THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS

THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS - 2007

RATED - NR

RATINGS - 3 Amazon (4.5/5), 59 Netflix (3.4/5)

THEMES - Forgiveness, spirituality, justice.

STORY - What does it mean to forgive someone? How do you go about forgiving? Does it mean that we forgo justice? Is forgiving simply a spiritual experience between an individual and God or does it play out on many different levels? These and other questions are addressed in this look at forgiveness by filmmaker Martin Doblmeier (Bonhoeffer). It looks at real life examples of forgiveness such as the Amish in the wake of the killing of five Amish schoolgirls that ripped their community. It shows the speech Elie Weisel made to the German Bundestadt challenging them to ask forgiveness of the Jewish people and then two months later, the speech made to the Israeli Knesset by the President of Germany asking forgiveness on behalf of Germany. It looks at forgiveness on many different levels including the physical level and how forgiveness (or lack of it) affects us physically and shows examples of forgiveness being taught in elementary schools as well as being offered in colleges. It shows three women who lost loved ones in 9/11 who travel to Lebanon to experience the Garden of Forgiveness established by the Lebanese and wonder why there is so much opposition to establishing a Garden of Forgiveness on the WTC site. While many might want to limit forgiveness to a theological discussion (and it certainly is a major if not THE major theological doctrine), this film shows the power of forgiveness beyond just the theological implications and how our world could be different if forgiveness were taken seriously and practiced by everyone. At the very least, this should be a wonderful conversation starter for those serious about studying forgiveness. Think of the political ramifications if candidates running for office would stand up and ask forgiveness of their opponents when they say something in error or intentionally malign them or if corporate leaders would ask forgiveness of shareholders for the mistakes they made in the name of corporate profits and greed. Perhaps, like most things, it works best if it starts from the individual and community level and works upward. That means it starts with you and me. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 03/30/2008.

LINKS - AMAZON

TO DIE IN JERUSALEM

TO DIE IN JERUSALEM - 2007

RATED - NR but probably PG for themes.

RATINGS - 1 Amazon (4/5), 114 Netflix (3.9/5), 60 IMDB (7.4/10).

THEMES - Justice, forgiveness, spirituality.

STORY - An HBO documentary telling the story of two mothers, one is Israeli and the other Palestinian. Both had daughters killed in a suicide attack in a Jerusalem supermarket in 2002. One daughter was the victim, the other daughter was the bomber. Both were teenagers with full lives ahead. Why did 18 year old Ayat al-Akhras, an honors student, decide to blow herself and Rachel up and is she a murderer or a martyr? Is this terrorism or is it resistance to an occupation on the part of Israel. Who is willing to stop the vicious cycle of violence or is there no hope for this part of the world? Both sides believe in God. Whose side, if either, is God on? Can these two groups ever learn to live together? Those are some of the questions the mother of Rachel Levy wanted to try to find answers to. She set about trying to arrange a meeting between herself and Ayat's mother. It took four years to finally arrange a meeting. The meeting is a powerful microcosm of the whole Israeli/Palestinian conflict. This film documents the story that led to the meeting which includes a trip to an Israeli prison where 58 Palestinian women are held, 20 of whom were suicide bombers that were arrested before their bombs went off. While this film does not pretend to give answers to the complex realities of this area, it does show extremely well the tensions and the attitudes of these people toward each other. Highly recommended for those interested in another look at why there is continual conflict in this City of Peace, JeruSALEM. Lu G. for Lus' Reviews. 03/30/2008.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMDB

PURPLE STATE OF MIND

PURPLE STATE OF MIND - 2007

RATED - NR but most likely PG for language and mature themes. Best suited for mature teens and older.

THEMES - Faith, politics, red state, blue state.

STORY - This is the story of a conversation between two old friends. They roomed together as sophomores at Davidson College in 1985. They were both devout Christians. It was Craig Detweiler's first year as a Christian and John Marks's last. Craig went on to become a film producer, minister and seminary professor. John pursued a career in journalism including 60 MINUTES. When he was laid off from 60 MINUTES, he remembered a question asked of him by a Christian couple he interviewed for a special on the hugely successful Biblical End Times series called LEFT BEHIND. They asked him if he would be one of those 'left behind' and it affected him deeply. He wrote a book called REASONS TO BELIEVE about his journey in and out of the evangelical faith. Now they get back together to discuss their lives, their families, their beliefs and where they disagree and, more importantly, where they agree. Rather than the insane rhetoric heard on talk shows on TV and radio, they ask honest questions and give honest answers. It is not about winning an argument - it is about trying to understand the other person. It brings the national debate about the 'culture wars' to a new and more positive level. Perhaps there is still hope that, despite great differences, people of different faiths (we all believe something) can find what we do have in common to work together to solve problems that affect all of us. What does it profit a person if they win the culture wars and lose their friends? While it won't satisfy everybody and many Christians will disagree with some of Craig's views, it is a starting point for those who want to have a serious conversation and not a shouting match. Some of the questions (and answers) will surprise, shock and even embarrass you. No matter what your faith (or lack thereof) perspective, we all should be ready to answer the toughest questions. This may turn out to be a syllabus for 'Culture Wars 101'. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 03/22/2008.

LINKS - AMAZON, WEBSITE, REVIEW

JUDGMENT DAY - INTELLIGENT DESIGN ON TRIAL

JUDGMENT DAY - 2007

RATED - NR

RATINGS - 9 Amazon (4.5/5), 115 Netflix (3.9/5)

THEME - PBS show about Intelligent Design in the NOVA series produced by WGBH of Boston.

STORY - The film documents the 2005 trial of a group of parents and teachers in Dover, PA. who sued the school board accusing them of violating the constitutional separation of church and state. The dispute, which divided this small community of 20,000 into two very polarized groups, started when the school board required science teachers to read a statement to students that Intelligent Design (ID) was a viable alternative scientific theory to the theory of evolution and that books were available in the library which would give students more information about ID. These books had been anonymously donated to the school and became an integral part of the trial later on. The trial attracted national and international attention. An attorney for the plaintiffs stated, 'This is the case I've been waiting all my life for..". The success of the plaintiffs rested on being able to prove two statements. One, they had to prove that ID was not a scientific theory according to generally accepted scientific principles. Two, they had to prove the school had religious motivation or purposes in requiring that ID be presented to students. The trial last six weeks and literally divided families in the community as people took sides. If you like legal movies you will enjoy the strategies of both sides as they make their cases. It was a fascinating trial. The trial was decided by a judge who was appointed by the Bush Administration which clearly had an ID bias. If you're interested in evolution versus ID, you will also find this fascinating. Remember, it is ID that is on trial, not the theory of evolution. Did this trial answer the questions forever regarding ID or was it a referendum on the Dover school board? You can decide. As the trial demonstrates, the science and faith communities are still far apart in understanding each other and recognizing the limitations and strengths of both. At the end, a couple surprise discoveries create a 'Perry Mason' style finish. Worth watching no matter which side of the debate you find yourself on. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 03/22/2008.

LINKS - AMAZON, WGBH

GENTLEMAN'S AGREEMENT

GENTLEMAN'S AGREEMENT - 1947

RATED - NR but probably G/PG for mature themes.

RATINGS - 29 Amazon (4.5/5), 63,325 Netflix (3.7/5), 2,612 IMDB (7.3/10), TV Guide (5/5)

STARRING - Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire, John Garfield.

AWARDS - 3 Academy Awards including BEST PICTURE plus 5 Academy nominations. AFI TOP 100 Movies nominee.

THEMES - Prejudice, discrimination, justice, morality.

STORY - Gregory Peck stars as successful reporter Philip Schuyler who is given an assignment to write on anti-semitism. Looking for an angle for the story, he poses as a Jewish man with his son (he is recently widowed). At first, it's just about getting a more inside look for the story. It becomes very personal when both he and his son actually experience the prejudice he's writing about. Interspersed is a romance with Kathy Lacy (Dorothy McGuire), the divorced niece of the editor. While she is supportive and actually initiated the idea for the story, Philip finds there is a real difference between those who intellectually oppose prejudice and those willing to actually do something about it. When he finds out she owns a home in an area where there is a GENTLEMAN'S AGREEMENT not to ever sell to anyone Jewish, the romance hits the rocks and he turns into a crusader for the Jewish people. While the story may be somewhat outdated (it was actually shocking in 1947) the question to ask ourselves is where are we more like Kathy in areas of our lives that we should be outspoken about. Where can we make a difference by standing up for those who are experiencing discrimination or something less than equality? A film well worth watching and discussing. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 03/15/2008.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMDB

THE QUIET MAN

THE QUIET MAN - 1952

RATED - NR but probably G/PG. Very family friendly with some Irish pub scenes and good old fashioned brawl the only negatives for younger children. Netflix recommended for 8+.

RATINGS - 253 Amazon (4/5), 215,021 Netflix (3.9/5), 11.264 IMDB (7.9/10). TV Guide (5/5)

STARRING - John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara

AWARDS - Two Academy Awards including Best Director (John Ford) plus 5 Academy nominations. AFI TOP 100 Passions, AFI TOP 100 Laughs nominee, AFI TOP 100 Movies nominee.

THEMES - Love, family, forgiveness.

STORY - The film begins with American Sean Thornton (John Wayne) getting off the train in Castleton, Ireland and asking directions to Inisfree, the little village he had been born in. We learn that he is an ex-professional boxer wanting to forget the tragedy of his last fight in which his opponent was killed. He quickly falls in love with his 'spinster' neighbor Mary Kate Danaher (Maureen O'Hara). As an American he is not familiar with the ways of courting in Ireland and soon learns the hard way that the direct approach does not work. He goes about winning her hand over the opposition of her stubborn brother who does not like Sean. When her brother discovers he has been tricked into giving permission to Mary Kate to marry Sean, he withholds the dowry he has promised. Sean does not care but it is a matter of extreme pride to Mary Kate that she produces the dowry she is owed and promised. She challenges Sean to fight her brother for the rightful dowry. It is then that Sean must confront the demons of his past that only one person in the village knows about. A delightful comedy romance, they truly don't make these anymore. With Wayne and O'Hara, two bigger than life stars, how could they? Great entertainment and a wonderful look at another culture. Enjoy. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 03/15/2008.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMDB

MARIO'S STORY

MARIO'S STORY - 2007

RATED - NR but probably PG for mild language and adult themes.

RATINGS - 1 Amazon (3/5), 7 IMDB (9.6/10), 2,204 Netflix (3.6/5).

AWARDS - Winner of Audience Award BEST DOCUMENTARY PICTURE at the Los Angeles Film Festival.

THEMES - Injustice, justice, legal system, family, human spirit.

STORY - The film begins with a 911 call to report the shooting of a young male at a party. He dies at the scene. We learn that 16 year old Mario Rocha has been arrested in connection with the murder. We quickly learn that Sister Janet Harris, a Catholic nun is convinced that the trial that convicted Mario of the murder and gave him two life sentences was wrongful and that Mario is very innocent. Have you ever felt you may have been a raw deal in a particular situation-maybe trying out for a sports team or a part in a play or whatever. How would you feel at 18, having spent two years in jail waiting for your trial and now given two life sentences for a crime that you didn't commit? Mario may be one of the most amazing young men you will ever meet. His spirit and his will seem almost unbreakable despite the odds being 99 to 1 that he could ever get a new trial. Habeas Corpus appeals are almost never overturned despite what seems to be clear evidence that he was underrepresented and misrepresented by his legal counsel. This is story of an incredible young man who learns he has the gift of poetry in prison and a law firm that did pro bono work believing in his innocence and a nun and a family that wouldn't give up. This should be watched by everyone entering the legal profession as well as everyone associated with the criminal justice system. How many Marios are in prison? We will probably never know but one is too many. You will be heart broken by the failures of our legal system and inspired by the spirit of this young man and undying commitment of his family, law firm and one very determined nun. Don't miss this one. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 03/08/2008.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMDB, WEBSITE

CAVE OF THE YELLOW DOG

CAVE OF THE YELLOW DOG - 2005

RATED - G

RATINGS - 12 Amazon (5/5), 783 IMDB (7.4/10), 16,783 Netflix (3.8/5)

AWARDS - 5 WINS at various Film Festivals.

STARRING - The Batchuluun family - a real life Mongolian family. Directed by Academy Award nomimee Byambasurem Davaa (THE STORY OF THE WEEPING CAMEL).

THEMES - Family, relationships, love and perseverance.

STORY - First of all, this is not an action packed adventure film. It is a film about the real life struggles of living as nomadic herders in Mongolia. It is about struggling to maintain a life style and way of living that is dying and forcing many to seek employment in the cities. It is about a child who finds a dog and manages to keep it over her parents' objections. Much of what happens takes place in real time and it has the feel of a docudrama. The actors are real people who actually live as they do in the movie. The beauty of the film is in the details as you watch how they go about their daily life making and doing things most of us take for granted with all our modern appliances and conveniences. Like the little wind powered generator that allows them to have a little electricity for periods of time to have a light on at night. Like when their herd has eaten all the grass and they must take their 'home' apart piece by piece and pack it into five ox-drawn wooden carts to find better pastures. The scenery is spectacular and at times you almost wish you could leave our modern culture and trade places. This is a gentle film about people of another world and culture who have learned to accept what nature brings their way on a daily basis and make the best of it. Take a deep breath, sit back, relax and enjoy this one. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 03/08/2008.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMDB

THE GREAT MCGINTY

THE GREAT MCGINTY - 1940

RATED - NR but probably PG for adult themes and non-graphic violence.

RATINGS - 664 IMDB (7.7/10), 4,571 Netflix (3.6/5)

STARRING - Brian Donlevy, Muriel Angelus. Preston Sturges directorial debut.

AWARDS - ACADEMY AWARD for Best Screenplay (Preston Sturges)

THEMES - Political satire, political corruption.

STORY - The film begins in a night club in a Banana Republic somewhere. The opening screen states that two men cross paths-one who lived a life of dishonesty and for a minute became honest and one who lived a life of honesty and for a minute became dishonest. A businessman away from home is drunk and tempted to do something that he will regret. The club singer gets him over to the bar to help sober him up and there they both listen to the story of regret (told in flashbacks) of the bartender who was once a successful and wealthy politician, although his career in politics started as a bum. He was offered $2 in a bread line if he would go and vote in the mayoral election for the incumbent. The Mayor's campaign chairman rationalized that a lot of people who wanted to vote just couldn't get out to vote and they were casting the vote they would have wanted to vote. Not only does he vote but he votes 37 times. The politicians see this good looking (when he gets all cleaned up) guy as a potential candidate, someone who can be manipulated for money to do whatever they want. He is more than willing to play the role. Part of the role is to find him a wife to play the role. This 'arranged ' marriage eventually turns into the real thing and he actually falls in love with his wife. He works his way up to Governor of the state where he can really deliver the goods to his political cronies. But his wife begins to have an influence on his conscience. He struggles with the decisions he's made and the relationships he's developed. While, it is clearly too much to assume all politics is this way, it is not too much to believe that it happens more than we would like to admit. Preston Sturges apparently got much of the ideas for the film from a judge who gave him real life cases. Read John Grisham's latest novel, THE APPEAL, for more inside political tricks. When you consider all the 'earmarks' that are added to the bills President Bush has signed over the years, it makes you wonder how many McGintys we have in Congress. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews 03/02/2008

LINKS - IMDB , AMAZON

ANGELS IN THE OUTFIELD

ANGELS IN THE OUTFIELD - 1951

RATED - NR but probably G/PG. 'Guffy' McGovern uses a lot of apparent profanity but it's all garbled electronically so you can't understand it which makes it sound rather silly.

RATINGS - 17 Amazon (4/5), 2,242 Netflix (3.6/5), 504 IMDB (7/10).

STARRING - Paul Douglas, Janet Leigh

THEMES - Redemption, nice guys finish first, family.

STORY - 'Guffy' McGovern's the roughest guy in baseball and he manages the worst team in baseball, the Pittsburgh Pirates (many actual scenes from the old Forbes Field). When the local paper assigns the Home Economics reporter (Janet Leigh) to cover the Pirates to try and find a different angle since they're losing all the time and nobody is following the team, she confronts McGovern about his attitude and he replies, 'Dogs have fleas, managers have sportswriters'. After being thrown out of a game for the umpteenth time, 'Guffy' can't find his pin and goes to look for it on the field after the game. It is there sitting on 2nd base under the stars he encounters an angel and his life is changed. No more bad guy. Amazingly the team's fortunes start to change, also. It becomes even more mysterious when Janet Leigh writes an article about a young, orphan girl who has been praying for the team. 'Guffy' wants to find this girl but Leigh won't reveal who she is. He tracks her to the orphanage and in one of the most poignant scenes in the film tells the Sister in charge that he's 'looking for a little girl'. The Sister rushes into the classroom and announces to the classroom full of 8 year old girls that a man is here who is 'looking for a little girl'. One little girl wearing thick glasses quickly takes them off and hides them, telling her friend, 'people looking to adopt don't like children with glasses'. Your heart goes out as you wonder how many times she has had her hopes up that the next person 'looking for a little girl' would pick her. It's wonderful family film with enough baseball for real fans. It has cameo appearances by Ty Cobb, Joe Dimaggio and Bing Cosby, who was part owner of the Pirates at that time. Conspicuous by their absence, there are no African-American players in the Major Leagues at that time. Dwight Eisenhower called it his favorite movie. Enjoy!! Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 03/02/2008.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMDB, TRAILER