Terrance Malick creates films that are spiritual experiences. Sometimes, it is more about the experience than story. (Personally, I love going through those experiences, but understand why some find it difficult.) In A Hidden Life, Malick creates an experience that relies on the real-life inspirational story of Franz Jägerstätter, an Austrian conscientious objector during World… [Read More]
Memoir of War – Morass of Emotion
For Marguerite in the film, her fear and depression are overwhelming. Even the people around her and their love and attention cannot bring her out of her “slough of despond”.
The Captain – Responding to Authority
The power of authority is at the center of The Captain, a German film from Robert Schwentke. But the authority in the film is based in a lie.
The Girl and the Picture – 1 on 1 Interview with Director Vanessa Roth
I recently had the chance to talk by phone with Academy Award winner Vanessa Roth about her new short documentary, The Girl and the Picture, that played at the Newport Beach Film Festival. The film tells the story of Madame Xia, who as an eight year old girl survived the Nanjing Massacre (sometimes referred to… [Read More]
Ethel & Ernest – Extraordinary Ordinariness
“There was nothing extraordinary about my Mum and Dad. Nothing dramatic. . .. But they were my parents and I wanted to remember them by doing a picture book.” British author and illustrator Raymond Briggs told his parent’s very ordinary story in a graphic novel, Ethel & Ernest, which has now been made into an… [Read More]
Darkest Hour – The Birth of a Legend
Winston Churchill is an icon. He is most certainly counted among the greatest (if not the greatest) statesmen of the twentieth century. His voice and inspiring speeches are well known. He led Britain when they stood almost alone against Nazi Germany. And yet, no one really wanted him as Prime Minister.
The Zookeeper’s Wife – Providing Sanctuary
The Zabinskis’ decision to harbor as many Jews as they could was a courageous act—and a very illegal one. They were well aware of the threat that the Germans represented—both to the Jews and to those who harbored them.
Five Came Back – Hollywood Goes to War
For those who enjoy film, the names John Ford, Frank Capra, George Stevens, William Wyler, and John Huston will be familiar. All are Oscar-winning directors (with a total of 14 Oscars between them). They were also part of the World War II war effort as military filmmakers.
Land of Mine – Hating the Enemy
“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” (Matt. 5:43-45) We may well know and affirm those verses, but it is a very difficult teaching to actually live out.
AFIFest – More films from around the world
One of the joys of film festivals is the chance to see the similarities and differences of cultures. That sometimes applies to the subcultures of American life we see as well. But it is especially true in foreign films.
