Posted on 12/21/2014 7:36:31 AM PST by SeekAndFind
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (BP) -- What's the best movie ever made? A subjective question, if ever there was one. That's the magic of movies: some folks will enjoy a film that may seem an endurance test for others.
While "Casablanca," "Citizen Kane" or "Lawrence of Arabia" may be prime examples of technical and artistic innovators, I challenge you to suggest a more important message than that found in "It's A Wonderful Life."
In this film about an angel sent to Earth to rescue a man on the brink of suicide, James Stewart's George Bailey is given the opportunity to see what his community would have been like had he never been born. Director Frank Capra reminds us that our compassion and responsibility make a difference in the lives of those with whom we come in contact.
The things we say and do affect the lives of others. Hard to top that concept. Well, what about the movies that tell of Jesus, you ask? Good question. You are astute.
I can recall countless moments in "Jesus movies" that have touched, taught and inspired me. "The Passion of The Christ," for example, dynamically reenacts the physical horrors Christ endured. The movie is not really about what mankind did to Him, but about what He did for us.
But I would submit that It's A Wonderful Life shows Christ's teachings being put into action by a Believer.
I concede that there is no scene showing George hearing the Gospel and responding to it, so I'm making an assumption. That's another magic of the medium: the best movies let us project our sensibilities onto a film's theme. But when you analyze the consistency of George's caring nature that puts others first, is it really difficult to see him as a man of faith?
Some may not consider my film choice worthy of the title "Best Film" due to my least favorite element in the story -- the goofy angel. Clarence is good for a couple of laughs, but what impresses me with each viewing is the nature of the protagonist.
George is a real person, one with faults and foibles as well as nobility. We're allowed to see him struggle with frustration ("Why do we have to have all these kids!"). He's not a saint, but neither is he the average guy.
George is a complex fellow. While he dreams of adventures, again and again, he sets aside what he wants in order to serve other people. Something has impacted him throughout his life, some element that causes him to continually see the value in others. What makes a man do that even during the depth of self-despair?
Even during a clouded moment when he considers the proposition that he's worth more dead than alive, he abandons his suicidal choice to rescue a drowning stranger. Suddenly, his convictions remind him of life's sanctity.
I like to think of this as an example of how Christ has affected George. Yeah, I'm projecting, but it does add up. Something very spiritual is going on in this guy.
These are other prime contenders for the best film of all time.
The Oscar winning "All About Eve" has sophisticated dialogue unlike any other. "The Tree of Life" is a visual and viscerally emotional feast, with its exquisite imagery used to make profound statements. "Dr. Strangelove" is perhaps the best example of comic point-making satire. And each new "Star Wars" entry wows with special effects.
But the greatest aspect of any film is that which explores the soul of man. Without any sermons or altar calls, It's a Wonderful Life reveals how God's love transforms and sustains. For me, that makes it the best film of all time.
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In addition to writing for Baptist Press, Phil Boatwright reviews films for www.previewonline.org and is a regular contributor to "The World and Everything In It," a weekly radio program from WORLD News Group.
Goodfellas
“Animal House”
Thank you sir, may I have another!
(In addition to the fore mentioned)
Exactly!
“O Brother, Where Art Thou”
The one I’m watching.
Found the worst, and not in a “Plan 9 From Outer Space Way.”
“FART:the Movie” (1991)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIB0GtbYpc4
You don’t need to watch any of it. Just know that it exists.
I am shocked that NBC doesn’t bleep out “God” when George Bailey says it (many times). Perhaps next year.
“But I would submit that It’s A Wonderful Life shows Christ’s teachings being put into action by a Believer.
I concede that there is no scene showing George hearing the Gospel and responding to it, so I’m making an assumption. That’s another magic of the medium: the best movies let us project our sensibilities onto a film’s theme. But when you analyze the consistency of George’s caring nature that puts others first, is it really difficult to see him as a man of faith?”
I like the film, but I don’t totally agree with Mr. Boatwright. While George does pray in the film, his isn’t the prayer of a devout man of Christian faith. I might project my sensibility, my Christian worldview, and presume George is a Christian if it weren’t for his prayer. His prayer could be uttered by anyone of any faith with a naked belief in “God.”
This is what George says:
“God... God... Dear Father in Heaven, I’m not a praying man, but if you’re up there and you can hear me, show me the way. I’m at the end of my rope. Show me the way, God.”
Maybe George is on his way to Christian faith, but he’s not a believer yet. No Christian prays that prayer.
“The Best Years of our Lives.”
Undercover Brother
Kelly’s Heroes, Vanishing Point, or Smoky and the Bandit 1.
Right along with the Blues Brothers.
How about the great Joe Don Baker cinematic epic and triumph of the human spirit - Mitchell?
:-)
I’m going with Some Like It Hot.
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