Little Children

In the last issue of The Catholic News, the article, Pornography Plague, touched on the concerns and effects of pornography to marriage. In an upcoming adult film, Little Children, we see that effect on the big screen when neglected wife, Sarah (Kate Winslet) discovers that the waning of her husband’s interest in her is largely due to his addiction to a pornographic website. Frustrated with her life (she also dropped out of graduate school), she begins an adulterous affair with Brad (Patrick Wilson), a stay-at-home father who struggles with his own insecurities as his wife (Jennifer Connelly) brings home the bacon and centres her affections on their young son.

The adult characters are ironically the “children” in Little Children and the central theme of the film is captured metaphorically in a single scene towards the end of the film: Sarah’s daughter stares at moths fluttering around the glare of a street lamp, and some ultimately burn themselves up. The film too helps us to observe and penetrate the flawed human condition - often restless and dissatisfied with the status quo, always desiring for more, and eventually, recklessly indulging in dangerous temptations.
A sub-plot portrays Ronnie (Jackie Earle Haley), a convicted paedophile, now living with his mother in the neighbourhood, but who is harassed by a former cop, Larry Hedges (Noah Emmerich). As Larry vandalises Ronnie’s property and wakes the neighbours at night with his tirades, some observers may rightly attribute Larry’s “war on terror” against Ronnie as the film’s political comment on the rash violence inflicted upon another nation in the name of security.

In their struggle for identity, Ronnie becomes a distraction and excuse for the other characters to rationalise their own fears without looking within their true selves. It is only when disaster strikes that each person learns to take responsibility for their actions, start to grow up, and discover who they are. Although the end is not a neat fairy tale ending, it strongly hints at redemption for the characters.

Yet the film invites us to go deeper. While we may not indulge in adulterous affairs or harass criminals, each of us too is flawed and sinful. Yet do we self-righteously condemn others or do we offer them the compassion and gentleness of Christ? At a Book Club meeting in the film, Sarah comments on what led the title character of Madam Bovary (thus also implying herself) to lead a life of infidelity, “It’s the hunger for an alternative and the refusal to accept a life of unhappiness.” It was from unhappy homes where love and understanding were somewhat lacking that led Sarah and Brad to each other’s arms. When we honestly question our own sinfulness and that of others, we realise that as one body in Christ, what we do (or don’t do) affects others. We are responsible for not only our actions but indirectly that of others. In our search for happiness and love, we make choices that can be made responsibly and maturely or childishly and selfishly. But even as we behave like children who are never satisfied as Jesus comments in Matt 11:16-19, we are assured that he also says, “let the little children come to me” in Mark 10:14. It is only when we turn to God through prayer and discernment that we can be assured that our choices and actions lead not to fleeting happiness but lasting joy.


Directed by Todd Field. With adult themes and scenes the film has been rated M18. Caution is advised as some scenes could be offensive to viewers.


(published in The CatholicNews Feb 12, 2007)

The Nativity Story

Starring: Keisha Castle-Hughes, Oscar Isaac, Shohreh Aghdashloo
Director: Catherine Harwicke
Screenplay: Mike Rich
Producers: Wyck Godfrey, Marty Bowen.
Genre: Drama, Bibilical, Christmas
Rating: PG
Duration: 101 mins

Synopsis:
The Nativity Story chronicles the arduous journey of two people, Mary and Joseph, a miraculous pregnancy, and the history-defining birth of Jesus. The dramatic and compelling film traces the perilous journey of a young couple who must travel from their home in Nazareth to Bethlehem, Joseph’s ancestral home, to register for a census ordered by King Herod. It is a journey of over 100 miles, through treacherous terrain, made much more difficult by the fact that Mary is nine months pregnant.

Perhaps for the first time in film history in the biblical genre, we find a film that portrays Joseph and Mary on a very human level. Many Catholics often place both Joseph and Mary on high pedestals - saintly figures whose holiness are beyond the ordinary person’s reach. The Nativity Story commendably sets them with down-to-earth humanity as ordinary persons, reminding us that saints are also very human and it is in their human struggles that they find holiness.

Combining the infancy narratives found in the gospels of Matthew and Luke, the film also expands and infers what is not found in scripture verses, imagining probable scenarios in the lives of the teenage Mary, “God’s favoured one,” and Joseph, a “righteous man,” whose lives are turned upside down when they are called to be parents of the Son of God.

The physical and spiritual journey that Joseph and Mary undergo in the film can be a parallel reflection of our own inner life journeys. Despite their fears, doubts, struggles and uncertainties of the future, their faith in God and his promises pull them through. Models of faith, hope and love, they provide inspiration for anyone experiencing trails, hardships, and misunderstandings. It is a difficult and challenging journey that they endure but one which eventually leads them to wonder and joy, as they welcome into their lives Emmanuel, God with us.

Like Mary who finds consolation in her cousin Elizabeth, we see the importance of spiritual friends or mentors, who can provide us with encouragement, guidance and friendship along our journey in life. And we too are invited to be friend and mentor to our fellow travellers.

In Joseph, we find a steadfast human love that is sacrificing, patient and kind (just as described in 1 Cor 13) as he struggles first over what is the most loving thing to do with Mary’s unexpected pregnancy, and then being her source of strength and faith-companion when he decides to abide by the angel’s call to take Mary as his wife.
The Magi in the film provide some comic relief to the tense emotions found in Mary and Joseph though at times their scenes tend to drag. The portrayal of Angel Gabriel is perhaps the most disappointing depiction of an angel and it is hoped that audiences will not imagine celestial beings as represented in this film. Great effort went into finding appropriate locations and the design of sets in this film to recreate conditions and situations of the time, from the domesticity of making cheese to the use of ancient construction tools. The result is an authentic peek into life of first century Israel.

This peek also includes the oppression that the Jews suffered under the Romans, an oppression that many continue to face today under varied and diverse forms, and from which true redemption is found only in the Messiah.

This is a film that is a wonderful vehicle to spur on discussions with non-Catholics on how we regard Mary and Joseph and their roles in the Church. It is also a chance to share with non-Christians the true meaning of Christmas, and that “with God, nothing is impossible.” Most of all, it is a film that can help us reflect on how our faith and trust in God can result in our own magnificat where we cay say as Mary did, “the Mighty One has done great things for me and holy is his name.” (Luke 1:49)


Suggested Scripture Readings before watching the film: Matthew 1-2; Luke 1-2

Sr Wendy Ooi, fsp

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe

Lion Witch and the Wardrobe... by Wendy Ooi, fsp

Directed by Andrew Adamson

Screenplay by Ann Peacock, Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely

Book by CS Lewis

Genre: Action/Adventure/ Drama/Family/Fantasy

Rating: PG for battle sequences

Duration: 140 mins

Someday you will be old enough to start reading (watching) fairy tales again.

—preface to The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe

A Christian Appreciation

(Warning: Contains spoilers for those not familiar with the plot)

The film adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (LWW), like its source, has a universal appeal, regardless of one’s creed. The story is a fantasy adventure of four children who discover beyond a wardrobe the magical world of Narnia, filled with creatures beyond their imagination – talking animals and mythical creatures like fauns and centaurs. Narnia however is cursed by the evil White Witch, to be in perpetual winter – “but never Christmas.” Under the guidance of the noble and mighty lion, Aslan, the children battle the Witch to free Narnia from her spell forever.

Lewis’ imaginary world of Narnia is so magical that it took more than half a century since the publication of LWW in 1950 for it to be brought to the big screen. One likely reason is that only today’s film technology and the latest advances of CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery) would be able to make Narnia and her inhabitants as realistic as possible. Though the film does not include everything in the book, and there are even slight changes made, it is essentially a faithful adaptation and fans will not be disappointed.

While cherished as a wondrous fairy tale with mythic motifs on one level, a deeper perspective reveals beautiful Christian allegories. The Christ figure is found in Aslan (lion in Turkish; the Lion of Judah in Rev 5:5 is Jesus!), who willingly lays down his life amidst the mocking and jeering of his foes, yet resurrects and breathes a new spirit of life back to creatures cast to stone by the Witch, and who eventually destroys her to save all in Narnia. The paschal mystery expressed metaphorically will be obvious for anyone familiar with the fundamentals of the Christian faith and not only is Christmas experienced in Narnia but Lent, Easter and Pentecost as well.

Edmund, one of the children who betrays his siblings and succumbs to the Witch (being tempted by his weakness – Turkish Delight), and on whose account Aslan sacrifices his life, can be viewed to represent fallen humanity. What is beautiful to see in the film is Edmund’s transformation after being redeemed. Although we do not hear him say “I’m sorry” as we do read in the book, his repentant face and disposition speak louder than words, and the forgiveness of his siblings is also illustrated in emotive actions before our eyes. Reconciled and united as a family, the children display fraternal love triumphing over past disagreements and conflicts.

In Lucy, the youngest child, we could draw a parallel to the words of Jesus in Matt 18:3, that we must change and become like children to enter the Kingdom of heaven. In her innocence, purity, and great sense of wonder, Lucy is the first to enter the magical world of Narnia. Deeply hurt by Edmund’s duplicity, she nevertheless spontaneously hugs him in the reconciling scene mentioned above. Through Lucy, we learn how to be child-like again.

Other biblical parallels include the stone table which breaks into two, akin to the torn veil in Matt 27:51, and Aslan’s first appearance to the girls after his ‘resurrection,’ resembling the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ resurrection appearance to women. Audiences may also appreciate the screenplay’s references to biblical lines not found in the book: “Behold the great lion,” (cf John 19:5) exclaimed by the Witch at the sacrificial scene, and “It is finished,” (cf John 19:30) declared by Aslan, after his triumph over the evil Wtich.

Some Christians may object to having Father Christmas in the story. Yet his presence heralds the arrival of Aslan since Narnia does not experience Christmas until Aslan arrives. As we listen to the jingling bells of Santa’s sleigh, bells may also be ringing in our heads to remind us that Jesus too had a precursor, John the Baptist. Father Christmas in Narnia emphasizes his gifts to the children as being tools, in contrast to the real Gift of Aslan – his life. A point of reflection that makes this movie a wonderful Christmas film is to realise that indeed all we receive this Christmas are mere tools (to build the Kingdom of God) compared to the true Gift of Jesus himself.

As winter melts in Narnia with the arrival of Aslan, and the beauty of spring budding forth ravish audiences’ eyes, the verse from Song of Songs 2:11 could come to mind, “the winter is past….the flowers appear… ‘tis the season of songs.” – a splendid allegory of Christmas joy and hope brought forth with the arrival of Jesus into the world and in our hearts.

Finally, the White Witch clearly symbolises the devil. She and her brood of vipers are defeated in the final battle scene. Pacifists may object to the rather long battle sequence in the film which took only two pages in the book. However being a Disney film, there are no gory scenes and all killing is implied rather than graphically depicted. Ultimately, the battle could serve as a metaphor for the ongoing battle within each of us, to overcome evil and the temptations of the devil (of selfishness, greed, etc) with love, sacrifice and courage. “Impossible!” some may say, just as Susan utters when she first stumbles into Narnia and repeated by the Witch when she sees the “resurrected” Aslan. But, “with God, all things are possible.” (Lk 1:37). As in Narnia with the power of Aslan, we too with the grace of God, can win the battle where good will always triumph over evil.

While adults may be able to appreciate enriching faith parallels from the film, it is not necessary to impart to young children the spiritual aspects of the story yet. It may be wiser to just let them enjoy and experience the story for themselves first, and discover the richness of the allegories later, as their faith matures.

A tip - Stay in your seats after the credits roll for an extra scene to discover why Professor Kirke never doubted Lucy.

(published in the CatholicNews Dec 2005)

Harry Potter and the Globet of Fire

Directed by Mike Newell
Screenplay by Steven Kloves
Novel by JK Rowling
Genre: Adventure/Fantasy/Mystery/Thriller
Rating: PG for fantasy violence and frightening images
Duration: 157 mins

Harry is in his fourth year at Hogwarts which opens its doors to host the international Triwizard Tournament. Although officially under aged, he is named the 4th champion to compete in the tournament and faces the greatest challenge of his life.

The Harry Potter books and their film adaptations are secular stories. In Goblet of Fire, Christmas is celebrated in a secular way in the Yule Ball. There is no mention of the main reason for the season, Jesus Christ himself. Professor McGonagall even describes the evening as one of “well mannered frivolity.”

Nevertheless, there are Christian and moral values that can be gleaned from this film, and Harry Potter, the atypical hero who still suffers moments of being the underdog, can be a point of reflection for Christians committed to live Gospel lives.

The Narrow and Difficult but Right Path
In Matt 7:13-14, Jesus recommends his disciples to take the narrow gate and difficult path rather than the wide gate and easy path. Professor Dumbledore towards the end of the film tells Harry, “Tough and difficult times lay ahead Harry. Soon we must all face the choice between what is right and what is easy." Dumbledore sums up what Harry has been doing all along in the film.

Harry consistently chooses and does the difficult and right, not the easy. During the tournament, Harry continually faces the choice between winning and ensuring the safety of the others. He consistently and courageously chooses the latter.

From the very start, Harry shares with fellow competitor Cedric Diggory, about the first task – dragons are involved. In the second task, Harry ensures that all hostages come up from the lake, and rescues not only his hostage Ron but also Fleur’s siste, at the risk of his own life and the certainty of not winning. To everyone’s relief, he is rewarded by the judges for his “outstanding moral fibre.”

Faced with further moral dilemmas in the third task, Harry again acts on his conscience, giving priority to the welfare of others instead of self. He runs back to Fleur and signals help as she is swallowed up by the creeping labyrinth, and later saves Cedric in the coiling roots of the maze. Even as they face the cup, Harry insists that Cedric touches the cup at the same time as him so that they both will be winners.

Harry’s honest and humble declaration, “I don’t want eternal glory,” is evident in his actions throughout the film.
Beyond spells and portions, Goblet of Fire is a film that can teach viewers about compassion, courage, self-sacrifice, humility, friendship, honesty, loyalty, and doing the right thing despite the risks to self. We see Harry maturing into an older boy, gaining self-confidence as he learns to think for himself and make important decisions.

Accompanying this maturity, Harry and his friends also have to deal with the growing pains of teenage angst and the awkwardness of young crushes. Yet romance is also in the air for their giant friend, Hagrid who is amusingly smitten in this film.

From Dumbledore we gain further insights as he warns Harry, “Curiosity’s no sin Harry but you have to exercise caution.”
While magic serves as framework in this fantasy, it is portrayed as a skill rather than a power. The greatest power, one that overcomes evil, is love. Dumbledore explains to Harry, “Love is the ultimate protection,” referring to the critical moment when the spirits of Harry’s parents help him during the battle with Voldemort. (This scene could invite discussion with children on the community of saints especially during this month of November.)

The film’s rating of PG clearly indicates its suitability for older children as young impressionable minds may be terrified by some scenes especially the final battle scene when the Dark Lord, Voldemort regains his body and is seen as his evil self by audiences for the very first time. A darker story than its predecessors, Goblet of Fire has deaths at the beginning and the end. It could be too frightening an adventure for younger children, with the added complexity of Rowling’s usual twists and turns of characters of good guys turning out to be bad guys,

Regrettably huge chunks of the original book were not included for the film adaptation; most noticeably the Dursleys, Mrs Weasely, and Hermione’s campaign to free house elves from slavery. Nevertheless, Dumbledore expresses author Rowling’s stand against prejudice and discrimination in his speech at the end of the Triwizard Tournament, “We come from different places and speak in different tongues but our hearts beat as one.”

The spectacular sets and effects of Goblet of Fire makes the fantasy almost a reality. Those who watch it will not be disappointed in being entertained. It is a film which will make you laugh, tremble, shiver, and possibly even cry. Hopefully it will also inspire – to always do the right and difficult rather than the easy.

(published in the CatholicNews Nov 2005)

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