Change Your Image
jeffrystirler
Reviews
The Passion of the Christ (2004)
Intensity
A local Pastor stated in an interview here that he would not usually suggest to his youth group to go to an "R" rated movie. However, since this "R" rating could very easily be said to be "R" for R-ealistic, he wanted them to go.
This show was not an easy one to watch. Much like the movie, Saving Private Ryan, I was moved to the "core of my being" by this movie. I had to agree with the senior pastor at my congregation when he stated that after it was over, he didn't want to talk to ANYONE else for awhile. Although we didn't go to the show together, we both needed to spend time alone with God to really let everything sink in> I was reminded just how ugly "sin" really is in the eyes of the Lord.
I have told the gospel story over and over again. I have graduated from a Bible College, spent time in ministry preaching and teaching. Yet, being able to see such a realistic portrayal of the gospel story was hard for me to handle. I was overwhelmed by Christ's silence and lack of retaliation against those who mocked him, beat him, and treated Him so poorly.
The true nature of Christ seemed to be portrayed so clearly in this film. Even after being beaten and bloodied beyond recognition, the 'punishment' wasn't "good enough" for the crowd. They STILL wanted him crucified, and Christ went along with it!!!
WOW... After being beaten, mocked, and humiliated to that degree, and the people still wanting to "Crucify Him, Crucify Him!!!". All I have to say is it is a VERY good thing that it was Christ they wanted that from, and not me. At that point, I'd have been likely to say, "FINE, forget you! I have had enough, and if you want MORE, get it yourself, or from someone else!!! I am THROUGH with you, you ungrateful, jerks! Die in your sin, I can spend eternity without you!"
BUT, the good news is: it was HIM, and not me... He wants us, He wants us all, He wants each and every person alive to spend eternity with Him! So much so, that He paid the price we could not pay, to grant us the opportunity to live with Him forever.
A River Runs Through It (1992)
Human Reality
What a "real" show.
Two sons, same house, different results!
Paul stays "home" in Montana. Norman goes away for College out east, and comes home to a place of familiarity, yet is awkwardly uncomfortable. He tries to woo Jessie, and ends up sticking his foot in his mouth by bragging about where he's been, what he's seen, and what "real music" is. He gets his woman in the end, so I guess its all good.
Paul too, has his own issues. His vices take his life, in the end.
Even though Paul and Norman grow into two entirely different people in adulthood, their true brotherhood stays intact despite flaws and issues that could make a 'respectable' person RUN away, not wanting to associate with the other.
I must say that if more people "stuck by" each other threw thick and thin, like Norman stuck with Paul, and did everything he could to bail little brother out, then we might see a much different society than we do today.
China Cry: A True Story (1990)
Powerful
This movie made me question my own sincerity of faith.
One can only pray that the Lord will provide special graces to anyone who ever faces that level of persecution. In, and of myself, I would never be able to withstand such mistreatment.
I look at how coddled and spoiled I am socially as a professing Christian in the USA, and have to really wonder how much I would truly be able to withstand under such harsh situations.
I have heard Nora Lam's testimony, and I can hardly imagine what it would be like to have to stand firm under any "real" persecution.
Just to think that such things even still go on today around the world, is a painful reality.
Dead Poets Society (1989)
Heartstrings get yanked.
This movie is one of my three all time favorites.
What if we looked at life from a different "angle"?
What if we push someone too far away from THEIR dream and passion?
What if no one ever challenged their students to grow and take risks?
What if CODE, HONOR, etc... were not just words used as political punching bags, and really meant something to EVERYONE, from the proverbial TOP, to the proverbial BOTTOM, without regard to their OWN reputation alone?
So many characters were pivotal in this movie. I was intrigued by how much one person can influence another, for the better or for the worse. This movie has made me very conscious of what I say, to whom I say it, and how it is said.