Approved Movies
Movies that have been reviewed and given a Level A rating have been approved and are permissible for students to view and own these movies.
The following movies have been approved based on an acceptable educational or redeeming value. These movies are to be viewed with discernment and caution. Some subject matter is offensive to some viewers. It is our hope as a committee that the following movies will be used to spark intentional discussion concerning the various topics presented.
Each movie will be listed by title and will include website links for a movie synopsis and critical review. Reasoning behind the decision along with discussion items will be listed.
A Few Good Men
A Mighty Heart
Born into Brothels
Changing Lanes
Crimson Tide
Dead Man Walking
Equilibrium
Fearless
The Ghost and the Darkness
Gladiator
Glory
The Insider
The Jack Bull
The Killing Fields
The Last of the Mohicans
The Last Samurai
Letters from Iwo Jima
Losing Isaiah
The Matrix
Men of Honor
One True Thing
The Passion of Christ
The Patriot
Pi (p)
Psycho
Rain Man
The Seige
Shawshank Redemption
Slumdog Millionaire
The Station Agent
To End All Wars
Waking Life
We Were Soldiers
When a Man Loves a Woman
Wind Talkers
Yesterday
A Few Good Men
There is no sexual activity, and no violence other than the initial assault and a later off-screen suicide. The R rating is for language. There are probably 25 to 50 uses of the "f*" word plus various curses and blasphemies. Good discussions questions to ask: What is accountability? What is truth? How do we really know what we know? Should we be accountable for our actions carried out under order? If I am ordered to kill someone, am I absolved from all accountability? Even further, does it matter if this person I am ordered to kill is an enemy or friend, tyrant or savior?
ScreenIt.com: A Few Good Men
ChristianAnswers.net: A Few Good Men
A Mighty Heart
A Mighty Heart is rated R for language. A Mighty Heart is the story of the January 2002 kidnapping and murder of journalist Daniel Pearl in Pakistan as shared from his wife’s perspective. Potential viewers should note that there is strong content in this film and a few scenes with profane language and consider viewing accordingly. The film presents issues of post 9/11 and terrorism, journalistic pursuit, government response to terrorist acts, and differing religious beliefs and acts in the name of religion. Those choosing to view the film should refer to the links provided and other references for accurate context to the film prior to viewing.
http://www.pluggedinonline.com/movies/movies/a0003267.cfm
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0829459/
http://www.filmcritic.com/misc/emporium.nsf/reviews/A-Mighty-Heart
http://www.screenit.com/ourtake/2007/a_mighty_heart.html
http://www.screenit.com/movies/2007/a_mighty_heart.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Pearl
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/media/response/pearl.html
Born into Brothels
This film is rated R for some sequences of strong language. Two documentary filmmakers chronicle their time in Sonagchi, Calcutta and the relationships they developed with children of prostitutes who work the city's notorious red light district. It is a realistic picture of life there and how some have offered the opportunity for hope and an avenue to change the lives of these children. In this realism we learn how some choose that opportunity and others do not or cannot. Discussion items may include: real life of other cultures, position within society and how it constrains some and/or how to move beyond it, what has been accomplished within the Calcutta society that has not been elsewhere, what is India’s response to this film vs. the American response, what should/can be done to help, what is our responsibility. Those wishing to dialogue about this film with someone may wish to schedule an appointment with the Multicultural Services Office.
Roger Ebert: Born Into Brothels
OffOffOff: Born Into Brothels
Mukto-mona: Born Into Brothels
Changing Lanes
This movie was rated R for violence, adult situations and profanity. A highly “controversial ethical” film with two characters that must decide if their circumstances determine their actions or if their actions determine their circumstances. Thoughts on the movie to discuss: What happens when in our desperation to “do the right thing” results in anything but that? How do you define standards of right and wrong? What is truth? What is right? What is honesty? How do we balance a Christian lifestyle in a worldly society? Can you root for one character over the other? Do we have a solid moral standard or do we simply try to do more good than bad?
ScreenIt.com: Changing Lanes
ChristianAnswers.net: Changing Lanes
Crimson Tide
This movie was rated R for strong language. A conflict of wills in the midst of politics and potential war caused characters to consider their actions. Also, the hero is clear, but the lack of a clear villain gives the audience something to consider. Items for discussion include: the ethics of decision-making, stress of life on a sub, standing for a cause, the role of chain of command within the military, and living in the nuclear age where one choice can mean war.
ChristianAnswers.net: Crimson Tide
Roger Ebert: Crimson Tide
Dead Man Walking
This movie was rated R for profanity, violence, and mature themes. This film centers on capital punishment and shows both sides of the issue. Viewers have much to consider as the story of a convicted rapist and murderer and the nun who visits him in prison unfolds.
Colossus.net: Dead Man Walking
SpiritualityandPractice.com: Dead Man Walking
Equilibrium
This movie was rated R for violence. In the name of peace a world without emotion is created, but what is the real result? Questions to consider: what makes someone a real person, what makes us who we are, would you give up joy if you knew there would be no anger, what and how has today’s society already desensitized us?
ScreenIt.com: Equilibrium
ChristianAnswers.net: Equilibrium
Fearless
This movie was rated R for mature themes, language and airplane crash realism. After surviving a jumbo jet crash, the main character is changed and as the film continues the audience is asked is he truly touched by God or a victim of post-traumatic stress disorder? Items to consider: the nature (and fragility) of life and death, ethics of people in time of tragedy, and the relationship between God and man.
Roger Ebert: Fearless
Movie-Reviews.Colossus.net: Fearless
The Ghost and the Darkness
This movie was rated R for graphic violence and is questionable for children. The violence depicted in this movie is contained in the "lion" scenes. The lion attacks include tense scenes that are visually graphic and may be unsettling for some viewers. The movie is based on a true story. You can find out more about the “Lions of Tsavo” at the Field Museum in Chicago [link provided below]. Christiananswers.net shares "documentary film The Man Eaters of Tsavo is also worth watching if you rent this film, as it clarifies historical details regarding this film." Thoughts on the film to discuss: What is the legend in the movie? Was the missionary successful in evangelizing? What were the different perspectives on the cow? Who represented those perspectives? What are the different opinions and perspectives presented on the lions?
ScreenIt.com: The Ghost and the Darkness
ChristianAnswers.net: The Ghost and the Darkness
Gladiator
This movie was rated R for graphic violence. The violence in this movie is very realistic and accurate for the situations seen within war and the various coliseums. The hand-to-hand combat is very bloody and numerous times men are seen decapitated or dismembered. There is no illusion of death, but rather the reality of death is seen in its entirety. These scenes may be uncomfortable to watch for some viewers. The movie reveals the truth about power: one man desires it with all his heart but cannot grasp it, and the other does not want it but his integrity invites it. Thoughts on the film to discuss: What do you gain from the phrase "strength and honor"? What is your response to the line "What we do in life echos in eternity"? What is the greater reality than the battle? How does the film promote the values of honor, courage, patriotism, family, integrity, leadership, duty and perserverance? Besides being a general, how is the character Maximus a leader?
ScreenIt.com: Gladiator
ChristianAnswers.net: Gladiator
Glory
This movie was rated R for violence, graphic violence, adult situations, adult language and profanity. Please recognize the violence portrayed in this movie is very graphic in nature and demonstrates the reality combat during the Civil War. As with other war epics that have been approved, the scenes where fighting is taking place are bloody and graphic. There is no implied death. If you view the movie you will see men killed as a part of the war. The movie deals with racial inequality and covers racial themes that some viewers may find uncomfortable. Thoughts on this film to discuss: Dealing with courage and bravery, what is real strength? These men had to decide what was worth dying for. What are you willing to die for? What was the importance and significance is allowing African Americans to join the military and fight in the Civil War? What was the potential difficulty with patriotism that former slaves dealt with?
TeachWithMovies.org: Glory
ChristianAnswers.net: Glory
The Insider
This movie was rated R for adult situations and adult language. Some of the language used in the film will be offensive to some viewers. For a more detailed listing of what language is used, please click on the screenit.com link below. Thoughts on this film to discuss: How far do you go to tell the truth? What personal sacrifices will you make for others? What ethical implications are present in the movie? What are the issues behind truth vs. corporation values? What about truth vs. family safety? How does truth take a back seat to materialism and profit?
ScreenIt.com: The Insider
TeachWithMovies.org: The Insider
The Jack Bull
This film is rated R for some Western violence. The story centers upon a rancher who chooses to take that law into his own hands after he is unable to get justice when another rancher physically abuses his ranch hand (a Crow Indian) and two prize horses. He pursues the law when those who are responsible for upholding it fail to do so. However, the price he and his family pays are extreme. Issues for discussion include the value of justice, law vs. lawlessness, pursuing one’s conviction, and forgiveness.
IMBD.com: The Jack Bull
The Killing Fields
This movie was rated R. Based upon a true story, this film shares a story of friendship and the horrors of war in the Khmer Rouge labor camps. Topics for consideration: political issues, human rights, our history, relationships, and much more.
Roger Ebert: The Killing Fields
QNetwork.com: The Killing Fields
The Last of the Mohicans
This movie was rated R for violence and graphic violence. The movie does contain intense war scenes where men are killed by hand-to-hand combat, including several scalpings. There is no illusion of death, but rather the reality of death is seen in its entirety. These scenes may be uncomfortable to watch for some viewers. Thoughts on the film to discuss: Are there parallels that can be drawn from this movie to spiritual battles? Is the process of restoration evident in this movie? Is this an accurate portrayal of the French and Indian War?
ChristianAnswers.net: Last of the Mohicans
Roger Ebert: Last of the Mohicans
The Last Samurai
This movie was rated R for strong violence and battle sequences. This drama features Tom Cruise as a 19th century American war hero who is hired to train a new and modernized Japanese military. Haunted by his past, the main character finds himself enamored and siding with the last of the samurai, Japan’s previous military, he is supposed to defeat. The film offers historical significance and offers the following for thought: doing good to make up for one’s past vs. forgiveness and salvation and eastern spirituality vs. Christianity.
dvdMG: The Last Samurai
ScreenIt.com: The Last Samurai
ChristianAnswers.net: The Last Samurai
Letters from Iwo Jima
Letters from Iwo Jima is rated R for graphic war violence. Letters from Iwo Jima provides a unique perspective of WWII from the other side and insight into both sides involved in a war. The film shows the realities of war for both sides. The film does not glorify war or violence and presents the humanity within war. Consideration and discussion would be relevant to our current situation as a nation and to consider war in itself – the personal perspective, the reasons for it, or honor within it. The film meets University standards with the exception of violence which is realistic for a film about war and is not presented in an excessive manner.
ChristianAnswers.net: Letters from Iwo Jima
Roger Ebert: Letters from Iwo Jima
Losing Isaiah
This film was rated R for adult situations. Thoughts on this film to discuss: How does the movie deal with the issue of race? With adoption? What are the consequences of drug abuse in the movie? What are the effects on each of the family members? How is Halle Barry’s character depicted? What is your response to her plight? How realistic is the storyline? Is the ending realistic?
Movie-Reviews.Colossus.net: Losing Isaiah
Roger Ebert: Losing Isaiah
The Matrix
This movie was rated R for violence and profanity. While the violence may not be gratuitous in nature, there are several scenes that are very graphic. Thoughts on the film to discuss: What will you remember most from watching this movie? Does the movie show us a Christian worldview or Christian themes? What is real? How do you define real? What are some of the messianic parallels that can be drawn from the storyline? What are some of the obvious Christian themes and symbols in the movie? What are some of the more subtle themes? What is the “good news” that Neo is offering? How does the reality of grace play into the world presented in The Matrix?
ScreenIt.com: The Matrix
ChristianAnswers.net: The Matrix
Men of Honor
This movie was rated R for adult language and is questionable for children. Some of the language used in the film will be offensive to some viewers. For a more detailed listing of what language is used, please click on the screenit.com link below. While the film is based on a true story, the movie does take some liberty in altering the events that occurred. Thoughts on the film to discuss: How is the issue of racism dealt with in the movie? How accurate is the portrayal to that time period? How is the treatment of Cuba Gooding Jr.’s character offensive? What does the movie honor? What does it inspire? How is Navy life depicted in the movie? How is it different for white and black men?
ScreenIt.com: Men of Honor
ChristianAnswers.net: Men of Honor
One True Thing
This movie is rated R for adult situations and profanity. The story focuses on one family dealing with terminal cancer. The movie contains several scenes that are tense, including several scenes that deal with the pain and difficulty of the cancer that may be uncomfortable for some viewers. Thoughts on the film to discuss: Is Ellen’s ambition healthy and grounded? What are the consequences of this ambition? What is the true nature and character of Ellen’s father that she discovers? What does Ellen discover as the one true thing?
ScreenIt.com: One True Thing
ChristianAnswers.net: One True Thing
The Passion of Christ
This movie is rated R for graphic violence and adult situations. This movie may not be suitable for children. The movie tells the story of the last 12 hours in the life of Jesus Christ. The physical abuse shown in the scourging and crucifixion scenes contain a large amount violence, blood and gore. For more information on the film, along with resources for questions and answers, please review the following websites:
ThePassionOfTheChrist.com
ChristianAnswers.net: The Passion of the Christ
GostpelCom.net: The Passion of the Christ
The Patriot
This movie is rated R for violence and is questionable for children. This movie contains frequent violent scenes of war. Death is brought upon many men by musket shooting, bayoneting and scalping. Please note: There is historical inaccuracy in this film. Thoughts on the film to discuss: What drives Benjamin? Why is Benjamin conflicted and haunted by his past? What measures, if any, does he take to resolve this? How is revenge presented as a key element? Is it justified?
ScreenIt.com: The Patriot
ChristianAnswers.net: The Patriot
Pi (p)
This movie was rated R for adult situations and profanity. The film contains some educational value regarding the field of number theory in mathematics. Thoughts on the film to discuss: What are the detrimental affects of obsession? What are the limitations of human knowledge presented in the film? How are mentally disturbed people treated in this film?
ScreenIt.com: Pi
Roger Ebert: Pi
Psycho
This movie was rated R for violence. [*Please note: the Movie Review Committee reviewed Alfred Hitchcock’s version of Psycho – the Level A rating only applies to the original version.] Hitchcock’s Psycho offers a blueprint on how to effectively communicate a message visually without using gore, language or sexual innuendos. Thoughts on the film to discuss: Can we choose our path or are we stuck? How is the artistic value of the film significant?
ChristianAnswers.net: Psycho
BoxOffice.com: Psycho
Rain Man
This movie is rated R for adult situations, adult language, profanity and sexual situations. Thoughts on the film to discuss: How does Charlie's heart change? Does he become a better person by the end of the movie? What kind of character development occurs? How does Raymond's character triumph in the end? Which one conquers in the end, family or money?
ChristianAnswers.net: Rain Man
Roger Ebert: Rain Man
The Siege
This movie was rated R for graphic violence, brief nudity and profanity. The Siege presents a fictional pre-9/11 look at terrorism in the United States. Thoughts on the film to discuss: Is the role of military presence/CIA/FBI shown in a positive or negative light? Does the movie portray a racist message? When does a government become too big to do good? Can we draw a line between upholding absolute right and protecting personal freedom?
ScreenIt.com: The Seige
Shawshank Redemption
This movie was rated R for mild violence and adult situations. The reality of prison life provides scenes that might be uncomfortable for some viewers. The film questions the basic ideas of identity, truth and friendship. Thoughts on the film to discuss: What is being portrayed as justice in the movie? Redemption? How do you feel about the prison in the beginning of the film? At the end? Was the main character right or wrong in his actions at the end? Is he of noble character or like the one portrayed as not noble?
ChristianAnswers.net: Shawshank Redemtion
Roger Ebert: Shawshank Redemtion
Slumdog Millionaire
This film is rated R for some violence, disturbing images and language. Opening with a young man preparing to answer the final question on India’s version of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” the film reviews his life of growing up in the slums as he is interrogated for allegations of cheating. Discussion items may include issues of culture and presentation in film, perseverance, choices of character, and societal issues.
Plugged In Online
Screen It Parental Review
ChristianAnswers.net
The Station Agent
This film is rated R for language and some drug content. The Station Agent is the story of an unlikely threesome who come together as a result of life circumstances. Each learns to deal with what separates them from others (some is self-imposed) – the dwarf, the grieving mother, and the sandwich stand operator. This film speaks to what separates people from others, both physical and emotional. However, there are 25+ profanities. Most are spoken by one character and are appropriate to that character’s background. Though the language fits with the character, viewers should be aware and consider this prior to viewing the film.
Rotten Tomatoes: The Station Agent
Review: The Station Agent
Kids in Mind: The Station Agent
To End All Wars
This film was rated R for language and war related violence. Based upon a true story, this film tells the story of WWII POWs in the Southeast Asian jungle and the impact of forgiveness and the choices that result. Items to consider include: the triumph of human spirit over inhumanity, the ability to forgive in the midst of persecution, true faith in a time of extreme trial, and sacrifice for others.
ChristianAnswers.net: To End All Wars
BoxOffice.com: To End All Wars
Waking Life
This movie was rated R for mild violence and adult language. The movie is broken into vingettes as the main character walks in and out of various philosophical conversations. The movie was originally shot on film and then recreated through an animation process. Thoughts on the film to discuss: Are the questions ever answered in the movie? What conclusion does the main character come to at the end? Does he come to a conclusion? Do you agree with the points of view presented? Which vignette do you associate with? If not, why?
WakingLifeMovie.com
Roger Ebert: Waking Life
We Were Soldiers
This movie was rated R for graphic violence and adult language. This particular story of war offers the most visually graphic scenes yet on the movie list. The film is based on the true story of the November 1965 battle in the la Drang Valley, also known as the “Valley of Death” in North Vietnam. Thoughts on the film to discuss: What is the best and worst parts of humanity shown in this film? How are the American soldiers humanized? How are the Vietnamese soldiers humanized? How does the director show that “enemy” does not equal “evil”? Why is this important?
ScreenIt.com: We Were Soldiers
ChristianAnswers.net: We Were Soldiers
When a Man Loves a Woman
This movie was rated R for adult situations, profanity and substance abuse. This movie deals with the serious subject matter of substance abuse. Several scenes may be offensive by some viewers. Thoughts on the film to discuss: How accurate is the portrayal of alcoholism in this movie? What point of view is this story being told? How would it be different if it were told from another point of view? What are the different issues of choice?
Movie-Reviews.Colossus.net: When a Man Loves a Woman
Roger Ebert: When a Man Loves a Woman
Wind Talkers
This movie is rated R for graphic violence and profanity. This movie may not be suitable for children. The movie is based on a true story of Navajo Indians recruited and trained as Marines on order to use their language for encrypted military transmissions. This code was unbreakable by the Japanese during WWII. Thoughts on the film to discuss: What are the character differences between Enders and Yahzee? Does Enders find redemption through his actions? How does Yahzee's humanity change Enders? What are the racial prejudice and faith issues in the movie?
ScreenIt.com: Wind Talkers
Roger Ebert: Wind Talkers
Yesterday
This is an HBO film and thus reasons for the MPAA rating are not provided. However, it may be due to the subject matter of AIDS and the resulting deaths that occur. The film is portrayed in Zulu with English subtitles. It is the story of a 30-year-old mother in South Africa who is diagnosed with AIDS. Following her diagnosis she struggles with a village that does not understand the disease, the challenges of receiving treatment, the return of her husband who has come home to die, and taking care of her daughter and her future. The film serves as a catalyst for discussion of the AIDS pandemic in Africa.
Yesterday: Synopsis
Darrell Roodt: Yesterday