SUNSHINE (1999)

Directed by: Istvan Szabo
Written by: Istvan Szabo, Israel Horovitz
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Rosemary Harris, Rachel Weisz
Rated: R

About the film:
Sunshine follows the trials and tribulations of three generations of the Sonnenschein family. The film spans over 70 years of European history as it tracks this family of Hungarian Jews who live through two world wars and a seemingly endless parade of governments and philosophies.

Movie Quote:
“Never allow yourself to be driven into the sin of conceit. Conceit is the greatest of sins. The source of all other sins.”
Ignatz Sonnenschein (Ralph Fiennes) in Sunshine (1999)

Bible Quote:
“For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Romans 8:37 (NIV)

Commentary:
Ego. It can be a stumbling block to one’s personal growth and development… especially when it runs unchecked and uncontrolled. Ego can lead a person to make decisions and take actions that will produce far less than their desired effect. Scriptures state that it was ego that led to the first recorded sin of all time – Lucifer’s betrayal.

A simple definition of “sin” might be rendered “broken fellowship with God.” When we sin, we are choosing to do something contrary to God’s expressed will for our lives. We choose our way rather than God’s way. We are, in effect, saying that we know more about how to conduct ourselves than the Creator of the heavens and the earth. Isn’t that the height of ego?

An ego-driven step will always be a step in the wrong direction. Humility may be a much maligned or neglected quality in this world but it is still held in high esteem by the one judge who truly matters. A humble spirit will always be rewarded beyond measure.

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. How can it be said that conceit is the source of all other sins? In what way?
2. What are some examples of meekness and humility that are recorded in the Bible and what results did those who displayed those qualities receive?

Michael Elliott
www.screensermon.blogspot.com