has found favor. Salieri is the epitome of works righteousness. He thinks he can buy God off to make him a great composer, and loses his mind and is filled with rage when it doesn’t happen. He is like Cain.
@@wet-read But Salieri is the main character, not Mozart.
@@nicolesax9903
He is the main character, but it isn't about him. And any Christian whatever in it is probably incidental or otherwise secondary to the story.
“On Wings of Eagles” is, I think, the name of the movie about the life of Eric Liddell, with Joseph Fiennes in the star role. It is about a Christian missionary in China but a man might be that kind of champion, the one who stands between, without necessarily being a devout Christian. I think the movie was free in Spanish as was “Risen”, historical fiction about the resurrection, also with Joseph Fiennes in the star role as the Roman soldier.
I'm listening to your book, "the great good thing" and I listened to "Another Kingdom" and I thoroughly enjoyed and continue enjoying your books!
Great commentary Andrew. You are right of course, one of the faults of most 'Christian' films is that the screenplays are poorly written and thus do not reflect real life. I have seen all three films that you had mentioned, but it has been literally decades in all cases. Like many, I because a Christian later in life, long after I had viewed those three films. Your analysis will allow me to view them again with fresh eyes.
I’ve just found your broadcast. Thank you - really good stuff. I’ve just found out that my dear CS Lewis is now on a ‘warning’ book list put out by the UK government. Apparently readers of Lewis and Tolkien may be dangerously indoctrinated by righteous thinking. Wow. How my aunt (an English teacher) and my father (who read all the Narnia books to us a children) would be astounded. Just shows that the devil is currently (and temporarily) in charge. God bless you. 🙏❤️🙏
Thank you for choosing two films that had a lasting emotional impact on me when I was growing up.
“Whistle Down The Wind” was an excellent study of a child’s view of an adult world. It has been many years since I’ve seen the film, but, as a young English boy in the early 1960s, I can say that its portrayal of of that particular part of my country at that time was completely authentic.
As for wry “Cool Hand Luke”, his humorous melancholy hit just the right emotional note, to give the confused teenager, which I then was, the necessary perspective to deal with a fallen world. In Luke’s case there was no “failure to communicate”.
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?
Would love to hear what Mr. Klavan thinks of
the series Shaun Cassidy's AMERICAN GOTHIC, Daniel Knauf's CARNIVALE and Tom Perrotta's THE LEFTOVERS.
I think Frailty lands on here somewhere, it's about the blurred lines between doing something wrong for the right reasons, and being wrong by doing nothing at all.
Thanks for this video. I’m actually reading “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” now, and this puts it into a new light.
"Only courage makes you free."
- Andrew Klavan
I think Rocky was a great Christian movie.
Rocky is truly a great man due to his ability to forgive.
You blew the quite from 'Cool Hand Luke'..."What we have here is failure to communicate". He does not say "A Failure".
I absolutely love your observations/recommendations! We rarely see "new" movies anymore and love revisiting older classics when, especially, you give us a fresh perspective! Look forward to checking these three out...Whistle Down the Wind is completely new to us. Thanks!
I'm female and never cared for violent or men-only movies, but I saw Cool Hand Luke in the 70s on TV and loved it! I rewatched on TV several times in the 70s and 80s and still loved it. Thanks for pointing out the Christian dimension to it. It truly is a great timeless movie. I miss movies like these!
The look on Nurse Ratched's face when R.P. emotes "Someone get me a f--kin' weiner before I die!"
True cinematic pricelessness.
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
I was a fan of John Ford movies when I was a child, and now, as an old lady. My favorite movie for a long time, as a child, was _3 Godfathers._ Ford seems to have had an interest in grace throughout his career. _Stagecoach_ was based on a short story which was a Christian allegory, "The Stage to Lordsburg". The Ringo Kid is the Christ figure; when he is given that famous closeup, it was not saying 'John Wayne is going to be a star', but that this is the most important character in the movie, vastly more important than any other. The fate of the other passengers is changed dramatically, from then on, because this humble and kindly young man joins the trip. The part of the movie that best shows it as an allegory of the grace of God, is when Ringo walks Dallas to where she lives. He sees her as she has really lived; she thinks all hope is lost. But there are other elements that show it: Ringo is headed to Lordsburg for a work of justice, one that nothing will keep him from. Mr Peacock, the kindly whiskey drummer, urging compassion among the fellow travellers; all of the interactions have Christian elements, but of all, it is the grace shown by Ringo, especially to Dallas, his bride to be, that points to Jesus, as He sees all of us who put our faith in Him. Other Ford movies that illustrate grace include _3 Godfathers,_ which uses _Streets of Laredo_ is a "lullaby" and Christmas carol. I always thought that the sight of those poor men, climbing over the dunes of the desert, to the tune of Streets of Laredo, was very moving. When the mother dies, it switches to a windblown, rugged tree. It is a movie that acknowledges God, anyway. It asks for mercy, throughout, for its "three bad men" (the original name for the first version). I believe that grace is also in the _Searchers;_ notice the symbol of grace in the closing doorway scene. Considering that he was going to kill her, he definitely experienced some grace from God, and far from hopeless, has more hope than for a long time as the movie ends.
Anyway, people think I am crazy for thinking so. But I have read a little about this from other people who thought so, particularly _Stagecoach,_ in a book about Ford I found in a school.library. Perhaps it was my own struggle, to believe, and to keep my faith, that made these things stand out to me.
Andrew Klavan is one of the few Christians who understands that 'Christian art" doesn't have to be explicitly religious or preachy. It can be Christian for any number of reasons: craft skills, redemptive content, etc.
Thank you Andrew, a great point! There was a film many years ago revolving around a dating agency for truly weird and unattractive people, but, one of the male escorts was a particularly compassionate, empathetic and kind man and his attitude and behaviors around his clients could put many Church Going Bible Believers to shame. He treated his 'unappealing' clients with such courtesy, such compassion, it made me feel I wasn't as kind to the needy as they need and I resolved from that day on to be kinder even to the churllsh and nasty...no excuses! That to me is a Christian movie...when truth and love are upheld and, even without intending to be a Christian movie, that movie and that actor planted a good seed in my soul that sprung to life and has grown! If that isn't a Christian message, what is?
I wish I could remember the name of the movie and actor, I'd watch it again. Yes, it was at times vulgar, but, that paled compared to the glorious message of what genuine kindness can do for an unhappy or lonely soul. And how in that exchange two people are better off, not just the one receiving the gift of kindness.
I do realize the main Christian truth is about the status and knowledge of Jesus and what He as God, Creator, Savior, Redeemer, King of kings has done and is still doing for humankind and that by faith we are saved, by our loyalty to Him, rather than by our performances and successes. Even so, Jesus is the only Source of Truth and Love and, wherever I come upon that sacrificing love for humans, I know I'm in the presence of God, even if the others doing the sacrifice do not yet know Love's name is Jesus.
To me, sometimes movies uphold Jesus without realizing they're doing it! Most don't 😢 but some do 🤗
Andrew Klavan, your explanation of the freedom of Luke and Randall McMurphy finally made something click for me. I’ve long been a big fan of Chili Palmer from Get Shorty, but couldn’t quite put my finger on it as to exactly why I found him so appealing until I saw this video. He’s the same type of imperfect but undefeatable character.
Mr. Andrew you are a treasure. Been watching your videos for a good while now and I just wanted to saw that I’m glad I found you.
"Sometimes nothin' is a real cool hand."
Truly classic line. Thx for the reminder.
‘’What we have here is failure to communicate.” No “a” before failure!
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.
Andrew Klavan...What an incredible insight!!! Yes it takes courage to be free, real courage. Thank You
God bless you, Andrew. May our Lord Jesus Christ always walk with you. Amen 🙏
I could not agree more, Andrew. I've often said Christian movies tend to be more like a sermon shoved up a Hallmark movie.
One of the most realistic Christian film that drives the point to what is happening today is the Devil's advocate with Keanu reeves and al Pacino historical film, it's about first comes pride and then the fall. Let me know what you think of this movie Drew?
I saw a movie which was religious, anyway the title was Rapture and God has a big part. I think the guy from X Files played in it. Till he dies. NOT for children. It was actually a bit scary. Not released as a religious movie. I think it was from the 80s. You would think I'd remember the names and whatnot. This movie is something you can't un see.
I thought that “Godfather was the last great American film”? Cuckoo’s Nest was after
Crimes and Misdemeanors is great film that everyone should see as well
I would love to hear your review of The Chosen series
Some things are so popular some people just assume they're bad unfortunately.
@@Jim-Mc that was me. Then I gave the series a try and I’m really liking it.
Random trivia: The exact line in Cool Hand Luke is “What we’ve got here is failure to communicate.” But it’s usually quoted as “a” failure to communicate for some reason.
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.
"Schindler's List" "The Spitfire Grill" "Gattaca"
"Young Adult" "Billy Elliot" "Shower" (1999) "Dead Poets Society"
Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy.
According to "the Batman Code" it's basically Plato's Republic plus Paradise Lost by John Milton.
Hayley Mills movies made my childhood and early teen years better. Her films were all delightful. My favorite? In Search of the Castaways.
Klavan is the man.
Some, or many, Christian musicians, for example, don't like to be boxed in as "Christian" bands. They sing about life, struggle, suffering, failure, desires, and maybe once in a while explicitly Christ / God. Part of the problem is ruling out a movie because it doesn't have a cross in it or very overt mentions of God in a Christian form. As John Fischer wrote about in "True Believers Don't Ask Why" he challenged the reader to re-frame their thinking to see works of art by anyone, Christian or Non-Christian, as being "Christian" if they are dealing with issues and themes of life, of those found in the Bible, including rebellion and darker struggles, if they are involving the search for meaning, purpose, fulfillment, ultimately for God. Which is why, IMHO, there are a BROAD range of possibilities of a movie being "Christian" if it includes a "multitude of sins" and yet has something in it of Life, Love, Redemption, Forgiveness.
So, on that note, here are some of my suggestions for "Christian Movies" that are not overtly preaching Christ, the Gospel, the Bible, etc. :
*"On Golden Pond" *"12 Angry Men" *"Hostiles" *"The 40 Year-Old Virgin"
*"The Heartbreak Kid" (2007) *"Crash" (2005) *"Pig" *"Frequency" *"Cape Fear"
*"The Addiction" *"The Crow" *"The Silence of the Lambs" *"Sudden Impact"
*"The Wedding Crashers" *"Accepted" *"Edward Scissorhands" *"Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf"
***Some more directly linked to Christianity: *"The Devil's Advocate" *"Frailty"
+1 for mention of John Fischer… his books and music
Cool Hand Luke! What a great explanation.
Quote from Lawrence of Arabia: "The trick is not minding that it hurts." Cool Hand Luke and Cuckoo's Nest are tops on my list too.
Great work Andrew! Scooby snacks for you.
Great video, Andrew. Bishop Barron does an occasional movie review seen thru a Christian lens. "Cool Hand Luke" is mentioned in his review of "Gran Torino." Then there's "Fargo" which he compares to Flannery O'Conner. Plus "No Country For Old Men," "Book Of Eli," and many others. Even "Once Upon A Time In Hollywood," which he saw as a great example of the virtue of prudence embodied through a very flawed man.
Hey Drew!
Love your movie recommendations.
The first few seasons of Cheers ♥️😭♥️
Also perfect Cheers moment follow up with "the sweatiest movie of all time", Cool Hand Luke.
The 40 year saga of ROCKY Balboa is not an study of just a boxer, it is an exploration of the the challenges of a contemporary American Saint.
I read “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” my junior year of high school. My English teacher at the time used it to talk about Christ-like figures.
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.
For a more contemporary film, The Dark Knight Rises is essentially the passion story, including Bruce Wayne/Batman as Jesus and individual characters from the Bible like Peter (Gordon), John (Blake) and Mary Magdalene (Selena Kyle).
Bane is Satan who thinks he can imprison Bruce in a "Hell on Earth," but Bruce breaks free after three attempts and frees the prisoners.
This may or may not be controversial but I believe that “The Godfather trilogy” and Raging Bull could in many ways be considered “Christian” or at least have “Christian” elements. I say “The Godfather” trilogy because it is one of the few great film series that have everything from Baptism, to Confessions, and from images of Christ (both literally and figuratively), to Biblical references (Michael’s Kiss of betrayal, Michael rise is similar to David and Goliath, etc). As for Raging Bull, film also has images of Mary, Jesus, Rosaries, and the Cross. Speaking of the the Cross, during the famous “You never got me down Ray” scene, one shot looks like that Jake is one the cross, paying for his sins. Also, the ending of the film also has a quote from the Bible.
Fan of DW first AK I’ve watched might just tune in again. Good job!
I can't remember if it's the opening or closing of Cool Hand Luck but it has a high angle and shows an intersection the the shape of a crucifix. I think it overlays two actually.
Beautiful, thank you Klavan! God bless!
FINALLY! Klavan recommends a film I've both seen and adored without ever being advised to. Cuckoo's Nest was my all-time favourite film for a chunk of painful time in my youth. By this reminder, I'll finally grab the book, too. Thanks as always!
"What we have here is failure to communicate". You made the classic mistake of adding an "A" where it does not exist.
Personal redemption through sacrificing one's life to save another life shines in 'Gran Torino', or 'Magnificent Seven' (1960) in a gritty, authentic way as well.
Klavin (there are no e's in Klavun), is one of the best thinkers of our time.
Klavan has been popping off lately. Keep it up
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.
I thoroughly enjoyed this talk. I wonder how much the good sir appreciates Flannery O’Connor?
I love Flannery O'Connor. BTW, she wouldn't go to movies! She watched TV, but gave the movies the cold shoulder.
Then again there are great movies with overtly religious themes that aren’t preachy: Man For All Seasons, Hacksaw Ridge, Les Mis, The Bells of St Mary’s, Amadeus, A Patch of Blue, The Trouble With Angels, The Song of Bernadette, West Side Story, It’s a Wonderful Life, Father Goose, Romero, Life is Beautiful, For Greater Glory, Silence, to name a few. And of course, The Passion, The Greatest Story Ever Told, Jesus of Nazareth, The Robe…
Christian movies worth seeing: Calvary; Gran Turino; Wildcat (about Flannery O’Connor); Wise Blood; The End of the Affair; Father Stu; and St. Vincent.
I'm no Christian (though i do believe in god) but I do enjoy a few Christian films as long as they aren't overtly preachy
Great video Andrew!!!