Wow!
For a girl who loves all things funny- who refuses to watch almost any movie that will make me cry- (I cry over stupid comercials on TV!)...I loved this movie.
Yes- I sobbed like a baby through parts of it- had to stop watching it half-way through because I could hardly breathe (asthma kicks up when I cry!)- but I pressed on and it was worth it.
The movie is about 5 missionaries (Nate Saint, Jim Elliot, Ed McCully, Pete Fleming, and Roger Youderian) who try to make contact with a dangerous tribe called the Waodani. They do make contact and are eventually killed- speared to death by the men of the tribe. The wives and children of the dead missionaries move in with the tribe to continue what their husbands started. The movie is told from the perspective of Steve Saint, who was a little boy when his dad, Nate, was killed.
It sounds so over the top- like the ultimate "Turn the other cheek", and it is in a way, but the famlies knew their lives were at stake the whole time they were in Ecuador. Yes, it was a radical thing for the wives to move in with the tribe, but no more radical than the Gospel they were trying to share.
What would I put my life on the line for?
This is a touching film based on a true story- It's a movie about people who risked their lives to do what they felt called to do, and we- the viewers- see how lives were changed, and in many ways bettered, by their involvement.
It is not overly religious, though you know that faith is what drives the missionaries and sustains them through some difficult and painful experiences.
The film does move slowly in some places, and we don't hear enough about the oil companies involvement in stirring up the tribes, but again, the film is told from the little boys POV- So of course the oil angle is left out.
Overall it was a great movie.
I've more than met my quota of spilled tears for the year- the next movie will have to be a side splitter!
Any suggestions?
(I just couldn't leave you with that last pic, could I?) LOL :)
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12 comments:
I loved this movie. It is tragic, but in the end, uplifting. Also, it was a true story.
Nacho Libre might be the movie you need to get into super silly mode.
I looooove Jack Black- somehow I had forgotten about this movie- I WILL go see it- even if I have to go alone! Thank you! :)
this looks good! and, as for a funny, stupid movie...of course, Throw Momma From The Train (it was on showtime again last night at 2, & i stayed up to watch it again!), and shallow hal, and, weekend at bernie's 1 & 2...
Bishop Desmond once said, "When the missionaries came to Africa they had the Bible and we had the land. They said, 'Let us pray.' We closed our eyes. When we opened them we had the Bible and they had the land.”
I understand the need and legitimacy of evenagelism. So, I'm not doubting the sincerity, piety or courage of those who did missionary work. as someone who grew up Christian. But their countrymen? Their rulers? Historically, their hearts were not as pure. Those who resisted missionaries had reason to fear.
On a lighter note, I did see two movies last week: "Cars" and "I Heart Huckabees." I liked the latter a lot. I saw the former with the nephews, who gave it four stars.
Libby- thanks for the list :) I have enjoyed each one of those- and I need to watch Throw Momma again...it is sooo funny.
X~ The heart is always central- in everything we do; and we humans are terribly flawed, even when we are doing our best...and even more flawed when we have ulterior motives.
My mission experiences have been in rural areas of SE Asia- and the slums of South Africa. Both were life-shaking encounters for me- and I was never in harms way- or at least I never felt that I was.
It was a cultural exchange that left it's mark on me...I hope I did the same for the friends I came to love in those places.
It's funny- the going was easy, but the coming home was hard.
And your knowing me- even in the limited way that you do- I am sure you already guessed that :)
Missionaries live with the total conceit that they have something of value to offer. It amazes me that Christians think that they can force others to come around to their way of thinking just by carrying a Bible.
Did you ever watch the movie Hawaii? "Those who resisted missionaries had reason to fear."
I like this picture....Its got spunk!...am writing to yah!...
OOh- Wow Nea, Welcome...
How many missionaries do you know personally?
I guess I know 40 to 45 men and women who have left the comforts of the US to live among poverty, AIDS, and general dispair because they do have something to offer- hope and assistance.
Food, medicine, information and love are not forms of conceit- at least not from my perspective. I have not seen the movie Hawaii- but I have been on the mission field first hand. I can only speak from the point of my own experiences.
In the very best of cases- Missionaries work to better the lives of the people they serve- and the Salvation Army is a great example of a church in action to meet the needs of people suffering- whether that person becomes a believer or not.
In the worst of cases- Missionaries have faults and can be corrupted just like anyone else.
It is sad to me that of all the wonderful examples of hospitals, food banks,orphanages, and schools
that have been created to help people- you can only site a negative and fearful example.
Of course those negative things can not be overlooked...but neither can the positve things.
I appreciate your input- I have never met anyone with your point of view on the subject.
Lux- How I've missed you and thought of you while you were moving- I'll check my email right now! :)
If you had ever read my blog you would find that I was a close personal friend with a man who dedicated his whole life to the cause and cure of leprosy. He was a TRUE dedicated individual, he and his wife, that sacrificed much to improve the conditions of people that were left for dead by their own families. The missionaries of today, live off the good graces of those of us who give our money to support them. A lot of them have no idea what sacrifice really is all about. Yes I have known MANY missionaries, both good and opportunists. Which are you? I read your comments regarding the address labels that St Jude Children's cancer research center sends out, and it sickened me, because I am a benefactor of St. Jude's. Your hypocrisy is showing. And this is JUST WHY I don't trust people parading in the guise of a Christian, when their charitable nature shows them to be otherwise. Actions speak far lowder than these mere words. Words are cheap, cheap, cheap. I have a cousin dying of brain cancer, I really hope you never need St Jude's.
I don't care a rat's ass if you post this for all your "friends" to read, but I do want you to know how I feel.
Dear Nea-
I have never read your blog-
I am regretful about your cousin's illness.
I worked at the Bone Marrow Transplant Program at Duke for 4 years and took care of dozens of cancer patients- my money and my time and my love have gone out to many.
The labels were not goofy...my enjoyment of them is. I regret that you misunderstood my point. I pay for the ones I keep.
I am a hyprocrite...I am a sinner...I am as broken and mixed up as the next person, however- I am forgiven.
Forgiveness does not make one person better than anyone else- but I never said it did.
That is all being a Christian is about- believing and being forgiven, and being loved. It's not a guise I hide under- it's not a faith I excell at- I often fail. And I try again...
-Cora
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