As Christians it can be hard to find films that do not violate our beliefs. I have compiled a collection of movies I think that will edify and empower a evangelistic's life. On my list will be sanctioned or rather films christened for Christians and films that you might not expect. I hope that this will be of some help.
The Keys to the Kingdom 1944
The Keys to the Kingdom is a film about a man who is called to the ministry. Francis (Gregory Peck) is that man and his call brings him to China. There this Catholic Priest creates a school and chapel. The film is in black and white, but the acting is impeccable; Peck is brilliant and conveys the heart of a true convert to Christ. The film is edifying in a myriad of ways; it is heart warming to see how the Chinese come to love Brother Francis and how the impact of one man changes a country. One scene always gets me, when Francis' first disciple is seeing him off, he says, "my life began when we met, I know nothing else." You can see how Francis effected just this one man with his faith and it makes you want to weep. I recommend this film to anyone going to Seminary, going to the Mission Field, and for those who are serious about serving the Savior.
The Ten Commandments 1956
There are few that have not seen Cecile B. Demille's sword and sandals epic The Ten Commandments. It has been said that when many people picture Moses, they often conjure up the image of Charlton Heston holding up his staff before the Red Sea or him raising the Tablets of the Commandments above the wicked; this is 'testament' to Heston's performance. The Ten Commandments is a riot of color, costumery, and cinematography. The character development is also surprisingly well done, Heston is the perfect Moshe and Yul Brynner invokes Ramses II. Some may take issue with the additional storytelling that is not in the Scriptures, but as Cecile B. DeMille said so eloquently himself, "The Bible omits some 33 years of Moses's life and so we with the help of Josephus and other scholars have endeavored to fill in those gaps and give you this film." Chances are you probably have already seen Cecile B. DeMille's masterpiece. Then you know why it is on my list.
The Inn of Sixth Happiness 1958
The True story of Gladys Aylward's ministry to China. Ingrid Bergeman portrays Gladys, who is a warm heart in an alien land. At first the local and aristocracy shun her and the mission, but in time even The Mandarin (Governor) makes friends with her. The story is one of perseverance of faith and how by simple acts of kindness with great love, a single person can change a country and turn the people to Christ. I highly recommend this movie to missionaries and in particular to those who feel that they have not left much of impact on others for the Faith. Be patient, the Lord brings the harvest in time, and remember to minister from a disposition of love.
Peter and Paul 1981
Sometimes when we read Scripture we do not get the whole picture. We are so focused on the words and living them out we do not see as we do with a story or novel the setting and what is going on. Peter and Paul is periscope into the days of the Early Church. You get to see the kind of world Peter and Paul were up against and how their mission will lead them to massacre and many to salvation. Paul is played by the brilliant Anthony Hopkins. Hopkins brings to life the voice of two thirds of the New Testament and shows the passion we know Paul had for the Gospel. Peter is present, but more periodically, this film could have obviously been called Paul, but Peter serves as an important fisherman foil to the feisty flame that is Paul. This film is not big budget, but the actors carry the film and you will be moved and albeit weep when you see the two titans of the faith die for the Faith. Without them, we would not be here. If you can take anything away from this film, it should be this, Peter and Paul showed be honored, not worshipped, but honored for the sacrifices they made so that we may know the Savior.
Luther 2003
There have been few polarizing figures in the Church, but one of them definitely was Martin Luther. Born in the 16th Century, Luther began his life as all men do, a sinner. But during one stormy night, Luther pledges himself to God and becomes a monk, something not unheard of in the Middle Ages, but little did the Church know the storm that would come thereafter. Luther is played by Ralph Fiennes who captures the charismatic nature of this man who would "moves mountains" and change the Church forever. I recommend this film because it shows how decadent and corrupt the Church as an institution can become, and how if we adhere to Scripture and practice it we will find ourselves no longer hypocrites, but holy. Obviously this film might offend Catholics, but watch it not as a anti-Catholic film, for within this story we learn that Luther did not intend to fragment from Rome, but to reform it, and as history records it was fringe group called the Protestants who took Luther's doctrines and broke away from Rome.
The Passion of the Christ 2004
I have already written a full review of Mel Gibson's masterpiece. What you need to know is that this film is art. It is a window into the world of Jesus Christ and a teleporter to the time of His Crucifixion. If you want the opportunity in the "land of the living" to get a glimpse at what Christ went through for your soul, this is the means. The gore and gruesomeness of the Flagellation and Crucifixion has kept many Christians at bay, but do not let blood bereft you of a chance to see the Suffering of Our Lord as close to as it happened as possible.
The Island 2007
The Island is a story told on a insolate island. There a convent of Russian Orthodox monks and fathers dwell. One of them is the eccentric enigma brother Antoya, who has supernatural powers of healing, prophecy, and exorcism. Antoya is a prankster, he constantly reminds his brothers, especially Father Job, of their sins by tricks and parables. Antoya is sincere in faith and he preforms in the film a function difficult to describe. The film is about the journey of one man's soul and how he impacts everyone he comes in contact for the better. I highly recommend this film for those interested in seeing Russian Orthodoxy, there are not many films about Orthodoxy. But ultimately this is touching tale about a man tormented by a past sin and despite it sanctifies and saves many. I must warn that some scenes are starling, the Exorcism of a young woman in particular is jarring, but worth seeing. I have written often about demonic phenomenon and what you see here is very accurate, but nothing on the level of The Exorcist (do not see) or other films I do not recommend.
Beware of Christians 2011
A documentary that follows four Christian college students as they tour Europe. This is a serious film about what does it mean to be a Christian and is the American Church and the Church around the world for that matter really following Jesus Christ? It is a critique of the culture Christians have created and a caution to all believers that following Jesus requires, "picking up your cross and following him." This is poignant and convicting drama, it will challenge you about comfort and if you are truly connected to Christ. This is a must see for every Christian, it will change what you think it means to be a Christian. For those who fear this film is heresy and apostasy, do not fear, the entire film is based in Scripture, which is quoted and explored in depth via discussions. If you are a Christian, you need to see this.
The Adjustment Bureau 2011
An odd choice for my collection this may seem. The Adjustment Bureau follows a man named David Norris (Matt Damon), who is running for office. In the process of running his campaign, Norris discovers something startling at his office; men in grey suites reprogramming everyone. You find out that there is Bureau and they keep things in line. How and why I will not spoil, but there is a message in this movie that every saint should see. The film deals with the theme of predestination versus free will. I will not reveal which triumphs in the end, but the questions about both are worth discussing for every believer. More importantly, this film is an allegory of what is really going on: God is overseeing and ordaining everything, the question.. can you petition to God to change the plan? See the film to find out and look at the Scriptures where Moses changes God's plan to destroy Aaron & The Israelites (Exodus) and the trial of Sodom and Gomorrah. In the case of the two infamous cities, Lot kept petitioning God to spare the cities through prayer and witling down he numbers tell he reaches ten righteous men. One wonders what would have happened if he had bargained for less than ten? Do not get me wrong, I am not saying we have the power to control God, but he does negotiate sometimes unless he says is three times: once the Lord says it three times, there is no changing His mind. Back to the film, this will undoubtly cause Calvinists some angst and make Armeniansts rejoice, but rather I say see it to understand what love is, it can mean letting go of what you want most...
Amazing Love 2012
Most christened films tend to be corny and lack believability. But Amazing Love is among the expectations. When a Pastor (Sean Austin) takes some teenagers from his youth group camping, different personalities collide. In midst of the chaos and conflict between the outcast and the regulars, Pastor Stuart decides to tell the story of the Prophet Hosea. The film is divided between contemporary times at the camp grounds and Israel during the time of Hosea before the Assyrian Conquest. In both timelines is a tale of great love: in Hosea's case it is unconditional love for his harlot wife. No matter how far Hosea's wife goes to betray him, he is willing to pursue her and love her. At the camp grounds, the youth group leads to love each other and tolerate each others differences. This is a film to watch and remind ourselves as Christians to be caring and kind to those who are odd, who do not fit in, and who are even adversarial. It is also a lesson in keeping your love for God first and no matter how heartbroken you become, that you follow Him.
Apostle Peter and The Last Supper 2012
Ever wondered what became of the centurions who crucified St. Peter? Well this film takes a stab at what could have happened. The film takes place in a dungeon where Peter is being kept for three days before his execution. Most of the movie is a dialogue between Peter and one of the two centurions and Peter remembering in flashbacks following Jesus. The best scene that spoke to me is when Jesus at the Last Supper says, "One of you will betray me." We get to see each Disciple respond to this in their minds: Thomas thinks he might because of his doubt, John can't believe he would betray his Lord except that he is hot tempered, and so on. Peter is played by the Robert Loggia, who is positively Peter worthy. This is must see for anyone to consider the motives within themselves. Are you ready to be incarcerated and to suffer for Jesus? This film is a glimpse into such faith and a modest one at that.
Brother White 2012
A comedy and critique. Brother White tells the story of David White, an assistant pastor (K-4th Grade) at a mega church who gets sent with his family to Atlanta to pastor a bankrupt Church in the ghetto. The film pokes fun at mega churches and how the pastors tend to sound more like gurus and life coaches than preachers. Some may find the comedy offensive, because it does mock what has become the mainstream church, but the critique should be forborn. There is a problem in our churches today and this film seeks to examine it with humor. Beyond the critique is a message every pastor and priest who has a family should hear, "family is more important than a fabulous building full of people on Sunday." So often Pastors neglect their families and this film does not shirk from addressing that problem.
Edge of Tomorrow 2014
An unlikely candidate at first glance for my compilation. Edge of Tomorrow is more than a science fiction story about aliens, it is a perfect glimpse into the spiritual war every Christian is involved in. Most of us are like Cage, we want to sell Christianity, not live it. We want to tell people to believe, but we forget we are enlisting them in spiritual war with an intellect as smart as the chief alien Omega in the film. We get to see through training how Cage becomes a Crusader. He decides to fight the demons who have flesh and despite his failures he finishes the fight. Some may have an aversion to any film with Tom Cruise, well do not let that stop you this time. I am not particularly fond of Cruise, but his performance this time around is Oscar worthy. So go see Edge of Tomorrow (now available for rent digitally, and on Blu-ray +DVD October 7th). If you do see it, "you will be baptized, born again in the fires of combat."
God's Not Dead 2014
Perhaps the best film I have seen this year, tying with only one other. God's Not Dead tells several stories that intersect and all collide at the climax. The primary story arch follows Josh Wheaton, a Christian who finds himself in a class where the professor demands the students to write on piece of paper: God is dead. Wheaton cannot write this and is thus thrown into the gauntlet of having to defend theism and the existence of God in class and risk failing. The film highlights a prevalent problem in the academic world. Many teachers advocate their atheism and attempt to indoctrinate their students. Christians in particular are marked for persecution because they will not concede and let their faith be silenced. Wheaton's weapon is words and the sub story arches join in a final anthem: "My God's Not Dead! He's Surly Alive!" I recommend this film to Christians who need encouragement, especially College students who find their faith under siege and need to see courage and no compromise for Christ. Aside from brilliant casting, Kevin Sorbo as the atheist Professor Radisson is perfect! There is a powerful presence of the Holy Spirit over this film. Watch it, watch it now!
Son of God 2014
I have written a more detailed review of Roma Downey's Son of God. But here I shall say that if you want to see the love Jesus Christ has for us, this is the film to see. Among the highlights is Jesus calling out Matthew the Tax Collector, Mercy towards the Prostitute, The Great Commission, and personally my favorite, the scene at the end when Jesus appears to John on Patmos to reveal to him The Revelation. Son of God transports your emotions to the time of Christ, you can feel what it must have been like to live in those times. This is a excellent film to remind any believer that Jesus is full of compassion and that he called sinners, not perfect priests to be his servants and through Him make them saints.
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