“At the Movies” is a fun summer series where we show movie clips from popular films along with a message that connects those popular movies with scripture. You probably don’t usually look to movies for life lessons, but take our word for it: sit back, relax, and hear a different perspective on how films can point us toward the gospel.
The Sound of Music is a 1965 American musical drama. After its release in theaters, the critical response to the film was mixed, but it was a major commercial success, becoming the number one box office film after four weeks, and the highest-grossing film of 1965. It’s the story of a young woman named Maria, who is studying to be a nun but is sent to be a governess to seven children for a retired naval officer and widower. So where does this film point us toward scripture?
Chariots of Fire is a true story of two British athletes, Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams, who participate in the 1924 Olympics. Eric is a devoted Christian who runs for God’s glory. Harold is Jewish and he runs for acceptance in a culture that was prejudice toward people of his faith. The contrast in motives between Harold and Eric is very noticeable but you can sympathize with both men. So where does the movie point us toward scripture?
Forrest Gump is a 1994 movie based on the 1986 novel of the same name written by Winston Groom. The movie tells the story of Forrest Gump, a very kindhearted man with a low IQ. The film follows several decades of his experiences in 20th century America. So where does the movie point us toward scripture?
Beauty and the Beast is a 1991 animated Disney movie based on a 1740 French fairy tale of the same name. The movie focuses on the relationship between the Beast, a prince who is magically transformed into a monster and his servants into household objects as punishment for his arrogance, and Belle, a young woman who lives in a small French village. So where does this movie point us toward scripture?