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.

[VRWCmember]

The greatest Chirstmas movie of all time "Die Hard",

Don't forget Lethal Weapon (the first one)

[Mr. Silverback]

Don't forget Rudolph!

If I hadn't already had a callsign, Yukon Cornelius would have been my Freeper name!

[No Blue States]

right, also Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer. My kids love that one, so did i as a kid. Its hard to believe i thought the abominible (sp) snowman was ever scary..

Have a holly jolly Christmas..

[Prolifeconservative]

I recommend "October Sky." While it's not necessarily a Chrismas movie, - It's not named December Sky - it is a very wholesome and feel-good movie for the whole family. Pop some popcorn and get the kids around the T.V. for this one, it's a great movie. They just don't make 'em like this anymore.

[dmzTahoe]

"A Christmas Story" is my favorite, but I always make a point to watch "Scrooged" with Bill Murray as funny as ever and Carol Kane as the Ghost of Christmas Present. A funny but touching speech by Murray at the end.

[dts32041]

Sorry, I am truly upbraided, I forgot it because of Danny Glover, I guess.

[No Blue States]

GMTA.

Were a couple of misfits, were a couple of misfits.. Who wants a Train with square wheels?

[drjimmy]

Fra-gee-lay! Must be Italian.

[retrokitten]

There are A Christmas Story action figures out now. I've seen them a few places. There is the dad with his major award, Flick with his tounge stuck to the pole, and Ralphie with his Red Ryder, of course.

[AbsoluteJustice]

Isn't it amazing that the movies we watched as kids kids today are watching over all these years?

amazing that these movies have crossed generations.

[No Blue States]

October Sky, I second that. Great Movie.
I hate when movies like that slip under my radar like it nearly did.

[Dan from Michigan]

Beat me to it. Die Hard.

[Mr. Silverback]

Yeah, great picks!

"HO-Ho-Ho! Now I have a machine gun."

[Dan from Michigan]

True, but I really got soured on that after LW4 and all the gun bashing in it.

[AbsoluteJustice]

Haven't seen it but will now.

[The South Texan]

The only thing that is wrong with ELF is Ed Asner plays Santa. But my kids (age 3 and 5) don't know or really care who Asner is. I held my nose and took them to the movie anyway.

[Mr. Silverback]

Scrooged rocks.

[ex-snook]

Agree with you on ELF cast except Ed Asner as Santa. He was not a jolly old Santa but a miserable frowning newspaper editor.

For a Christmas movie I liked Tree. {it might have been a made for TV}

[Honcho Bongs]

Most overlooked Christmas movie of all time: The Lemon Drop Kid with Bob Hope. Introduced the song Silver Bells.

[murdoog]

One of my fave Christmas movies is "Comfort And Joy", directed by "Local Hero" director Bill Forsyth. It is about a DJ who finds himself in a turf war between rival ice cream vendors Mr.Cool and Mr.Bunny. At Christmastime. If you liked the quirkiness and whimsey of "Local Hero" you should like this one.