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Shannon Recommends

I took a great class in January called “Theology and Popular Culture” and was exposed to some very interesting popular culture items. Imagine a class where watching TV and movies is actually your homework! It was great. So, I thought I’d pass on some movie recommendations.

Next time you’re at the video store, how about renting something that will give you some food for thought, or stimulate your inner theologian? I’m not saying all of these are perfect movies, I’m rather ambivalent about some of them in fact, but try them out and see what you think. And I'll play with some colour too, just for fun!

The Station Agent – this movie is a little slow at times, but well worth it. While watching, think about the idea of salvation through relationship.

The Year of Living Dangerously – good education on a historical situation and a way to think about what is important.

Romero – This movie is a great introduction to the ideas of liberation theology, and an inspiring, though heartbreaking story.

Garden State - one to watch while thinking about the questions of “what do we need to be saved from?” and “what saves us?”

Crash – not only is this thought-provoking, but it also won a number of academy awards and was written by a Canadian!

Jesus of Montreal – perhaps a little too “Catholicky” (pun intended) for some, but definitely a good one for stimulating you to think about what the Jesus story would look like set in today’s context.

What’s Cooking? – from the director of Bend it Like Beckham and Bride and Prejudice (both are also great films) What’s Cooking looks at the Thanksgiving dinners of 4 families in LA who are from different cultures. Maybe this one isn’t heavily theological, but families and food both figure prominently in the Bible, so it kind of fits.

posted by Shannon @ 9:37 AM