It’s the first Friday of Lent, and you know what that means: the mandatory Lent movie party! At least, that’s what it means in our family. To the best of our ability, we are going to be screen-free in our home every other night during Lent. But on Friday, we watch movies with my family. But unlike most other movie nights, it’s an option for adults.
Parameters: Each film should have a religious or spiritual theme or setting (not necessarily Christian) and be well-made enough to give people a reason to watch it Apart from spiritual aspect. We tend to watch movies that we might not otherwise get around to watching.
Some movies are new to us and sometimes they are terrible!It’s not a problem as long as we talk about Why We don’t like it. Talking about the movie afterwards is also a must.
We’ve been doing this for a few years now and I’ve reviewed the movies as I’ve watched them. (Click on the title of the movie below to see my full review.) I try to include age recommendations—my kids range in age from 8 to 25—but it’s better to check out a site like this Common Sense Media Network Understand the specific elements that may make it inappropriate for your family audience.
Here are some highlights and highlights from the lesser-known or unexpected films on our Lenten viewing list so far:
“Saint Philip Neri: I prefer heaven” (2010)
It’s a funny, enjoyable, sometimes contrived but heartfelt film that’s one of the most charming and engaging depictions of a saint I’ve ever seen. It has little to do with the actual life of 16th-century Italian priest Philippe Neri, but the character depicted in the film had real personalities, including real flaws. Yet he is also compellingly holy, and you see that he has a real, urgent relationship with Jesus. This is difficult to pull off and makes the film worth watching, even if it’s historically inaccurate. Suitable for all ages, but does contain a brief scene involving a prostitute, so be prepared to explain this to the kids. Available via Formed In Italian with English subtitles
“jewelry store“(1989)
My family was very interested in how crazy this movie was. It’s based on a play about marital love written by Pope John Paul II, and I really wanted to be moved by the film and hear something that would move me to my core and make me see in a new light my life. But I don’t know what happened. If you see this movie and it means something to you, please let me know because I saw it two years ago and I feel like I’m still brain-dead. Suitable for…certain audience somewhere, for sure. Available via Formed
“The Reluctant Saint: The Story of Joseph of Cupertino“(1963)
The film’s portrayal of mentally retarded people as well as gods and Italians is somewhat dated. But once you immerse yourself in the world depicted, it becomes engaging and engaging. The film is generally light-hearted and has a simple story and characters. It has some fleeting but intense sacred scenes that make this simple fish out of water story well worth watching. Recommended for all ages (although it may be disturbing to some viewers as it shows an abusive relationship). Available via Formed
“violinist on the roof“(1971)
This is a perfect movie. The songs, the casting, the choreography, the dialogue, the cinematography, the pacing: everything was perfect. It made this particular watch list mostly because of the way Tevye talks to God so naturally and constantly, but also because of the theme of “How far can you bend without breaking?” It has many applications. A funny, heartbreaking, deeply funny, deeply touching and gorgeous film that will take you through pain and ultimately provide hope. Suitable for all ages, but shows violence and tragedy, plus ghost scenes that, although comedic, may scare younger children. Streaming via ReelGood
“I admit“(1953)
This is a solid Hitchcock film, tight and engaging, the whole movie is a bit weird and unpredictable, with lots of dramatic camera work. It centers on a noble and courageous priest named Father Logan, an ordinary man who faces a dramatic test regarding the seal of confession. Once the harrowing suspenseful part is apparently over and Father Logan is victorious, the really scary part for him begins. A solid and engaging film with a powerful final scene. Suitable for all ages, full of tension and suspense, with a touch of violence and references to infidelity. Streaming via ReelGood
“robe“(1953)
This is essentially the movie they made in the romantic spoof Hail, Caesar and wow, that’s so corny. We like a bit of Hollywood cheese (the kids loved Cecil B. DeMille’s The Ten Commandments), but this goes beyond the pale, with every frame of thunder, screams, and thousand-mile stares being more than legitimate. That said, there are some nice scenes: the crucifixion is appropriately grotesque and disturbing, and I loved Demetrius’ conversion. This is not about Jesus himself, but how his influence grew and spread. Watch out of curiosity and a chance to see many dreamy draped garments, but don’t expect much inspiration. Streaming via ReelGood
“Ushpizin“(2005)
A poor, childless Orthodox Jewish couple in Jerusalem got an amazing response to their prayers for the Feast of Tabernacles, but there was a problem. I love the intimate, affectionate way a husband and wife pray. It’s clearly about trusting God in a child-like way, and I was a little disturbed that their prayers (after some trying) were answered so gloriously so simply. But these characters are so fully realized that you can understand that this is something special that happened early in their journey, and who knows what’s going to happen next? It’s a heartfelt, funny, and engaging film that shows a world that American audiences rarely see. Suitable for all ages. Streaming via ReelGood
“angel trouble“(1966)
It’s an unpretentious, occasionally boring film, but it’s still entertaining, well-conceived, and has a twist at the end that’s totally worth it. It showcases a series of pranks and escapades by two sassy Catholic schoolgirls; but it is gradually revealed that not only are the nuns behaving in eccentric ways, but many of them have poignant and sometimes tragic pasts , it was these experiences that led them to enter the monastery. The girls mature, the nuns fall in love with them, and the ultimate message is that following your vocation doesn’t mean giving up on yourself. It’s dated but worth a look. Suitable for all ages. Streaming via ReelGood
at last:
“Groundhog Day” (1993)
we actually looked at this exist Groundhog Day, not during Lent, but if your family is uncomfortable with gloomy or tense movies, it might be a good choice. Of course, the film is not overtly about faith; But a lot of it is about free will, and how every day can be one of two things: the beginning of another long stretch of darkness, cold, and despair, or a chance to become the person you’re meant to be, by showing selfless love to express to others. Streaming via ReelGood
This year, films we are considering include “The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928), “”molokai” (1999) and “young messiah” (2016). What would you recommend?