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A Movie You Should See
By Pastor Fred Greco | October 31, 2007
Tonight, I had the opportunity (thanks to some kind friends) to do something that I had not done in a while: go to see a movie with my wife. The cost of tickets, the inconvenience of finding a babysitter, and a general difference in favorite movie genres usually keeps us from doing that. But tonight we had planned to see a new movie that has been hitting some theaters. The name of that movie is Bella. 
We found out about it through some friends, and it seemed to be the kind of movie both that deserved support – it has a “pro-life theme” to quote an excellent article about it in World Magazine, and one that would be helpful for a pastor (that’s me) to see. But I must confess that I did not really know what to expect. We do get (and enjoy) World, but I did not have the time to read the review beforehand. As we drove to the movie, I asked my wife what it might be like, and she was not sure either. I began hoping it was not a dreaded “chick flick.”
I can’t tell you much about the film, because frankly, that might spoil it for you. But I can say that I believe you will enjoy it, and that it has a literary quality about it. I don’t mean that it is hard to understand, with abstract people mouthing platitudes and speechifying. Far too many “intellectual” and “important” movies do that. (That is another reason why I don’t see many movies. Why anyone who has even a passing acquaintance with Homer, Shakespeare, Dostoyevsky, Ibsen or other masters would settle for Hollywood tripe pumped up by Ebert-clones is beyond me.) I mean that the people in Bella are real. Not “based on a true story.” Not a documentary. But really real. There are no pat answers, but there are good and true answers. One of the reasons that I gravitate toward “blow’em up” movies is that at least they don’t pretend to be serious. I can’t stand “heady” movies where I know 10 minutes into it what everyone is going to say and do, because it follows the latest Hollywood convention. Both José and Nina are real people with real problems. They both obviously need Jesus, and yet the film does not feel the need to break in every 5 minutes with a mini-sermonette monologue. Bella simply lets you see how love and relationships and a commitment to the value of people made in God’s image makes a real difference. The movie does not end up wrapped tight with a bow; but it is a very satisfying ending.
After watching this movie, perhaps the best thing was that it renewed me in my own commitments (even as I saw José renewed) to love my family, and to minister in my community. I thoroughly encourage you to take the time and see a very good movie that deserves our support.
Topics: Cultural Interaction |
October 31st, 2007 at 10:20 pm
[...] saw it tonight. I’ve blogged about it here: A Movie You Should See | Christ Church PCA __________________ Fredrick T. Greco Senior Pastor, Christ Church PCA (Katy, TX) Christ Church [...]