YEAR OF THE DRAGON (1985)

Directed by: Michael Cimino
Written by: Oliver Stone, Michael Cimino
Studio: MGM
Starring: Mickey Rourke, John Lone, Ariane, Leonard Termo
Rated: R

About the film:
When a young man named Joey Tai uses violence to become head of the Chinese Mafia in New York, Stanley White, a Vietnam veteran turned police officer, is assigned to Chinatown and charged with keeping the peace. His racial bigotry and brutal manner make peace an unlikely prospect.

Movie Quote:
“Well, a great man is one who in manhood still keeps the heart of a child.”
Stanley White (Mickey Rourke) in Year of the Dragon (1985)

Bible Quote:
“Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 18:4 (NIV)

Commentary:
Nobody would accuse the bigoted Stanley White of having a childlike heart but that doesn’t mean that the comment he makes in Year of the Dragon is void of substance or meaning.

There are few things in this world as powerful or pure as the believing of a child. And yet, the “whole heart believing” which comes so naturally to a child can be a rare commodity in an adult.

To be as humble as a child is to recognize that there is a higher power to whom we are to lovingly submit. To do so requires a degree of meekness which we, as adults, are unaccustomed to practice. It would do us well to try. As we are meek to do God’s bidding, He grants us the strength and ability to succeed.

“Whole heart believing” is the one requirement needed for salvation and deliverance. To trust, as a child does, that our Father is there to love and protect us; that He wants us to have everything good He can provide. When we believe this to be true - beyond any doubt - we have everything that we need.

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 11:24 (NIV)

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. What is it about the maturing process that robs us of our childlike believing? How might we retain it as adults?
2. White’s racial bigotry affects how he performs his job. What is the root of that bigotry and how can White overcome it? How are we to view and interact with different races and cultures?

Michael Elliott
www.screensermon.blogspot.com