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]

My oldest is about eight, and he does stuff like that all the time. Musta gotten the smarts from his mama.

[Aquinasfan]

Christmas is about Christ's suffering, d*mnit!

Yikes! The guy had a point but... I think you can do both with little kids.

[Doctor Stochastic]

What more can one ask? How about Elizabeth Allen and Dorothy Lamour?

[AnAmericanMother]

One of the true joys of parenthood is watching the kids do something REALLY neat. (that hopefully doesn't involve danger to life, limb, or the car.) :-D

[Tree of Liberty]

I appreciate the effort, but what I'm looking for is the Mystery Science Theater 3000 version (where there's a silhouette of theater seats at the bottom of the screen and three characters that mock the film). Thanks, though.

[Modernman]

The greatest Chirstmas movie of all time "Die Hard"

I vote for "The Ref."

[USAF_TSgt]

'Heads up, Charlie Brown is on ABC tonight at 8:00PM.'


Right! I forgot! I only watch ABC for Alias and forgot that there was something else on this week to warrant watching the most left-wing network (and that's saying a lot considering how far CBS and NBC lean).

[Republican Red]

I'd completely forgotten about "Comfort & Joy". I saw it years ago and it made me laugh out loud in the movie theater. I think I'll try and rent it. Thanks for the reminder.

[catonsville]

My choice too. The greatest of all the movie/TV Scrooges. Sims was a wonderful actor.

[VRWCmember]

The gun/NRA-bashing was in LW3 and LW4 (even moreso in 3 than 4). The first one was really the best of the 4 movies as it didn't really take on a politically correct cause to champion. It was just a fun buddy, action, mass carnage at Christmastime kind of movie.

[VRWCmember]

SCROOGED! :)

The opening scene where they are previewing the new lineup for the upcoming season:
From the family show "Father Loves Beaver"
Wally: Hey mom, where's dad?
Mom: Well, if I know your father, he's out chasing Beaver.

LOL

[Sloth]

I haven't seen Life is Beautiful, I'll have to check that out.

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.

I have seen someone on FR deride this movie as 'liberal' -- how, I don't know. Atticus seems like a quintessential good conservative father to me... he relates to his kids the way a good homeschooling parent does, in fact. He even uses a *gun* (gasp!) to shoot a rabid dog. The story has conservative themes; the rights of the individual (Tom) being unjustly violated by the majority (bigoted white townspeople)... taking personal responsibility for actions... use of deadly force (by Boo Radley) to protect the innocent. A great film -- and book -- all around.

[texasbluebell]

I love Comfort and Joy, as well as Local Hero!

Two of my all-time favorite movies.

Here's a recommendation for anyone who hasn't seen this:

"A Child's Christmas in Wales" (by Dylan Thomas) -- it's a 1 hour PBS production that came out 10 or more years ago, but if you can find it in a video store, don't hesitate to rent it.

Wonderful.

[Sloth]

the one where the girl at the pharmacy confesses to Mel Gibson

ROTFLOL... "I don't want any of you spending time with Tracy Abernathy alone."

[Dan from Michigan]

Denis Leary!!!

[the lone haranguer]

As far as a good Christmas laugh, it's Christmas Vacation, hands down. I agree with your estimation of "To Kill a Mockingbird" and offer one other non-Christmas movie that has stayed with me: "My Dog Skip". I tear up every time I see it.

[lupie]

hahaha.. that is tooo funny! Thanks for the visual image and chuckle!

We haven't been doing it quite THAT long, but the whole family can also recite quite a bit of many scenes. My uncle was visiting last year, and in anticipation of watching the movie, my husband and kids started reciting whole scenes. My uncle, who has a quirky sense of humor still thought they were quite daft and was not sure he wanted to see the movie, which he had never seen before. This year, he came the day after Thanksgiving to visit. haha

[tet68]

Don't leave out "We're no angels."
with Bogart.

[texasbluebell]

and offer one other non-Christmas movie that has stayed with me: "My Dog Skip". I tear up every time I see it.

If you enjoyed the movie, you will love the book! Just terrific.

[Houmatt]

One reason I will never see ELF:

The presence of Ed Asner.

Pardon my french, but I cannot stand that son of a bitch.