THE LAST SIN EATER

THE LAST SIN EATER - 2007

RATED - PG-13 (For thematic elements and some intense sequences of violence). Not suited for younger children.

RATINGS - 68 Amazon (4.5/5), 137,781 Netflix (3.4/5), NY TIMES (4/5), 850 IMDB (5.6/10).

STARRING - Michael Landon, Jr., Director, Louise Fletcher, Henry Thomas.

THEMES - Justice, spirituality, relationships, redemption.

STORY - Based on the actual practice of the Welsh who settled in the Appalachian Mountains during the 18th & 19th centuries and the novel of the same name by Francine Rivers. The sin eater was someone in the community, picked by God through lottery, who was set apart to live alone, and only showed up at the burial site to perform a ritual of taking the dead person's sins upon himself, making the person acceptable to God in the afterlife. No one ever saw the Sin Eater. The story centers around young Cadi Forbes, whose sister died recently in an accident, and the guilt she feels for her death. She can't stand living with the guilt and can't wait until death to have her sins removed , so she seeks this elusive and strange person called the Sin Eater. In doing so, she confronts the demons and dark secrets that have haunted the community for decades. Who is this mysterious Sin Eater, where does he live and can he remove the sins of the living as well as the dead? While the film has a clear Christian message, it is intended for all audiences and is more than just an excuse to make a 'video sermon'. The story is well done, the scenery is gorgeous and the acting is more than adequate, all done on a relatively small budget. Reading the book is a plus in understanding as it would be helpful to have a little better knowledge of the role of the Sin Eater and the cause of Cadi's guilt a little earlier in the film. Produced as part of the FoxFaith Series. It will be over the head of and a little too violent for most children under 13.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMDB, TRAILER, NY TIMES REVIEW

KNIGHTS OF THE SOUTH BRONX

KNIGHTS OF THE SOUTH BRONX - 2005

RATED - TV PG (Family Friendly)

RATINGS - 9 Amazon (4.5/5), 5,077 Netflix (4.1/5), 276 IMDB (6.7/10).

STARRING - Ted Danson and a host of talented students.

THEMES - Relationships, pursuing your dream.

STORY - The film begins with former engineer businessman Richard Mason (Danson) showing up at an inner-city school for what he thought was to be his first day teaching sixth grade. It turns out to be fourth grade and they're not very interested in learning. Based on true events, Mason, a chess master, finds common ground with the students in teaching them the game of chess in a way that challenges and motivates them to want to be the best. Mason, dealing with his own demons at home, finds a new life in the classroom and so do the students. While the plot and ending may be somewhat predictable, the film feels true and realistic. There is always room for one more well done story of someone who thinks outside the box to change their world and those around them for good. May their tribe increase! Very entertaining and family friendly.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMDB

THE WINDS OF WAR

THE WINDS OF WAR - 1983

RATED - NR but probably PG for adult themes and some war violence.

RATINGS - 104 Amazon (4.5/5), 44,794 Netflix (4.0/5), 947 IMDB (8.5/10).

AWARDS - Nominated in 1984 for 4 Golden Globes including Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture made for TV. Winner of several Emmys and nominated for others.

STARRING - Robert Mitchum, Polly Bergen, Ali McGraw, Jan-Michael Vincent, John Houseman, Peter Graves, Ralph Bellamy, etc.

STORY - Based on Herman Wouk's epic novel of the same title, this is the mini-series (15 hours) of the years leading up to Pearl Harbor and America's 'official' entrance into WWII as seen through the eyes of Captain 'Pug' Henry(Mitchum) and his family. Mitchum is assigned to the War Plans department of the U.S. Navy and sent to Germany to work through the embassy there, assessing and keeping on top of the situation in Berlin and Germany. His keen insight and analysis earn him a direct relationship with President Roosevelt (Bellamy) and entrance into the corridors of power throughout Europe and Russia , including meetings with Hitler, Churchill and Stalin. Through his eyes we see and understand the events leading up to our country's direct involvement in WWII. In addition to others, we see the Jewish persecution by Germany develop through the lives of Pug's son (Vincent), a submarine officer, and his fiance and eventual wife, Natalie Jastrow (McGraw), who is Jewish and spends a good deal of time in Europe trying to get her uncle, Aaron Jastrow (Houseman), a famous author to leave his beloved home in Italy. The acting is terrific and the story entertaining and gripping and a great way to learn more about that time in the history of our country and the world. It is part history, part drama and part war story. As close to perfection in a mini-series as you could hope for. Well worth the time and effort to watch. Enjoy. Lu G. for Lus' Reviews. 01/11/2009.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMDB