Although movies are just over one hundred years old, they are a relatively recent development in presenting storied dramas. Ancient epics, Classical drama, morality plays, and Renaissance comedies and tragedies preceded our modern movies. Many movies have characteristics of these established genres. It is well known that presentations in the traditional performing arts usually carried strong moral lessons. And the effectiveness of those lessons relied on the skill of those involved with every step of development, from writing to production. In our current age of technical wizardry, however, movies tend to emphasize the effects (sights and sounds) at the expense of content. And yet many movies still carry a moral message, some good and some bad.
—Leadership University Editor/Webmaster, Byron Barlowe
Categories for this Feature:
Saving "Private Ryan" from the Conservatives Ken Masugi Why did so many influential conservatives detest "Saving Private Ryan"? Were their criticisms of this Spielberg epic correct?
The Thin Red Line Michael Elliott for The Christian Critic Review of a war movie most unlike "Saving Private Ryan."
Life is Beautiful Michael Elliott for The Christian Critic Since war is so ugly, as the two previous contenders have shown us, could life in a concentration camp be beautiful?
Shakespeare in Love Charles W. Colson, Breakpoint This movie is complete fiction and presents sex as the driving energy of Shakespeare's life and creativity.
Only Shades of Gray Chris Stamper The author reviews "Pleasantville." This might be considered a companion film to "The Truman Show."
You've Got Mail Michael Elliott for The Christian Critic The masters of romantic comedy are back. Does this light-hearted movie have anything of importance to say?
Of Biblical Proportions Gene Edward Veith Many worried that "The Prince of Egypt" may be offensive to Christians. It wasn't. Some might say, however, that it did offend those who need offending.
Patch Adams Michael Elliott for The Christian Critic Is this the medical version of "Dead Poet's Society"?
The Moral World of the "English Patient" First Things, Correspondence (October 1997) Two readers of David Aaron Murray's review of "The English Patient" respond to his harsh critique of the film. This article includes Murray's reply to each of them.
The U.S. Titanic John Gay Is there something beyond the perfect set design, the dazzling effects, and the box office receipts? Is there more to "Titanic" than meets the eye?
The 2001 Principle Mordechai Steinman and Gershon Robinson In the annals of motion picture history, the film "2001: A Space Odyssey" holds a special place. Though outwardly science fiction, the film speaks about life, the universe, and reality in general, and the message seems to be one of enormous consequence. But that message may not be what you think.
The World View of "Jurassic Park" Dr. Ray Bohlin The book and movie "Jurassic Park" were more than just great entertainment. There was a specific attempt to alter the way you think about Nature, its use and potential abuse.
Why the Main Character of "Braveheart" Is Not William Wallace John Gay Mel Gibson's "Braveheart" won five academy awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. Most people would assume that Gibson's character, William Wallace, about whom the movie was named, was the movie's central character. Was he? If not, who was? And how does this character's life speak to our own lives?
Lost in the Movies James Nuechterlein Contemporary films are replete with scenes and innuendos of casual sex. When such movies are explicit and degrading, we may find ourselves repulsed. But there are many times when the message is more subtle and perhaps just as dangerous.
Movies and Morals Ray Cotton This article provides warnings and guidelines for movie watching.
Friday Night at the Movies Dr. Walter Bradley "Friday Night at the Movies" is an outreach program to students that takes the form of an Open House with food (pizza, popcorn, dessert, etc.) and soft drinks, but most importantly a thought-provoking movie that raises one of the "big questions" regarding life, meaning, purpose, etc.
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