11 films to lift the spirit amid calamity & heartbreak
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (BP)--Disaster movies were all the rage in the 1970s, ranging from “Airport,” a star-studded actioneer that soared with moviegoers, to the killer bee threat “The Swarm,” which deservedly got stung at the box office. After this year’s hurricane and flood catastrophes, the last thing many will want to see is a movie about apocalyptic misfortune.
But some films containing tragic themes also show how man, aided by faith and God’s mercy, can persevere. Here are 11 “disaster” films in which calamity is overridden by the triumph of the human spirit.
Many of these films may be considered “old” by today’s movie attendees. My reason for including them is two-fold. First, I was looking for poignant films that lacked objectionable language or excessive violence (not easy to do when selecting from recent releases). And second, it profits a generation to see how difficulties were addressed in times past. Oh, and third, they’re great movies!
SAN FRANCISCO. (1936) In this lavish production, gambler Clark Gable is the embittered pal of devout priest Spencer Tracy. Gable is at war with God until he allows himself to open up to love. There’s an effective earthquake depiction, which leveled the City by the Bay in 1906. Just as powerful is the scene of redemption as Gable turns to God.
THE GOOD EARTH. (1937). The lives of a simple Chinese farmer and his struggling family are nearly destroyed, first by a plague of locusts, then by greed. Though it is quite old, the story is involving, containing insightful messages of love, honor and self-sacrifice.
TITANIC. (1953) Though “A Night to Remember” powerfully chronicled the ship’s sinking, this 1953 fictionalized account with Clifton Webb and Barbara Stanwyck personalized the event. Here is a potent human drama where people face certain death.
WAR OF THE WORLDS. (1953) Nothing man can do seems to stop a Martian invasion. This may seem an unusual film to add to this list, as it is science fiction, whereas the others are based on real catastrophes. But I have included it because there’s a clear message that God is ultimately in command of our world. The remake of the H.G. Wells story with Tom Cruise was an effective action thriller, but I went into the theater expecting today’s filmmakers to eliminate the spiritual impact that was primal in this earlier version. Sure enough, much of the Christian symbolism had been removed. The theme of the book was metaphoric, an allegory, if you will, of man’s struggles and his ultimate salvation. In the 1953 film people gathered in churches, seeking God’s intervention. In the newer interpretation, directed by Steven Spielberg, a church is one of the first buildings to be torn in two during the first attack. It’s difficult not to see that depiction as a symbolic reaction to organized religion.
The earlier film, which featured Gene Barry, is a superior sci-fi actioneer, eerie and frightening, but also containing a positive message. Don’t miss the ending narration by Sir Cedric Hardwicke.
A VOW TO CHERISH. (1999) While this is the story of one family facing a devastating illness rather than floods and pestilence, the film pointedly examines the destructiveness of Alzheimer's, a disease that affects many families. The film goes beyond the dramatization of a certain affliction. Rather, it presents three-dimensional people who find fulfillment and strength through Christ, who is there amidst each travail. Made by World Wide Pictures, look for it at your local Christian bookstore.
THE SCARLET AND THE BLACK. (1983) Though not about nature’s destructive ability, this film and the remainder of this list demonstrate the world pulling together in order to defeat and repair Satan’s destructive force. A true story, it concerns a priest, played by Gregory Peck, who harbored allied POW escapees, and the Nazi official, Christopher Plummer, who tried to catch him. The message at the end of the picture should not be missed. It is a true example of Jesus’ compassion, reminding us to love our enemies. It has just been released on DVD.
THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES. (1946) Fredric March heads an all-star cast in this sensitive narrative of returning World War II servicemen adapting to civilian life. The seven-Oscar-winner also deals with prejudice and longing, but without offensive language or sexual explicitness. Real-life disabled veteran Harold Russell won two Oscars for this film -– as Best Supporting Actor and a special award for “bringing hope and courage to his fellow veterans.” Although some of the dialogue may seem dated, it is involving storytelling that also reminds us that when wars end, struggles continue for those who sacrificed for their country.
THE CIVIL WAR. The quintessential examination of the War Between the States, made by acclaimed documentarian Ken Burns, is a moving testament to the foibles and nobility of the human conscious. Done in several episodes, it will take several evenings to digest, but I can’t remember a made-for-TV event that was more effective in its depiction of the American spirit. It is a remarkable achievement.
ANNE FRANK REMEMBERED. (1995) Anne Frank's diary has sold more than 25 million copies and has been translated into 55 languages. Her life and tragic death speak on behalf of the 1.5 million children killed by the Nazis. This poignant documentary works on several levels: a true life coming of age, the insight of a wise young girl, and the human capacity to survive.
Every teenager should see this film to witness the wickedness of bigotry and to be uplifted by the courage people can display. Though there are many screen versions of her story, this documentary is extremely effective, very moving. Filled with many intuitive moments, the video reminds us that soon no one will be here to tell the personal events associated with that horrific time. It is rated PG for the depiction of the concentration camp atrocities briefly seen toward the end of the film.
THE HIDING PLACE. (1975) Yet another film with WWII as a backdrop makes my list because man’s inhumanity to man is just as insidious as the indifferent forces of nature. Corrie ten Boom worked with the underground during the war, helping to save many Jews. Imprisoned herself, she learned “there is no pit so deep that He is not deeper still.” Available at many Christian bookstores.
OUR VINES HAVE TENDER GRAPES. (1945) A charming look at rural life during the beginning of WWII featuring Edward G. Robinson and Margaret O'Brien, this film contains a respect for Christianity, life, and the price we pay for freedom. Keep Kleenex handy for Margaret's sacrifice as she rallies the town to become part of the fight against evil.
I love movies. The motion picture combines the essence of all the other art forms. But keep in mind that artistic interpretation is just that -– man’s interpretation. God communicated His reasoning and love via the Bible, so that’s where we should ultimately seek His truth and comfort. No one gets through this veil of tears without facing trials and tribulations. And every thinking man will at some point question God, “Why me, why us?” David did it. Moses did it. But people who embrace the Scriptures will have an inner awareness and strength to ease them through seasons of doubt and discomfort. To be prepared and buoyed up for such seasons, keep reading God’s Word.
Phil Boatwright reviews films from a Christian perspective. For further information, go to his website at www.moviereporter.com.
