Our professional year is drawing to its natural conclusion in the coming weeks. Advent is upon us, and it is one of my favourite times of the year. So, to mark this happy meeting of vocation and vacation, I thought we could return to some movies that serve both purposes. These films are perfect summer fare, as well as great preparations for ministries in the new year. Enjoy the continuation of movies…for ministry!
Clouds
The first recommendation is an emotional rollercoaster, but worth the ride. Based on a true story (for the book, Fly a Little Higher: How God Answered a Mom's Small Prayer in a Big Way by Laura Sobiech), young musician Zach Sobiech discovers his cancer has spread, leaving him just a few months to live. With limited time, he follows his dreams and makes an album, unaware that it will soon be a viral music phenomenon. The music is definitely retreat-able material, and there are many significant scenes that move and inspire. Clouds is available to watch on Disney+
Wit
This movie was highly recommended to me, and while I am yet to watch it, I trust its recommendation. The synopsis of the movie follows: Professor Vivian Bearing, an expert on the work of 17th-century British poet John Donne, has spent her adult life contemplating religion and death as literary motifs. Diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer, she consents to an aggressive and experimental form of chemotherapy. Facing death on a personal level, she reflects on her life and work. Starring Emma Thompson, and released in 2001, its deep and confronting themes of life and death provide rich material for personal and communal reflection.
Wonder
Wonder (also known as Wonder: Auggie) is a 2017 American drama film directed by Stephen Chbosky and written by Jack Thorne, Steven Conrad, and Chbosky. It is based on the 2012 novel of the same name by R. J. Palacio. The film, which follows a boy with Treacher Collins syndrome trying to fit in, was released in the United States on November 17, 2017, by Lionsgate. A deeply moving movie, its themes of kindness, perspective, prejudice, joy and authenticity makes it a special movie to watch.
Little Boy
Little Boy is a 2015 World War II war-drama film directed by Alejandro Gómez Monteverde. The title is a reference to Little Boy, the code name for the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, as well as a reference to the main character Pepper's height. I love this movie. The lead character is authentic and wins you over very quickly. With themes of hope, relationships, facing adversity, family and love, it has multiple applications in working with young people.
The Nativity Story
Finally, being the season of Advent, and loving Christmas almost as much as I love chocolate, I have to share one of my favourite movies for the season. The Nativity Story is a 2006 American biblical drama film based on the nativity of Jesus, directed by Catherine Hardwicke and starring Keisha Castle-Hughes and Oscar Isaac. We know the story: An adaptation of the Gospel accounts focused on the period in Mary and Joseph's life where they journeyed to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus. It is beautiful. It is gentle, substantial, poignant and rousing all at the same time. Do yourself a favour and watch this film.
Happy Adventing!