Movie Selections

One might ask how does a movie get on a list marked "favorite movies"? Without taking this too seriously, I do have three qualifications for a movie to make my favorites list.

I look for redemptive themes, dying to self, and sacrifice. As a counselor, my goal is to listen to the messes of life and assist a person in walking through the mess, acknowledge the pain, and find freedom on the other side of it. The Great Counselor requires redemption, forgiveness, dying to self, and sacrifice in order to be healed or to find redemptive solutions to life's messes. Redemption is when we have been bought back, been cleared of a charge, or released from captivity. There are many emotional and inspiring stories on the screen, but not all of them have redemptive qualities. Many stories entail dying to self and sacrifice, but the redemptive element is missing.

For example, in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button I didn't see any redemption. It was sentimental and even inspiring, but not redemptive. No one was bought back, cleared of a charge, or released from captivity. In fact, everyone was held in captivity until the end. Benjamin did show acts of sacrifice and even died to himself, but redemption did not seem to occur. (I am open to other opinions on this) I believe it is a great film and so worthy of being viewed and even deserving of some Oscars. It just simply didn't make the redemptive list.

However, I highly value the movie and I came away asking the question - "What does it look like to live your life with passion?" I was very inspired to ask myself some questions about my life and its authenticity and passion. Do I live authentically in my convictions or simply do what is expected? Am I honest about who and what I love or do I simply go through the motions?

I love going to the movies. They provide escape, inspiration, and important questions for life evaluations. I loved Benjamin and Daisy. I'm just sorry they won't be on the sidebar of my blog. Movie buffs need standards by which to evaluate and categorize, otherwise we would just be Hollywood consumers with cluttered minds and hearts. I would love to hear your thoughts on The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.