The Stories That Stay with Us: Movies to Watch This Christmas

BreakPoint ^ | 2 Dec 03 | Chuck Colson

[Mr. Silverback]

In the rush of the Christmas season one thing is certain these days, and that is that people will spend time watching movies on VCR or DVD players. But which movies? Let me suggest a few that make solid worldview points.

First, let me make it clear: I’m not suggesting that you always have to watch movies just to get a lesson out of them. That’s not what movies, or stories in general, are about. A good movie is just that, but movies, at the same time, do shape our thinking. It’s no accident that, for the most part, the movies and stories that stay with us are the ones that dramatize truths about the human condition—like our fallen nature, our need for a Redeemer, our dependence on each other, good and evil. And the movies I suggest are like that.

One of the most popular Christmas movies ever is Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life, a film that’s appropriate for all ages. The movie is about a businessman who spends his life giving up what he wants to help others. And then one day he finds himself in desperate need of help, and he’s rescued by an angel. There’s a reason people watch this movie again and again: Though it is a simple story, it reaffirms the value of faith, life, and friendship.

Another classic, for older children and adults, is To Kill a Mockingbird. In Depression-era Alabama, a white lawyer defends an innocent black man on rape charges. The movie clearly shows the depravity of human nature and the tragedy of prejudice. And it also portrays an unforgettable story about the eternal impact a good father has on his children.

There are more recent classics, like Saving Private Ryan. This is not a movie for children. But older teenagers and adults who can handle its graphic depiction of war will be deeply moved by the struggle of a group of soldiers assigned to rescue a single private. It’s a timely reminder of both the horrifying realities of war and the words of Jesus: “Greater love has no man than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” The ending is worth the cost of the rental.

A very different wartime story is told in the Italian film Life Is Beautiful. In it a devoted father shelters his young son from the brutal realities of a World War II labor camp by turning the whole experience into a game. Is it possible to tell a comic story against such a horrific backdrop? Some people thought it was a sacrilege, trivializing the horrors of prison; I think it’s a beautiful depiction of the biblical principle of bringing good out of evil.

Finally, for those in your family who enjoy getting scared out of their wits, I recommend the film Signs, in which a former minister tries to defend his family against an invasion from space. Signs is not a typical alien flick. It has subtlety, humor, and nail-biting suspense—and it gradually develops into a strong affirmation of faith.

This list is only a starting point. You can get my complete list by calling us here at BreakPoint. And, of course, you and your family might benefit from Ted Baehr’s very helpful family guide to the movies, What We Can Watch Tonight. With the right movie and the right attitude, a little family time around the TV can be a life-changing experience, a Christmas gift you’ll long remember.

[Mr. Silverback]

I also recommend Signs, not least because the affirmation of faith is the kind so many people need most--An answer to the "Why does God allow bad things to happen" conundrum.

[Mr. Silverback]

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[freedomson]

This year's 'ELF' was a great Christmas film.

'Remember the Night' with Barbara Stanwyck and Fred MacMurray is another great Christmas tale that is never shown on TV unfortunately.

[freedomson]

This year's 'ELF' was a great Christmas film.

'Remember the Night' with Barbara Stanwyck and Fred MacMurray is another great Christmas tale that is never shown on TV unfortunately.

[buffyt]

I keep hearing that ELF is a good movie!

[k2blader]

"Signs" was wonderful. I hope lots of people got the point!

*The* movie to see this Christmas: "The Return of the King".

:-)

[Lou L]

Nothing profound to offer, but watching Chevy Chase in National Lampoon's "Christmas Vacation" is great fun!

[AbsoluteJustice]

A CHRISTMAS STORY.....IMO The ALLTIME greatest funniest Christmas movie!!!

Along with National Lampoons Christmas Vacation.

[BSunday]

I think I will give To Kill A Mockingbird a try, since I have seen all the others and they are all great films.

[freedomson]

'ELF' made this grown man cry.

[Chummy]

It's a Wonderful Life is not only a wonderful Christmas film, it's also a wonderful film, period. It certainly is my favorite movie, hands-down.

As to other Christmas films, the now-classic A Christmas Story shouldn't be overlooked, nor should variants of Dickens' tale, or even from the small screen, "A Charlie Brown Christmas."

By the way, our family saw Elf and enjoyed it a great deal: funny, well-made, well-written, terrific casting, it's a must. For those who enjoyed the ol' Rankin & Bass holiday specials from the 60s, you're in for an extra treat.

[najida]

You'll put your eye out!

[AbsoluteJustice]

Gotta lovs that movie!!! They show it every year for 24 hours on TBS.

[Varda]

Yep if this review is true, it will be great!

Dr. Ong's beautifully written RETURN OF THE KING review
http://www.aint-it-cool-news.com/display.cgi?id=16597

Other Christmas movies:
Muppet Christmas Carol
Three Godfathers (John Wayne)
Amal and the Night Visitors

[AbsoluteJustice]

Lets not forget the all time classic "Frosty the Snowman"

Great for ALL kids of any generation

[Blood of Tyrants]

The Christmas Story with Peter Billingsley.

"You'll shoot your eye out, kid."

[dts32041]

The greatest Chirstmas movie of all time "Die Hard", followed by "The Wild Geese", ok so I am warpped.

[Califelephant]

The 1951 "A Christmas Carol" with the great Alistair Sim as Scrooge.

[k2blader]

Thanks for the link. :-)

[agrace]

NOTHING PROFOUND TO OFFER??? Are you NUTS???

What about "Don't count your chickens before they hatch"
or
"Guests really DO smell after three days like fish...or like raw sewage"
or
"Most cats live short, violent lives"
or
"Good fences - or really strong windows and heavy drapes - make good neighbors"?

Nothing to offer. Sheesh. ;)

Pinging the freeper who bought me MY copy a few years ago...Happy Holidays Andra! Hope your Thanksgiving was grand.