| Response:
Like many people, film is a hobby of mine so I naturally consider it an excellent forum for communication at all levels. I have not been impressed by movies which tell religious stories too literally. I think “Red Beard” by Kurosawa better conveys Buddhist themes through its study of the gradual awakening of a young doctor than “The Little Buddha” starring Keneau Reeves.
A recent Korean film, “The Way Home,” introduces us to the spiritual power of a rural grandmother who cannot speak but whose steady kindness eventually softens her spoiled grandson. She is a Bodhisattva, a person hearing the suffering of others and responding by acts instead of words. Film versions of “Our Town” express universal religious themes, ones relevant to Zen: “Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it?— Every, every minute?”
Classic films like “Gentleman’s Agreement” as well as the recent “Focus”
with William Macy explore |
|
themes of anti-Semitism in the U.S.
Last summer the First Annual International Film Festival Promoting
Understanding and Inclusion of People with Developmental Disabilities
showcased films with important spiritual and humanistic messages, for
example, “Door to Door” and “How’s Your News.” At our Zen Center, we
often share film recommendations during our social times. Movies we have
discussed recently are “Rabbit Proof Fence,” “Whale Rider,” “Magnolia,”
“The Hours,” and “Ground Hog Day.” In the more traditionally religious
sense, I like “Damien,” ” Shadowlands,” “Wit” and “Babette’s Feast.” In the spirit of Aristotle, I believe films should teach, whatever their topic and approach.
If a film is poor, I don’t want my money back: I want my time back.
- Rev. Dr. Deborah Barrett |