Directed by: Michael Curtiz
Songs by: Irving Berlin
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Starring: Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney
Rated: Not Rated (G equivalent)
About the film:
Two successful producers, who once served together in the Army, stage a show in a failing Vermont resort in order to try to help the now semi-retired general whom they followed during World War II.
Movie Quote:
“When I’m worried and I can’t sleep; I count my blessings instead of sheep. And I fall asleep counting my blessings.”
Bob Wallace (Bing Crosby) In White Christmas (1954)
Bible Quote:
“Give thanks in all circumstances: for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)
Commentary:
Worry causes internal stress. It is a form of fear that has negative physical manifestations. But since it is internalized, we can control it. Bob Wallace’s advice is wisdom beyond even his own understanding.
We cannot always control what happens to us. But we can always control how we react to it. Bad things may come our way. But by reminding ourselves of the power, strength and victory which God has given to us through his son, Jesus, we can remain thankful… even in the darkest of situations.
The promises that God has given to us bring us peace. And regardless of what external chaos may be blowing about us, our peace can remain uninterrupted. Next time a situation arises that tempts you to worry – remind yourself of the victory you have already received. Count your blessings.
Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. Each character in the film seeks for a peace of heart in different ways. What are they? And how can a man or woman truly find peace within his or her heart?
2. How is the concept of service (or serving others) manifested in this film? Who demonstrates this quality the most and why?
Showing posts with label Peace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Peace. Show all posts
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
THE KING'S SPEECH (2010)
Directed by: Tom Hooper
Written by: David Seidler
Studio: The Weinstein Company
Starring: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter
Rated: R
About the film:
Prince Albert, known familiarly as “Bertie”, is the second son of King George V and suffers from a severe speech impediment. When his older brother abdicates the throne following their father’s death, the responsibility of the crown falls to Bertie who recognizes that he must overcome his physical limitation in order to be effective as a ruler.
Movie Quote:
“Poor and content is rich and rich enough.”
Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush) In The King’s Speech (2010)
Bible Quote:
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And, having food and raiment, let us be therewith content.”
1 Timothy 6:6-8 (KJV)
Commentary:
There is great wisdom in what Lionel professes. Contentment is a state of being that is often overlooked. It never seems to be lauded quite as highly as it deserves. Most people, in their quest for fame, glory or riches, neglect to consider whether the attainment of those goals will truly satisfy.
And yet there are few worthier aims than to be content; to be satisfied in life; at peace with one’s self and one’s condition. Whether one is a king or a commoner, rich or poor, contentment is available to all who recognize and embrace its value.
The first step to contentment is to identify what our needs are. If our needs are met, then, by definition, there is nothing else that we need. Having no need is the kind of wealth that brings a peace of mind that all the possessions of the world cannot match.
Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. Why were Lionel’s unorthodox methods successful in treating Bertie’s condition?
2. There are many reasons why people have difficulty finding contentment. What are some of them?
Written by: David Seidler
Studio: The Weinstein Company
Starring: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter
Rated: R
About the film:
Prince Albert, known familiarly as “Bertie”, is the second son of King George V and suffers from a severe speech impediment. When his older brother abdicates the throne following their father’s death, the responsibility of the crown falls to Bertie who recognizes that he must overcome his physical limitation in order to be effective as a ruler.
Movie Quote:
“Poor and content is rich and rich enough.”
Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush) In The King’s Speech (2010)
Bible Quote:
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And, having food and raiment, let us be therewith content.”
1 Timothy 6:6-8 (KJV)
Commentary:
There is great wisdom in what Lionel professes. Contentment is a state of being that is often overlooked. It never seems to be lauded quite as highly as it deserves. Most people, in their quest for fame, glory or riches, neglect to consider whether the attainment of those goals will truly satisfy.
And yet there are few worthier aims than to be content; to be satisfied in life; at peace with one’s self and one’s condition. Whether one is a king or a commoner, rich or poor, contentment is available to all who recognize and embrace its value.
The first step to contentment is to identify what our needs are. If our needs are met, then, by definition, there is nothing else that we need. Having no need is the kind of wealth that brings a peace of mind that all the possessions of the world cannot match.
Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. Why were Lionel’s unorthodox methods successful in treating Bertie’s condition?
2. There are many reasons why people have difficulty finding contentment. What are some of them?
Sunday, October 11, 2009
BOBBY (2006)
Directed by: Emilio Estevez
Written by: Emilio Estevez
Studio: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, William Macy, Emilio Estevez
Rated: R
About the film:
Multiple stories play out in the Ambassador Hotel on the day of June 5, 1968 – the day of Bobby Kennedy’s assassination. We follow the fictitious lives of various personalities who are dealing with the cultural and societal issues of the time contrasted against the hope of Bobby’s vision.
Movie Quote:
"When you make a move out of stress or anger, it always ends in catastrophe."
John (Anthony Hopkins) in Bobby (2006)
Bible Quote:
“He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.”
Proverbs 16:32 (KJV)
Commentary:
The former doorman, John, makes a valuable statement of truth. There are few motivations worse than stress or anger. Basing decisions while under their influence will, more than likely, be nothing more than a recipe for disaster.
Stress (which, when boiled down to its essence, is simple fear) and anger both tend to cloud one’s judgment and obscure solutions. They can blind us to the truth of the situation we are in and prevent us from prevailing in that situation.
“The greatest cargoes in life come in over quiet seas.” By keeping our hearts and minds at peace, regardless of what is transpiring around us, we position ourselves to make the best possible decisions for the best possible results. It can be difficult to hear that still small voice of God’s revelation amidst the turmoil of the world, but as we learn to block the turmoil out, that still small voice will speak volumes.
Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. Each character in the film is facing a personal crisis of some kind. Identify each crisis and consider biblical solutions to them.
2. What is hope and how is it reflected in the film? Compare and contrast this hope against the hope defined by God in His Word.
Michael Elliott
http://screensermon.blogspot.com
Written by: Emilio Estevez
Studio: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, William Macy, Emilio Estevez
Rated: R
About the film:
Multiple stories play out in the Ambassador Hotel on the day of June 5, 1968 – the day of Bobby Kennedy’s assassination. We follow the fictitious lives of various personalities who are dealing with the cultural and societal issues of the time contrasted against the hope of Bobby’s vision.
Movie Quote:
"When you make a move out of stress or anger, it always ends in catastrophe."
John (Anthony Hopkins) in Bobby (2006)
Bible Quote:
“He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.”
Proverbs 16:32 (KJV)
Commentary:
The former doorman, John, makes a valuable statement of truth. There are few motivations worse than stress or anger. Basing decisions while under their influence will, more than likely, be nothing more than a recipe for disaster.
Stress (which, when boiled down to its essence, is simple fear) and anger both tend to cloud one’s judgment and obscure solutions. They can blind us to the truth of the situation we are in and prevent us from prevailing in that situation.
“The greatest cargoes in life come in over quiet seas.” By keeping our hearts and minds at peace, regardless of what is transpiring around us, we position ourselves to make the best possible decisions for the best possible results. It can be difficult to hear that still small voice of God’s revelation amidst the turmoil of the world, but as we learn to block the turmoil out, that still small voice will speak volumes.
Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. Each character in the film is facing a personal crisis of some kind. Identify each crisis and consider biblical solutions to them.
2. What is hope and how is it reflected in the film? Compare and contrast this hope against the hope defined by God in His Word.
Michael Elliott
http://screensermon.blogspot.com
Saturday, August 22, 2009
AIR FORCE ONE (1997)
Directed by: Wolfgang Petersen
Written by: Andrew W. Marlowe
Studio: Columbia Pictures
Starring: Harrison Ford, Gary Oldman, Glenn Close
Rated: R
About the film:
Hijackers gain control of Air Force One and hold all occupants hostage save one. The President of the United States has managed to evade capture and must rely upon his cunning and previous military training in order to defeat his ruthless opponents and rescue his wife, child, and everyone else traveling with them.
Movie Quote:
"Peace isn't merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice."
President James Marshall (Harrison Ford) in Air Force One (1997)
Bible Quote:
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
John 14:27 (NIV)
Commentary:
In his speech denouncing terrorism, President Marshall speaks words that resemble truth. They just don't go far enough to tell the whole story. True, the peace available to us through Jesus Christ does extend far beyond the absence of conflict, but it also offers us much more than just the mere presence of justice.
The best definition of peace, from a spiritual perspective, that I have ever heard is this: It is a state of undisturbed believing. It is a state of being where fear, doubt, and worry do not exist. Jesus Christ has given us the potential to have that kind of peace. We have the ability to believe without doubt and without reservation. He has shown us that our God is both faithful and loving. We have a God whose promises shall never fail.
Our hearts can be untroubled and we need never be afraid because we have been given the assurance that what we believe is true. Because it is true, we cannot be bound by doubt, worry or fear -- no matter what the circumstances around us say to the contrary. The promise of peace that Jesus Christ has left us is not a promise of world peace. It is a promise that no matter what the condition of this world happens to be - no matter the conflicts it contains - we can be assured that our God shall never leave us nor forsake us.
Questions to consider:
1. If peace is a promise of God, why is there so much war and suffering taking place in the world?
2. What obstacles stand in the way of true God-given peace and what must we do to overcome them?
Written by: Andrew W. Marlowe
Studio: Columbia Pictures
Starring: Harrison Ford, Gary Oldman, Glenn Close
Rated: R
About the film:
Hijackers gain control of Air Force One and hold all occupants hostage save one. The President of the United States has managed to evade capture and must rely upon his cunning and previous military training in order to defeat his ruthless opponents and rescue his wife, child, and everyone else traveling with them.
Movie Quote:
"Peace isn't merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice."
President James Marshall (Harrison Ford) in Air Force One (1997)
Bible Quote:
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
John 14:27 (NIV)
Commentary:
In his speech denouncing terrorism, President Marshall speaks words that resemble truth. They just don't go far enough to tell the whole story. True, the peace available to us through Jesus Christ does extend far beyond the absence of conflict, but it also offers us much more than just the mere presence of justice.
The best definition of peace, from a spiritual perspective, that I have ever heard is this: It is a state of undisturbed believing. It is a state of being where fear, doubt, and worry do not exist. Jesus Christ has given us the potential to have that kind of peace. We have the ability to believe without doubt and without reservation. He has shown us that our God is both faithful and loving. We have a God whose promises shall never fail.
Our hearts can be untroubled and we need never be afraid because we have been given the assurance that what we believe is true. Because it is true, we cannot be bound by doubt, worry or fear -- no matter what the circumstances around us say to the contrary. The promise of peace that Jesus Christ has left us is not a promise of world peace. It is a promise that no matter what the condition of this world happens to be - no matter the conflicts it contains - we can be assured that our God shall never leave us nor forsake us.
Questions to consider:
1. If peace is a promise of God, why is there so much war and suffering taking place in the world?
2. What obstacles stand in the way of true God-given peace and what must we do to overcome them?
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