| On this page I post your e-mail and my response. A running dialogue about spirituality and popular culture. | ||||
  PAGE 6, AUGUST 1999 E-mail and Comments: LOOKING PAST THE OUTER TO THE INNER |
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| MAKING A FILM ABOUT CREATIVITY AND DIVERSITY August 31, 1999. HI! I stumbled onto your webpage while searching for airline "tickets" to Kenya for our family. I am so glad to find it!!! Quickly, my husband is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and we're taking our 3 kids (10,7,4) to western Kenya where he will teach and administrate in a Bible college there. Just last night as we sat at a dinner with our missions organization my heart struggled with what I really want to do - that is to make films that tell about Jesus but in such a way that the mainstream world will watch them. I'm reading "Story" right now, and trying to learn the craft of writing. I'm hoping that while we're in Africa I can learn the culture well enough to be able to write a film that does justice to God's creativity and diversity in His people - rather than distancing each culture from each other. Anyhow, I won't go on and on - I just wanted to touch base and find out where you guys were (we're in Bakersfield, Calif.). I have some experience in production (Christian video) and in writing (articles, and a book coming out in the Spring). I would like to hear your thoughts on producing mainstream films that have a spiritual truth or truths in them - and what would be the best way to go about pursuing that? God bless, Heather |
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| BLAIR WITCH GETS VARIOUS REACTIONS:
BWP IS F**KED UP ....LITERALLY! |
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| BLAIR WITCH IS NOT ABOUT WITCHCRAFT August 28, 1999. I saw the Blair Witch Project and, even though objectionable words and phrases were excessive, I enjoyed it very much. It was an interesting movie experience, the film to me seemed very realistic. It bugs me though there is a lot of Christians out there that do say its an evil movie to see because of WITCHCRAFT, there is not one bit of witchcraft in the film. Understand one thing this movie is about 3 kids doing a project on the Blair Witch therefore the title The Blair Witch Project, its not about witches and demons and excuse my saying this to those who haven't seen it but if you listen carefully to the movie it ends up just being about a man in the woods. If you haven't seen it, go and see it just don't focus on being scared, try and listen to the words and what's really going on. ~ Jay ~ 18 ~ |
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| BLAIR WITCH = CULTURE SHIFT August 26, 1999. The Blair Witch Project is yet another example of an important principle I learned getting my MA in Mass Communications. Whenever our society gets too heavily involved in one school of thought, there inevitably arises a rebellion to that school. We have spent the last thirty years in a love affair with technology. And now we are starting to revert to the "old ways." I saw this coming years ago when "folk" music fell to the wayside. There was a period when it seemed almost impossible to find a good selection of acoustic guitars in many music stores. I "prophesied" at that time that we would see a revival of the "unwired" sound, and was laughed at. But sure enough, the "unplugged" sound is back and stronger than ever. And I think the Blair Witch Project is another example of that same "pendulum" swing back toward an appreciation of the power of the natural over the impact of the special effect. Keep your eyes open. You'll see a revival of the traditional and the spiritual as well. We are just beginning to open our eyes to the fact that technology will not be the savior of the world that it has been painted to be. -Ross A. Lakes rlakes@parlorcity.com |
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| GREAT IDEA BUT AVERAGE FILM August 17, 1999.The Blair Witch Project. Brilliant marketing. Great idea. Average film. I love Hitchcock and love thrillers and I went in trying to not to fall into the hype that I was about to see "the scariest film ever made" or whatever else all of the critics said about it. And, the end result was that I just didn't get scared. Not once. The ending was disturbing, but could have been much more effective. There was a collective "That's it?" from the sold-out theater in which I saw the film. However, people seem to either love this movie or hate it. A friend of mine saw it and it scared her to death. She couldn't sleep that night. I thought it was interesting and original, but not very effective. And I'm curious... since the creators of the BWP didn't write the script (the actors ad-libbed the lines) or direct the film (the actors shot the footage), just how talented are they? |
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| I PRAYED AFTER THE BLAIR WITCH August 14, 1999. Some friends and i attended the showing of Blair Witch last night, Friday the 13th, in attempt to scare ourselves. on our way to the theater i prayed and prayed that God would bind Satan and his emissaries from enticing the audience for his evil purpose. i'm not sure how God may have worked in each individual's hearts that night but i for one was on the verge of vomiting from all of the movements made by the camera! i probably watched half of it and listened to the rest and i was saddened that amidst the characters most frightened moments, not one of them cried out to God for help....~Water Princess |
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| BLAIR WITCH DISAPPOINTING Pretty disappointing considering all the hype around the movie. BWP is scary at times but knowing it's not real when it tries to look real makes it harder to suspend disbelief. From a Christian perspective, I appreciated a thriller without the gore of most horror movies, which I do not watch for that very reason (there is something wrong with watching humans being mutilated for the sake of enjoyment). There is an inordinate amount of swearing in BWP which makes it difficult to really enjoy what little thrill exists, but I guess one would expect that from three college age kids whose vocabulary would fill a dictionary the size of a See Jane Run book. The ending could have been scripted to be much scarier. I was thinking they'd keep disappearing one by one. The final scene would have Heather inside the tent, then a noise outside, the tent rips open, the camera drops, and we hear Heather screaming for help as she's being dragged through the woods--by the Blair Witch. All things considered I say skip it or wait until it comes out on dvd-then watch it late at night. |
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| BLAIR WITCH = ARGUMENT FOR GOD August 5, 1999. I saw The Blair Witch Project this evening. Although I knew that it was a fictional film going into it, it was still powerful. Presented as a true story it would be terrifying. It is a pseudo-documentary of three film students who get "lost" in the woods in rural Maryland doing a film project about a legendary witch in the region. One of the things that has been missing in many reviews is the rapidity with which the three gen-X film students descend into despair when faced with the inexplicable and the supernatural evil. There is no resource of a spiritual life with answers for these faceless demons. God never enters the picture. The students feel themselves to be autonomous and self-actualized. To me, evil is one of the greatest arguments for the Good and for God. Kris Childress |
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| HOSTING A MOVIE DISCUSSION GROUP August 30, 1999. Thanks for creating a great site--My Wife and I host a monthly movie discussion group. We are active members of a local ELCA Mission congregation, and this group has been a great way to get Christians together and discuss perspectives on our lives and our faith, as provoked by the films. We've been doing this awhile, but now that I'm aware of it, your site will become another resource that we use to stimulate discussions and conversations. Thanks, Sincerely, Todd Hegseth, Oswego, IL |
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| RUNAWAY BRIDE = HESITANT BRIDE OF CHRIST David, Thanks for the update! I haven't seen any of these movies yet, but I'll let you know what I think about them if I do. We just saw "Runaway Bride" It's a romantic comedy, as I'm sure you know The only correlation I can see between it and something spiritual is how we sometimes hesitate to be the bride that Jesus really wants. It's a long shot! :) --Helen Knueven My response: It reflects our cultural attitude against commitment to each other and especially in marriage. And yes, even toward God. |
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| GREECE HAS NO PROBLEM SEEING THE OBVIOUS IN MATRIX August 30, 1999. Dear sir, I recently saw the Matrix and decided to have a look at what others thought about it. I entered your site because I clearly thought that the film had religious references and wanted to see the point of you of people who are more interested on these aspects. I have no idea what the USA critics or audience say but I assure you that here we had no problem seeing the obvious. I only wanted to make a small notice . Morpheus " the one that changes morph " (morphi = shape or figure in Greek ) is the ancient god of sleep and dreams that has the power to enter in people's dreams and take any shape (morphi ) that he wants . Very much like the hero that carries the his name. I find it very interesting that the creators of a commercial film, directed to a mass audience, incorporated such a wide variety of myths, symbolisms and religious references in their work. Eventually the Matrix allows the audience to view it in two separate levels : That of pure action/adventure entertainment showcasing the eternal battle between good and evil, with a "happy" end. That of a statement about today's society, our "fear" of technology and the uncertainty about our place in the future. At the end no matter how you look at it, it stays in memory. Thank you for your time, With my best regards . Irini Psalti, Athens , Greece |
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| EYES WIDE SHUT WITH AMBIVALENCE August 30, 1999. David, I went to see "Eyes Wide Shut" with much ambivalence. I love all Stanley Kubricsk's movies. I love truly "adult" movies that deal with real adult life and themes. I found the movie fascinating and am still trying to digest it. Have you seen it and will you review it? John Castelein, Ph.D. http://www.lccs.edu/~jdcastel |
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| THANKS FOR SIXTH SENSE REVIEW August 30, 1999. (Re: Sixth Sense) Thank you for a helpful, moving, stimulating review of one of my favorite films of recent viewing. I will pass your site on to friends, Bruce! |
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| THROWING STONES AT SHAWSHANK AND HOLLYWOOD JESUS. August 30, 1999. (Re: Shawshank Redemption) Imagine this film with any other religion as the warden's. If he were a practicing Jew, or Buddhist, or Muslim - and after each scene of worship he went out to vent his cruelty and viciousness - there would be outrage.. Only Christians are so vilified. And it is condescending and disrespectful to respond to genuine inquiries with your sarcastic, "Aw gee," and "Lighten up." Your attempt to find Christian intent (not merely symbolism) is weak, and reminds on of the "Paul is dead" discoveries of the hippies in the Beatles music. Of course there is Christian symbolism! All of Western society is based upon it. The very nature of a "story" is Judeo-Christian! (See The Gift of the Jews, by Cahill.) The film offers "within" and "the future" and other nostroms as the basis of hope. Counterfeits, all. This movie does not stink, but is candycoated poison. Bill Eberwein My Response: Aw gee, Bill, lighten up. You are on the winning side there is no need to throw stones at Shawshank or me. There is already too much that separates people in this world. Too much anger and hate and disgust. Why add to it (read John 8:1-11) Try looking for common ground (read Acts 17:22-34). For too long Christian have been known for throwing stones at those we disagree  with in our culture. We have replaced Jesus with Moral Grids (again, John 8). When we disagree with other we should show them our love and concern not our stones. "And they will know we are Christians by our..." --what is the next word Bill? Read Philippians 4:5-9 and remember God loves you, and I, and everyone connected with Shawshank Redemption, in fact, the whole world (John 3:16). Now, smile. |
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| RENT OCTOBER SKY! August 29, 1999. FOLKS, MY WIFE AND I JUST WATCHED OCTOBER SKY. WOW! THIS IS A MOVIE I WANT ALL MY GRANDCHILDREN TO SEE. WE TOOK SPECIAL NOTE OF THE TITLE SO THAT WE CAN RENT IT AGAIN AND SHOW TO OUR FRIENDS. SO INSPIRATIONAL! -LEROY WALTERS My response: This is one of my favorite films as well. |
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| ASTRONAUT'S WIFE POINTLESS August 29, 1999. This movie was horrible. I give it a generous 1 out of 10 stars. The ending was pointless. Nicholas R. Blanchard, PharmD, MEd Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Washington State University, 149 Wegner Hall, Pullman, WA 99164-6510, (509) 335-8918 <office> (509) 335-0162 <fax>, email: blanchard@wsu.edu My response: I really wanted this film to be more than what it was. It had so much potential. Oh well! |
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| THE TRUTH BEHIND MATRIX August 28, 1999. Another perspective: The truth behind The Matrix. The Matrix is a story of modern spiritual initiation, which at its core is powerfully Christian, even in its Buddhist elements and its scientific and philosophic framework. What I have to offer is informed in part by my work in Anthroposophy, which is a Christ centered path and outlook that reaches into the deeper connections between the different spiritual disciplines and has its basis in modern scientific reasoning. What is reality and what is illusion? This is something we grapple with every day in our lives, whether we are conscious of it or not. One main vehicle for the story of The Matrix is epistemology. This is the study that seeks to understand how a person comes to know something. What is reality? This question is at the center of any theory of knowledge or attempt to understand human thought. The answer might be found in the motto over the Oracle’s door: ‘Know Thyself’. Do you have free will to guide your own life and act as you see fit, or is your life formed for you without your being conscious of it? The answer that the film The Matrix shows us is nothing but a door; it is up to us to walk through it. But what does this have to do with Christianity? …..Everything. Let’s first look at Neo. In ancient Egypt the closely guarded process of initiation was offered to a chosen few. If you entered this process you were called a ‘Neophyte’. You were a potential initiate or seer. Neo was simply this at the start of the story: a potential. The symbology might have us think that he is a Christ figure and we are witnessing his second coming. I intend to show that this is not exactly the case. Yet, if this is a Christian story where is the Christ? To find the Christ we’ll have to change. First we’ll have to change our point of view, just as Neo did when he decided to take the red pill. To help loosen the fetters of our habits of thinking, I will say that in the story Neo is not the one, and at the same time he is the one. And, while you bake that noodle, would he have broken the vase if she hadn’t said anything? Now imagine for a moment that the Nebuchadnezzar is a ‘body’, and all the characters in the movie are part of one being; they are the different interweaving elements of a person’s inner life. So; Neo, Trinity and Morpheus are the three main elements of the human soul, trying to find harmony between themselves and trying to work together for a common goal. What are the main elements of the soul? Well, I can look at myself. For one thing I am a thinking being; I can abstract a part from the whole, evaluate it and try to reconnect it. And I have feelings that relate me to others, to my ideals. And, lastly I am an actor in the world, I effect change. We as human beings will, we feel, and we think. In the body, the thinking finds its reflection in the head, the sense and nerve system. The feeling lives mostly in the rhythmic system –the heart and the breathing. The will is expressed through the limbs and the metabolism. Now, Neo lives in his head –an abstract world of computers. He is very able in this world, but he is very disconnected. “Why is this happening to me, I’m nobody”. He is the Thinking. Morpheus is action; the Will. It is his job to find the One, to train him, to bring him to the Oracle. He is the Captain, the Father, direct intuition and link to Zion; the primal will substance that underlies all. “Without Morpheus we are lost”. To morph means to change. This Will force can only offer discipline and the possibility to change to the thinking and help it awaken to its true reality; “I can only show you the door.” Trinity is the link between the head and the will. She is Neo’s connection to Morpheus, and in a way his link to reality. She said, “You have to trust me” just as one has to trust one’s own heart. She is there when Neo is most alone. Trinity is Feeling. Let’s go now directly to sacrifice. This is a very Christian concept. In previous letters the sacrifice was pointed to where Neo died at the end and it was noted how it seemed like such a crucifixion and resurrection metaphor when he was brought back to life by Trinity’s act of love. Now let us look at this more carefully. Instead of one sacrifice in the story, there was actually three! The first was of course Morpheus when he went to sure death to save Neo. Remember we are still looking at the characters as the different aspects of the human soul. So Morpheus (the Will) sacrificed himself so that Neo (the Thinking) could realize his own true nature. Then Neo had to decide. The Thinking can only decide out of itself when it is cut off from the divine Will (Morpheus). His decision, that he cares about something higher than himself and is willing to sacrifice himself for it, could only be made when completely alone with what the oracle had told him. But he could only decide to attempt the impossible with a new-found courage, which he had been learning all the while from the quiet guidance of Trinity (Feeling). This was his other training: to learn to follow his heart. So the Thinking had to die to itself before it could realize its true nature. The third sacrifice, ‘In Christo Morimur’ –in Christ, Death becomes Life! Only by sacrificing all fear and doubt in the pure love of the heart can the Christ element resurrect the Ego –with the kiss of redemption. The Christ really only enters with Trinity’s kiss of higher love and complete acceptance. This brings the complete integration of the human soul, Thinking, Feeling, and Willing with the higher self. The soul spiritualized is: The Father -through Morpheus (Higher Willing) The Christ –through Trinity (Pure Love) The Holy Spirit –through Neo (pure Thinking) To clarify: In modern America one finds the epitome of a culture of the weakened heart. A society of blind will, abstract intellect, and illusion, but also of unconscious intuition (as the creation of this film shows). Hollywood and the ‘entertainment industry’, along with computer technology are this country’s biggest exports. The Matrix is already here, pouring out of the American soul into the world, the anesthesia of electronic illusion, “a prison for your mind”. It is a fantasy world that is a reality that is an illusion. But it is one that serves a purpose: that of pulling a veil between you and your true divinity so you have the opportunity to decide to find it again as a free deed. The Thinking can only make this decision alone, but the heart has the key. The thinking must listen to the feelings in those crucial moments, for example when Trinity had the heart to heart talk with Neo in the club. And in her advice to him just before he met Morpheus: “Be honest.” -and in the car just before he went to meet the Oracle. The heart may communicate in a different way, but it is never wrong. Our lives are abstracted from reality when the thinking has lost connection to the heart. I emphasize the heart aspect of this story because it seems most people missed it. Note how the trouble starts when the ‘heartline’ is cut. And note that we first meet Trinity in the Heart o’ The City Hotel, Rm. 303, the same place where Neo went at the end for the last exit and where she gave him the gift of her love. Not I, but Christ in me. With the guidance and strength from Morpheus, Neo transformed himself from a ‘hollow man’ to Not I. Through the Pure love of Trinity they all three as The One became: Not I, but Christ in me. For some, the power and draw of this film may be the breakthrough in the technical elements, or in the fight sequences. But, the Higher that is served so well by this masterful work is in this: that the heart is put back in its proper central position with its true strength revealed (Thank you Carrie and Wachowskis) and in its revelation of the threefold nature of man. It offers an antidote to the virus inside us that is the Matrix. John Hinkle vaxtang@galaxy-7.net |
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| HJ SPINS LIES INTO TRUTH August 28, 1999. (Re: Notting Hill) Dave, Excuse me, but I have a profoundly different view of spirituality than you apparently do. I believe that true spirituality can only be found through Jesus Christ, not just a lame attempt to put a spiritual spin on obviously immoral acts. If you intend to defend such immoral acts on your site, please do Jesus and Christians everywhere a favor and delete His name from your title. In case you are wondering, I am not and do not claim to be perfect. I am, however, someone who is completely tired of people spinning a lie  into a truth. Think about it. -MarcMy response: Well, Marc, I don't believe I defend immoral acts. It seems to me that you are reading too much into my reviews. I do, however, hang with "publicans, wine bibbers and sinners" just as Jesus did. |
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| TOO MUCH VIOLENCE IN SLING BLADE August 27,1999. This movie seems to suggest that the appropriate response to violence is violence. The brutal murder of even the most vile person is a defeat for Christian faith which insists that it is in refusing to resort to violence in even the most noble cause that the power of the cross is affirmed. |
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| OCTOBER SKY IS SAFE August 27, 1999. This film can be a great teaching tool. I think it is one of the safest films in years for family.. |
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| FIFTH ELEMENT, FREUD AND A FEMALE CHRIST FIGURE August 27, 1999. (Re: The Fifth Element) just a note on whether or not christian or any imagery can be thought of as being conscious or not on the part of the film's creator: the fact is that making a film is a long process, through script and screen writing to storyboarding, casting, shooting and editing, and choices, small and large are made at every step. as Freud said, there are no accidents, and whether or not a director was aware of every level of implication, layers of meaning are created. It is worthwhile and interesting to read the complex text, indeed, it is a creative process to do so. Even if a director is not him/herself working with a Christian agenda, the proliferation of images in our society, as well as the very foundations of our judeo-christian social structure will influence the choices made, unconsciously or consciously. if you can provide evidence to support your argument, and the case is very strong for the Fifth Element, then there is no need to question your reading. thank you for your site, which picks up things i miss. here's one for you: the post-feminist aspect of the film (lelu the warrior but also fragile, vulnerable) creates the tension, what you call paradox, and links to women's paradoxical role in society: the image of the female christ, and associated difficulty this christ would have is highlighted by all the lines leading up to her 'birth': "cant wait to meet him" "he's a she" "this man, this perfect being" this reinforces the patriarchy that still exists in this society; perhaps the implication is that mankind needs to be redeemed from its cult of the male as much as anything else. and one more, the four elements that form a cross: see rev 7:1 and Ezk 7:2, the four angels at the four corners of the world holding back the four winds. this is an apocalypse film stocking revelations  imagery of the highest order.-ruth My response: It is so good to read an intelligent response such as yours. Thank you. And you are right movies do reflect more than what is intended! |
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| THANKS FOR NEWSLETTER August 17, 1999. Hi David, happy to receive your newsletter and such positive news about changing interests. I enjoyed "What Dreams May Come", "Meet Joe Black", and "The Matrix", very much for the tremendous positive input to opening up the Mind to new possibilities. Enjoyed the new Star Wars movie from that point of view too. The very naming of the characters contains much in the way of messages, the young Queen Amidala, for instance, Amygdala is the name of the two almond-shaped organs of perception, the inner "eyes", which also appear to function as higher-level brains, taking over in emergencies and allowing us to do things that would ordinarily be impossible. The ability to shift outside of regular time/space would appear to reside here. That possibility is stressed in "The Matrix" and I know it can be done by others, having seen it, and also experienced it myself in an emergency. If you draw a simple skull shape on a page, and then draw in two large almond-shaped "eyes", guess what you see? Our own true S'Elves being projected? Or our kin coming to visit us? I'm trying to keep an open mind on who the kin might be. Another of the characters is Qango Jinn. Djinn? -Take care, Liz |
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| OCTOBER SKY HAS POWER AND TRUTH August 16, 1999. As a child of a small mining/farming town I saw in this film real life hopes and dreams turned into reality. It can be shown to inner city and rural youth to show them that a different life is possible. Also inspirational for the power of a community to support youth in their aspirations. The father-son conflict was very real and the scripture that says, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to bitterness lest they become discouraged" was illustrated. Perhaps fathers need to take their kids to see this film, or rent it, and discuss anger, support and encouragement. I saw October Sky on a flight to Asia with "Analyze This," another father-son film. I am happy to report that Hollywood is producing some good stuff. I also liked Patch Adams as a film about Christian love and healing the medical community. -Gary Sweeten, Cincinnati. Changing churches, One leader at a time. Changing communities, One church at a time. Changing nations, One community at a time |
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| OSCAR FOR HOLLYWOOD JESUS August 24, 1999. Dear Hollywood Jesus, I hope when Oscars are delivered to those who create the most meaningful web sites, you will be among the winners! Great work! Thank you for enriching my understanding both of the gospels and meaningful films. I look forward to staying in touch. How long have you been doing this? What other films have you reviewed? Hungry for more, Raph My response: Thanks for the kind words. I have more reviews coming, check the contents page. I have been doing HJ since February 24, 1998. However, I have been doing this with movies for a long time. |
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| REDO BLAIR WITCH August 24, 1999. Kat: Your review (on Blair Witch) needs a rewrite very badly. No offense, but the prose reads like stereo instructions. My advice is to go back, relax, and get away from so much plot retelling. Loosen up! Laterz, CHV |
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| PLEASED WITH HJ AND SIXTH SENSE Aug 22, 1999. (Looking for reviews of The Sixth Sense) I turned to your site (linked from IMDB) with merely idle curiosity, fearing that it would be be another place which purports to minister to "concerned parents" by mechanically tallying swear words, servings of alcohol, glimpses of nude bodies, etc. while ignoring a film's overall moral tone or message. It was a pleasant surprise to see its themes perceived and explored with such great probity and insight. In terms of specific analysis and identification of symbolic elements, it is by far the best of all reviews cited in IMDB. Great job! I'll be looking for your pages on other films which I have seen or want to see. Of course, the existence of ghosts is not intrinsic to the Christian faith and can only be surmised or premised, and it is a hypothesis which in practice has spawned a great deal of charlatanism and misplaced faith. But once this point is made in discussion with children or others, one can go on to glean a great deal of edification from what the film has done with the premise. It must not be overlooked that the church is portrayed as important to Cole and his mother (as evidenced by the trouble she goes through to send him to a parochial school), and that their faith experience is considered at least somewhat positively. Perhaps there is not quite such a dearth of such portrayals in film now as five years ago-- yet it is still rare enough that Christians should applaud such gestures. |
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| HOLLYWOOD JESUS FOR MUSIC August 22, 1999. I just happened on your page after studying for Sunday School. I teach the 11th graders at our church and movies ALWAYS come up. Your site will be a great help. Do you know of a similar site for a spiritual perspective on secular music? Thanks Kyle My response: No I don't. However Hollywood Jesus will have this soon. |
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| THEY DID IT TOGETHER IN MATRIX August 21, 1999. About Matrix. I think that they were on the edge of reaching a cooler conclusion = at the end when Morphious asked Trinity If she now knew that Neo was the one she could have said - No he is not WE were the ones he and I did it together. Trinity insisted on going back with Neo even though he said No. He couldn't have done it with out her and the Oracle said Neo was the one but was waiting for something. |
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| HAPPY ABOUT BIBLE SERIES, HOWEVER... August 20, 1999. 20, 1999. About the NBC Bible Series. I am happy to hear that NBC is considering such an endeavor; however, I do hope that this production is more accurate than their attempt at the tale of Noah's Ark. Despite the grand cinematic effects and award-winning cast, the movie presented a very twisted portrayal of Noah and his family. I have discussed the film with many fellow believers, and they, too, share my feelings. In a world where so much liberal and ungodly thinking has overtaken our culture, we need to see to it that the songs, stories, and movies that are labeled as 'biblical' bring forth the honest truths that are written in God's Word. It is possible, despite what some in today's Hollywood might think, to deliver a motion picture that is historically and biblically sound, with the added highlights of notable actors, colorful effects, and majestic musical composition. Case in point: The Prince of Egypt. Though, from what I have gleaned, it was a story that was amassed from ancient biblical texts (Exodus) and other historical writings, the movie was factual, exciting, and heart-warming. It can be done, and I hope and pray the good people of NBC realize that they, too, can attempt such a feat. -Ross French |
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| I JUST SAW END OF DAYS August 20, 1999. I was lucky enough to get chosen to view a showing of "End of Days". Very good action movie, LOTS of action. pretty dark and twisted though, based around Satan having to mate with the 'chosen one' (Robin Tunney) so his spawn may take over the world. shortly after the beginning of the film you watch a Satanic ritual centering around an unwashed newborn girl covered in vaginal lubricant and uterine material being forced to drink the blood of a freshly killed rattlesnake. after that, the movie becomes strange. it is very violent, a scene with people beating Arnold with bats and pipes in dark alleyways and then when he has been beaten unconscious, crucifying him. a few times Schwarzenegger is firing machine guns into crowds of people just mowing a path for himself to run through. these people have of course been possessed by Satan or whatever making it acceptable. Another strange scene involves a moaning elderly woman strapped to a table experiencing stigmata. A few nice gratuitous breast shots, a strange really detached one (scene, that is) in a restaurant immediately before it explodes, a tiny peek at Robin's before a shower and an especially good one of a young girl whose father is watching her, along with her mother, have sex with Satan while NIN's "Closer" song blares in the background. definitely not a family film, yet at the same time... Anyway, I would definitely recommend seeing it, "it's like The Exorcist meets Terminator 2." the effects were not complete at the viewing but they still seemed pretty cool. Satan, when he is not occupying Gabriel Byrnes body is a transparent shape akin to Predator but much more fluid. He also appears at the end in the familiar demon shape with the huge wings (this part was very rough/low resolution at this viewing but still looked cool). Not your typical Schwarzenegger flick, he is a suicidal alcoholic drug addict depressed about the murder of his family by gang members (which i might add we must watch his wife and 5 year old daughter (fresh from the bathtub) be murdered with single shots to the back of the head) he had testified against. He gets his ass kicked a few times. A really bad scene he is hanging out a window and he must horridly cut his hand on the glass to keep his grip. Overall the movie is quite dark and gruesome, based solely around Violence, Satan and Sex. But it also has a lot of action and excellent effects. I would definitely recommend seeing it (if you are stable, that is). by the way it's Christine York, not Christine Bethlehem. They mistake the message carved into a mans stomach crucified from the ceiling as "Christ in New York" instead of "Christine York" My response: Thanks for the early review. I appreciate it. |
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| NO SLAM ON JESUS August 18, 1999. I came across your site as i was surfing for pop culture areas. As a Christian I was intrigued at the name of your site, but thought it must only be one of the many slams at Jesus. I was apparently wrong... Do you believe in what Jesus did for us? Do you believe that He died for us to "Bridge the Great Divide?" I hope so! Jesus loves you. I'd like to know what your slant or purpose is for the "HJ Site?" God Bless you, - Les My response: I love Jesus. It is as simple as that. |
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| WANNA CHAT 'BOUT LE FEMME NIKITA August 17, 1999. I recently have started to watch Le Femme Nikita. I find it one of the best series on television and would love to see USA run some of the older seasons on other nights then just Sunday. Would love to chat w anyone who's interested. GOLDIE7116@aol.com |
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| JOAN ON CBS WAS LIKE A WIMP August 17, 1999. I didn't like Joan of Arc at all. I've researched her for at least a year, and couldn't find her true character in this actress. She came across as a wimp, in fact, she didn't even do anything? The writer's threw this together, they took it to CBS w/out a script. Some of the court room scenes were okay, but the rest I didn't like. Too much inaccuracies. Also, they totally insulted Joan by taking Jesus off the crucifix at the end, and had her yell, "God God God". Every deposition said the same thing, she looked at Jesus upon the crucifix, and yelled "Jesus Jesus Jesus" until she died. Would they do such a thing to other characters, take out the truth to be politically correct? It would lose it's value of authenticity, so you wouldn't see them do such things to Elizabeth. I pray that Christian artists get off their bottoms and be the creators of God related projects. In Him, joyce |
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| CAIN COULD BE AWESOME MOVIE August 17, 1999. Cain is one of the best mivies I've ever read! As I was reading it, I thought: wow this would make an awesome movie! Then, as I was looking on the internet, I found this site. -Jeff |
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| I WAS ONLY ONE TO SEE BIBLE THEMES IN MATRIX August 16, 1999. David --Found your site extremely useful in putting together a final exam paper for "The Bible as Literature" - my thesis (not yet final...) being something about biblical themes in "non-biblical" movies becoming more prevalent with the coming Millennium. As I have a five-page maximum, I chose "The Matrix" of which there is a wealth of info on your site (I am the only person I know who saw the biblical references...I thought I was going crazy), and the recent "Eyes Wide Shut" which alas does not seem to be reviewed. I wondered what you and others thought about what I saw as obvious Eden references in the film. -Jane in Michigan My response: Thanks for the kind words. I have not seen EWS I have been moving to a new house and HJ has been on hold for three weeks now. Matrix is incredible. I would love to get a copy of what you are writing. Do you write reviews? Warmly David Bruce |
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| SPECIFIC, GRAPHIC, UNCOMFORTABLE DETAILS August 16, 1999. First note, love the website. I've book-marked it and will visit it often! I found the General's Daughter offensive on a lot of levels. Overall, the film was very uneven and heavy-handed. Subtly is a lost art in Hollywood. The movie was uncomfortable to watch and Travolta's character shifted from a take-no-prisoners investigator to a jokester, then back again. However, the most offensive part for me was at the end. Throughout the film you are given details as to the daughter's death. Specific, graphic, uncomfortable details. So, you're imagination has put these pieces of the puzzle together to make a most gruesome death (and sad, empty life). Yet, when you find out who the killer is, they flashback and show her being killed! Why? It was gratuitous and completely unnecessary. I thought the point of the film was to uncover how she died and who killed her. We find out how she died during the investigation, so, when they uncovered the murderer, why show it all over again? Whatever parts of the film I enjoyed drained out of me at that point. Pete Bauer |
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| STANDING UP FOR QUEEN AMIDALA August 15, 1999. I looove Phantom Menace and all the other Star Wars movies. I thought your report was great and very thought provoking. I never noticed all the Biblical references in it! You wrote some really great things! I've seen Phantom Menace twice and love it! I haven't found any reviews at your site about the other Star Wars movies, but if there aren't some you should write some! It made me so mad when I read the e-mail that said Queen Amidala looked like a vampire!!!!!!!!! For their information Queen Amidala is 14 in the movie not 18 as the person wrote. I'm a big fan of Queen Amidala and that made me really mad!!! She doesn't look like a vampire in my opinion ! :D Princess :D |
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| THANK GOD FOR ANGELS August 14, 1999. I loved this movie. Michael is a warrior angel, not some simpering white robed, gold haloed do gooder. He is God's top angel, and like any top gun he has his faults. He has been sent on a mission, but he is going to enjoy the perks along the way, especially since he states this is his last visit to earth. That part is hard to believe,since I can't imagine God using his number one warrior to cure a bunch of misfits, but who am I? I can't help but be drawn to these mysterious creatures we call angels, especially Hollywood versions of them. I sure hope that angels have been there for me, because I have had rough times, and got through them, even when I didn't think I wanted to. So I like the thought of angels, and obviously so do a lot of other people. |
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| HUMANS ARE NOT ANGELS August 14, 1999. After viewing City of Angels for a final film paper I am writing about the resurgence of interest in angels, the only interesting part of the film is when Seth states that humans are not angels. If people read their bible, they would know that the angels were created separately. Only the comfort it brings to grieving humans explains the human to angel conversion. I thought the rest of the movie was just plain dumb. If I had to look at one more close up of Seth (Nicholas Cage) mooning over all things human, I thought I would scream, and after all that Maggies dies! What a waste of time. |
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| THE EYE GATE August 13, 1999. Thank you for your great web site. Looks as though you have put a lot of thought and effort into your project. I pray that God is blessing your work in the Lord. All of life is a spiritual battle but Hollywood is especially so. A Biblical approach to movie watching is the best way to see movies I suppose; however, I think other activities more wholesome should be encouraged. Did you know that the movie projector was Thomas Edison's least favorite invention? I find that very interesting. He liked the phonograph best. Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount "The eye is the lamp of the body; therefore, if your eye is sound so your body will be full of light" (paraphrased from Matthew Chapter 6). I can't help but think that we allow darkness to come into our lives when we watch on giant screens movies made by people who don't know the Lord and put so many things in their lives above the Lord. Would appreciate any kind of reply - thank you, Craig Culbertson, cpc@adfinet.com My response: Jesus said, "It's not what goes into a person that defiles, its what comes out." |
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| CHRIST IN ALL THINGS August 12. 1999. I am so impressed at how you find Christ in ALL things. As we well know He is. Thank you for creating such a breathe of fresh air. Robin Davis My response: Thanks! |
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| ANOTHER MATRIX SITE August 12. 1999. Very nicely done, David! I very much enjoyed this! For something along the same lines (maybe not as deep as your review/comments) check this site out: http://thematrix.acmecity.com/mission/81 This is "The Matrix as Messiah Movie" site. Again, congratulations on a really fine job on this site! Cecil Copeland, from "The Matrix as Messiah Movie". |
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| NEEDS BOOK ON JULIAN PO August 11, 1999. Does anyone out there have any idea where I can get an English version of the book "The Death of Mr. Golouja" by Branimir Scepanovic, the book that Julian Po was based on? Thanks. Go ahead and print my email address Molly Burnett burnettm@mindspring.com |
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| SIXTH SENSE OPTIMISTIC ABOUT DEATH August 10, 1999. Dear Bruce, I found your web page on the Internet today and thought it was a pretty creative idea, to view films from a religious perspective. Granted, a lot of people with deep religious faiths are likely to shy away from Hollywood films, assuming (incorrectly, I think) that most of the products simply revel in the glorification of sex, violence, and personal indulgence. Some do, some don't. But I think there's a tendency to dismiss a film based on how they perceive it will be, rather than actually checking out what it is. Take "The Exorcist." The film's violence probably led a lot of religious people to decide not to see this film, but I think it's actually quite a moral film, one that takes the Devil (and, therefor, God as well) quite seriously. It's nice to see a web page like yours that examines today's movies from a religious perspective, but doesn't automatically dismiss all the films as immoral. Anyway, the main reason I'm writing: I enjoyed your review of "The Sixth Sense," which I caught last Friday. I'm a big fan of horror films, which is the main reason I went to see this movie, and while it did have some very scary scenes, overall I thought it was a surprisingly upbeat and optimistic look at the meaning of death. I agree with you that there was a considerable amount of religious symbolism in this film; to me, the film seemed to be suggesting that people of science (including psychologists) take a far too literal and rational view of the world, dismissing anything that doesn't have a scientific solution. I think the film suggests that people who have a faith and believe in something more -- whether it's a belief in ghosts, reincarnation, the miracles of Jesus Christ, or holy miracles -- may be to something, and that science shuts the door on anything it can't see. I review films for the newspaper I work for in Fall River, Massachusetts. I'm not technically sophisticated enough to send you a copy of my review by E-mail, but if you send me an E-mail back with a mailing address, I can send you a copy. Anyway, keep up the good work. Michael Freeman |
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| GATTACA -COOL AND BEAUTIFUL August 10,1999. I thought Gattaca was the most beautiful and cool films I have seen. I love the buildings who were designed by Frank L. Wright. The film could have done with better editing and directing though. ie the suspense scenes, the meeting of Eugene and the investigator. There were many Christian-like references, i.e. the blood of Eugene allows Vincent (Ethan Hawke) to get to Gattaca and finally Heaven. The last scene could also have had a marvelous Christian theme. Vincent, the main character, is finally "caught out" by the kind doctor (who seems to have known about his fraud). But the doctor, remarking about his own son's poor gene condition, allows Vincent to pass as a Valid. As the doctor smiles and beckons, Vincent cries then proceeds on to fly into the heavens. I thought the doctor could have been a symbol for God the Father who shows grace to Vincent. "For it is by grace that we have been saved not by works so that no man can boast." But of course, the doctor's remark makes this idea unworkable. Still I would love to reedit the film one day. Cheers, Yau-ming You can post this online, thanks! |
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| ANOTHER LOOK AT ANAKIN/JESUS CONNECTION August 9, 1999. I find it fascinating the way everyone is so quick to say that Anakin cannot be the chosen one to bring balance to the force. Maybe my theory won't sit will with lots of folks, but here it is anyway. If you look at what Vader does at the end of Return of the Jedi, he really does bring balance to the force. He sacrifices himself to kill the emperor, thereby ridding the universe of the Sith Master/Apprentice pair. Not only does this redemption come through self-sacrifice, but his journey through the dark side is almost a sort of incarnation. I say "through the dark side" because in the end, he does emerge-- the mask comes off and he turns to good. Of course, there are people who would say that such a story is blasphemous, that Anakin/Vader cannot be a savior figure because he is not "sinless". But why should we not tell stories of imperfect people who follow in the footsteps of the Messiah? Vader saw the error of his ways, and his conversion came with a very biblical action-- obedience even to death. Maybe we needn't get so uptight about Anakin being the chosen one. I think it could work out just fine. Peter J. Wall peterj@madnet.net |
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| UNBELIEVABLE DETAIL IN PRIVATE RYAN August 8, 1999. Even though I saw the film about a year about a year ago, I would still like to express my thoughts. It was about a couple days after I first saw the movie that I read deeply into the real Omaha Beach invasion. In it I found the unbelievable details of who those first waves of men really were. They were the 116th Regimental Combat Team of the 29th Division, mostly from Virginia (my state)! I remembered the film's depiction of dying Virginian boys, and I became moved. Although I have no grandparents who went to Omaha Beach, I am still proud to live in a state that fifty years ago was lived in by some of the greatest people ever. I hope that Saving Private Ryan will earn the state of Virginia some national recognition. Kirk |
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| ROBO COP GUNS August 7, 1999. I am interested in 50 cal firearms. A friend mentioned a "Pulsa" or "Pulza", sounds like, the spelling is a guess, that was used in the movie "Robo Cop." Can you help me with a list of firearms used in the movie? thanks, Lee |
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| TRL HELL AND HUMAN ENDURANCE August 6, 1999. Then I watched Tin Red Line again the next day. This movie is not for viewers that want to be spoon fed constant mindless action-story. But, if you are the kind of movie goer that is willing to pay attention this movie will draw you into a story of hell and human endurance. I have not been in war, but I think this movie portrays the true hell of the experience better that saving private ryan. |
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| DOWN ON GENERAL'S DAUGHTER UP ON RUNAWAY BRIDE August 4, 1999. As a 51 yr. old minister whose wife likes to go the movies, this was another film I could have done without. I'm afraid many of us live a bit too close to the pagans. I wished I hadn't gone. The psychological thriller part was strong, but once again I think it I've been to a place that God would like for me to have avoided. The full frontal nudity of the daughter was not fully necessary, for the thriller to work, but never the less, it probably helped their sales. It is sad when language taking the Lord's name in vain has become so common, nudity expected, and sex without marriage portrayed so amorally in almost every movie. Many good reasons not to go to this one, no good ones that I can think of. The Runaway Bride is proving that the language, sex innuendo (much lighter here than usual), gratuitous romps in bed between the unmarried, and nudity are not necessary to pack the house. It was like a great fifties film. More about character and getting to know your characters than special effects, car crashes, killing, or sexual material. Let's Hollywood learned a lesson here. God bless. |
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| FACE/OFF MORE THAN VIOLENT WHAM-BAM August 8, 1999. Hello there from Scotland, well, I'm actually Northern Irish, but I study in Aberdeen. I just tripped over your site this evening having heard about it from a great Christian film-buff friend. I just felt compelled to email and let you know what a fantastic work this site is: the Light truly does shine out even in the most unusual of places - mainstream Hollywood movies. Thanks for facilitating our musings on some of these movies - I felt kind of vindicated when I saw your Face/Off analysis - so many of my Christian friends at college just thought it was just a violent wham-bam popcorn movie! Keep the faith brother, Jonny Mayner u10jpm@abdn.ac.uk |
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| CONTACT =POWER OF A TESTIMONY August 4, 1999. Dear David, Thanks for the great site. I will add it to my favorites list and recommend it to our youth minister as a resource. I hope you can help me with something. I am looking for a resource/index of movie segments that can be used for preaching/ teaching illustrations. For example near the end of the movie "Contact," Jodie Foster's character goes before a senate committee to prove that she had gone to an alien world. She had no evidence only her personal testimony. It is a great illustration for the power of a personal testimony and faith. Is there an index or resource where I could look up movie segments by subject to use as illustrations? If you know of something I would love to hear about it. Thanks in advance for your reply. Earnie Burfitt My response: No there are no such resources. |
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