BARBERSHOP (2002)

Directed by: Tim Story
Written by: Mark Brown, Don D. Scott, Marshall Todd
Studio: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Starring: Ice Cube, Cedric the Entertainer, Anthony Anderson
Rated: PG-13

About the film:
When the owner of a neighborhood barbershop located in a crime-ridden section of Chicago sells out to a disreputable developer, he realizes that his actions will have devastating consequences to the people that view the shop as more than a place that cuts hair. After having these second thoughts, he must figure out a way to undo the deal.

Movie Quote:
“Your daddy may not have had a whole lot of money. Oh, but he was rich, because he invested in people.”
Eddie (Cedric the Entertainer) in Barbershop (2002)

Bible Quote:
“One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.”
Proverb 13:7 (NIV)

Commentary:
Throughout the film, Eddie offers up opinionated, politically incorrect, and raucously funny statements. They are effective because we can recognize that, at their core, they contain elements of truth. In the line quoted here, as Eddie tries to help Calvin understand what the barbershop means to the community, we can see a biblical principle at work.

When all is said and done, it isn’t money that makes a man rich. Not in the way that really matters. All money can do is buy material things. It cannot buy character. It cannot buy respect. It cannot buy love.

These things are earned through the spending of one’s self. It is an investment of a kind. It is not merely investing in other people although that is part of it. It is investing in the truth. As we plant seeds of goodness, kindness, and righteousness, we will, in due season, reap a veritable garden filled with blessings that come from God our Father.

At the end of our lives, it won’t matter how much or how little we keep in our bank account. Such figures don’t even appear on God’s balance sheet. What makes us truly wealthy in His eyes is what we keep in our hearts.

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. What are some of the riches that God promises to us?
2. Is being wealthy a sin? Why or why not? How are we to view the money and the possessions that we have?