Yeah, I do watch movies. Less than I used to, but still more than I probably should.
But I rarely recommend a movie. Even more rarely do I HIGHLY recommend them.
So I thought of putting together a list of movies over the last few years that I could highly recommend to others.
Generally, to be highly recommended, I have to feel that a movie is not only well-written, acted and directed, but says something meaningful or insightful. Also, I don’t recomment movies with unnecessary nudity or sex scenes. So judge as you will.
On to the list.
Lars and the Real Girl — A great story about a severely isolated young man in a small town that buys a life-like-and-size rubber woman (technically a sex doll) and treats her like a real person, introducing her around in a wheelchair as a real person (he takes her to church and everything). Not to worry, completely clean. A great story about community.
Children of Men — One of my faves, a sci-fi movie about a future where no one has had a child in 20 years. Classic sci-fi in that it makes a statement about society and life, so don’t expect an action thrill ride. It does have some bad language and violence, though, as a warning.
Stranger than Fiction — Surprisingly, most people who haven’t seen this movie, say, “I don’t watch Will Farrell movies.” Which is unfortunate, because this is not a Will Farrell movie … he just happens to be in it. This is an amazingly original and well-written film and makes a great statement about the value of human life and literature.
To End All Wars — While another one with language and violence, a true story about British soldiers during WWII in a Japanese prisoner camp. One of the British soldiers, planning to be a teacher, starts classes to keep the other prisoners from utter despair. In learning about Christ, the question comes up, “What does it mean to love your enemies?” Powerful.
Ushpizin – A foreign film made in Israel about an orthodox Jewish family during a modern day Festival of Booths … and the guests (ushpizin) God ultimately brings to “bless” them. You have to read the subtitles, but so worth it.
So there you go. If I think of more, I’ll post them, but I figure 5 is a good number for you to start with, if you haven’t seen them before.
Peace.