Barbara's Picks: Family-Friendly Films

	The Nativity Story When we hear a story many times we think we know it. But the truth is, there are layers and layers of understanding. The Nativity Story will not only help your kids grasp the full significance of the miracle of our Savior's birth, but it will give you a renewed appreciation for the human struggles and sacrifice surrounding it.

	Children of Heaven There's nothing like gathering your children together to watch a film that boosts their compassion and teaches them simple, spiritual lessons. This one - nominated for an Academy Award as best foreign film of 1997 - is a gem. Set in Iran, it's the simple story of a boy who picks up his sister's newly-repaired shoes, then misplaces them while running the rest of the family's errands. Both of the children are anguished by the loss, as each has only one pair of shoes. They dare not tell their parents, who are already behind in rent and struggling to keep food on the table. And so they come up with a plan to share the brother's shoes. How they manage, and how eventually the brother finds a way to earn another pair of shoes paints a portrait of selfless love, steadfastness and grace.

	Seven Samurai Kurosawa's 1954 masterpiece - on which The Magnificent Seven was based - is a must-see for any family. A real study in human character and our response to adversity. Our family has watched this again and again.

	Beyond the Gates of Splendor This is a powerful movie of sacrifice and redemption told through the eyes of Steve Saint, son of Nate Saint, who along with Jim Eliot and three other missionaries was killed in jungles of Ecuador. That was not the end of the story, though, as Elisabeth Elliot and Nate's sister Rachel went to live with the murdering tribe to teach them the reality of forgiveness and redemption. A riveting portrait of faith to watch and discuss with children eight and up.

	The Safe Side Read the editorial reviews at amazon to see why this DVD is a best-seller. A blessing for parents who want to empower their kids to deal with the very real dangers in the world around us - while not causing them unecessary anxiety. From amazon: offers seven specific safety tips to keep kids safe and, with the help of real kids, details simple, concrete actions and phrases that empower kids in a variety of potentially dangerous situations. Best of all, the presentation is never scary, but always extremely funny--that means that kids ages 2 to 10 will actually enjoy learning about safety. Kudos to Julie Clark (creator of Baby Einstein) and John Walsh (host of America's Most Wanted) for creating a safety video that's highly entertaining, informative, and practical.

	More Movie Nights: 25 More Movies to Spark Spiritual Discussions with Your Teen

	Movie Nights: 25 Movies to Spark Spiritual Discussion with Your Teen

	Shadowlands

	The Trip to Bountiful under construction

	Places in the Heart Under construction

	Radio This movie is a masterpiece for sensitizing your children to see the potential in all people - including those of different physical and intellectual abilities. What comes through clearly - though not in a preachy way - is that some have disabilities that are more hidden - emotional disabilities - and those are the ones that cause ugliness in our human relationships. Cuba Gooding Jr.'s performance is excellent. You can usually pick up used copies at Amazon (through this link) for less than the price of a rental.

	Cry, the Beloved Country (Recommended as a teaching movie) A black minister from a small South African village goes looking for family members astray in the big city. Too late, for even as he seeks, his son has killed a young white man during a bungled robbery attempt. Ironically, the victim is from the same small village, though apartheid had kept their paths from crossing before. That his murdered son was an active champion of black Africans only adds to the confusion and despair of the victim's father (Richard Harris). But in the end, through his son's legacy of unprejudiced love, the father finds peace, healing, and love for his black brothers. PG-13

	Babette's Feast Set in a rigidly religious and comfortless Danish village in the late 1800's, this warmly textured movie weaves the tale of two sisters who acquire as a servant a refugee from the 187i Paris revolt. Through the years she is an unassuming picture of the humility and sacrifice which the people she serves only discuss. At the end this is revealed in a rich and wonderful way. Rated G.

	Driving Miss Daisy Even if you saw this Academy Award winner (best picture, best actress) in 1989, like a good friend it will grow closer each visit. Chronicling a quarter decade in the life of a cantankerous and aging Southern lady, this lovingly detailed story shows clearly how religion, race, and class work to keep us apart. The steadfast lovingkindness of a black chauffeur is sweet to behold, and we thank God when Miss Daisy finally sees it. Rated PG

	Corrina, Corrina A little girl left motherless stops speaking. Her young father -- lonely, stoic, atheistic -- has little to offer her. Corrina, hired as a maid to run their lonely home, smuggles in a dash of humor and hope. Molly speaks again. Her father, Manny loves again, and for the first time begins to believe. That Corrina is African-American and Manny's heritage is Jewish adds poignancy to a story set in a flawlessly fifties culture. Without a single profanity, sex scene, or bit of violence, this movie will capture your heart and emotions. Rated PG (but long before PG became the junkpile it is today).

	Groundhog Day The story of a small-potatoes Pennsylvania weatherman played by Bill Murray. With his unfulfilled dreams of hitting the big time, Phil is a jaded, caustic narcissist, disgusted with his Groundhog Day assignment - traveling for the third year in a row to cover the events in Punxsutawney. But though he can't wait to wrap the show and get out of Hicksville, a blizzard keeps him there. The next day Phil wakes up to the same day all over again. And so begins Phil's nightmare, trapped in an endless repetition of Groundhog Day, though he's the only one who knows. Phil journeys through disbelief, frustration, opportunism, suicidal despair (and even that's funny) before he realizes that he is the one responsible for his misery. His liberation comes when he finally decides to make the most of every moment, and in so doing begins to make himself a better man and the world a better place.

	Tender Mercies A once-famous country songwriter, whose alcoholism cost him his marriage and his career, meets a widow who’s rich in faith. The movie lovingly traces Mac's salvation, water baptism, marriage to Rosa Lee and trials as a new Christian. 12+

	Spitfire Grill A newcomer to a spiritually dead New England town, struggling to overcome a painful past, finds some love and healing, but also mistrust and harsh judgement. In the end, through her own sacrificial love, the town is redeemed and restored. Some profanity. 12+

	Simon Birch A young boy transcends his physical handicaps because of his tenacious belief that God has a plan for his life. A movie that has a lot to say – some unconventional – about faith and hypocrisy and grace. Some objectionable language. 8+

	Sergeant York The true story of a plain, poor and wayward mountain boy whose destructive course is interrupted by a dramatic conversion to Christ. He becomes a man of courage, character, and conviction -- and the most renowned hero of World War I. 7+

	Prince of Egypt The story of Moses – in state-of-the-art animation and song – from the baby in the basket through his deliverance of the Hebrews from Egypt. God’s burning bush appearance to Moses is awe-inspiring. The high priests’ “You’re Playing with the Big Boys Now”and Moses’s vision of Hebrew history are intense and scary, indicating caution with children under 7.

	The Mission Set in 1750 South America, this film offers more questions than answers: What does it mean to serve God? How does a Christian leader protect his flock? Notable for an extremely moving redemption scene. Because it was shot on location, there is very realistic native nudity - the same as missionaries would see. A very tragic ending, but a rich and rewarding theme for discussion with older kids. 12+ only.

	Les Miserables Victor Hugo’s story of a redeemed criminal and his relentless pursuer, who believes people cannot change. Exceptionally rich story with themes of mercy, redemption, and grace. 7+

	Chariots of Fire Eric Liddel’s choice of running over ministry caused his sister consternation, but because Eric was true to God’s calling for him the 1924 Olympics would not be the same. With an unforgettable score, the story of two exceptional competitors – one running to win, and one “for the glory of God.” Academy Award for Best Film. 7+ (no objectionable material, but the slower pace may not hold younger children’s interest)

	Brother Sun, Sister Moon One of my personal favorites! I first saw this movie in San Francisco when a bus of Jesus freaks wandered into town and showed it a local church. Though it would be another ten years before I became a believer, this movie planted a vision of what a relationship with God might look like. Directed by Franco Zeferelli with music by Donovan, the story of St. Francis of Assisi’s story: his renunciation of a life of wealth and luxury, and his decision to live as Christ, helping “the least of these.” Vividly contrasts outer religious forms and true spiritual relationship. 6+

	Ben Hur Considered one of the greatest films of all time, winner of 11 Academy Awards, the story of a Palestinian Jew who is imprisoned by the Romans but released in time to see Christ’s crucifixion. His mother and sister are healed at the Cross and he becomes one of the first believers. 7+

	Wizard of Oz Dorothy longs to find a place “where troubles melt like lemon drops.” Her unexpected journey to Oz is rich in reassurance about the things we often think we have in short supply – brains and hearts and courage – and a long-lasting reminder that there’s really “no place like home.” All ages, though some little children- like my hubby Tripp when he was a boy - are very scared of the Wicked Witch. I don't believe in avoiding the movie for that reason, as kids can never have too many reminders that good can conquer evil.

	Singin' In the Rain Thoroughly entertaining musical send-up of a pivotal point in Hollywood history -- the transition from silent movies to talkies. Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds shine, the musical numbers sparkle, and laughs abound. All ages.

	Seven Samurai In this Japanese epic (1954) the granddaddy of many American films, a village threatened by marauders hires seven professional soldiers to protect them. Detailed, fascinating, and perceptive look at human nature and relationships. 8+

	March of the Wooden Soldiers Pass up later versions and choose the Laurel and Hardy version. Santa Claus’s assistants make a mistake that ends up saving Toyland from evil in this Classic Mother Goose tale set to music and laughter.

	It's a Wonderful Life A man grows bitter at the thwarting of his boyhood dreams of leaving his small town and doing big things. As crises mount, he thinks the world would have been better off without him – until a loveable angel shows him what big things he’s really done. A Curtis Christmas tradition for 15 years.

	Gone With the Wind The Civil War becomes compellingly real in this 3+hour epic, best savored snuggled up on a wintry afternoon. The contrast between Scarlett O’Hara – self-centered, willful, and proud – and her loving friend Melanie will spark many a family discussion. 8+

	Go West The Marx Brothers go western in this hilarious 1940 comedy – not the most popular of their films with adults, but a kids’ favorite. Choose this - or any of their titles - when you’re willing to watch something just plain silly (without relying on bathroom humor) with your kids.

	David Copperfield – A faithful and viewer-friendly book-to-screen translation, abounding in Christian themes. Among a multitude of fascinating Dickens characters, an unwanted boy endures trials to prove that gentle kindness triumphs over all adversity. 5+

	Captains Courageous Rudyard Kipling story of a spoiled, rich boy – neglected by his father – who is lost at sea, rescued by a Portuguese fisherman (Spencer Tracy, superb as always) and made to work hard and behave respectfully. But his heart is not the only one changed – as seen in his reunion with his now-loving father. All ages.

	Beauty and the Beast Beyond Disney – an enchanting and artful version of the fable of a self-sacrificing young woman who takes her father’s place as hostage in the castle of a beast. She overcomes her fear, he overcomes his mistrust and finally her love and compassion release a prince.This French version by playwright and director Jean Cocteau with subtitles is considered one of the greatest fantasy films of all time. 7+

	Toy Story II A toy cowboy is stolen by an obsessive collector and reunited with the other toy characters from his old television show. Though Woody is persuaded for a while that being admired forever in a museum will be a better life, he eventually opts to remain loyal and true to the boy who loves him here and now.

	Stuart Little A tiny mouse with an enormous heart wins the love of all in his adopted human family. All, that is, except the family cat, who delivers Stuart into danger before a change of heart leads him to undo the wrong he’s done. Especially uplifting for the graciousness and good manners of the family -- and the happiest of endings.

	Sound of Music A young nun rises to the occasion when asked to care for seven children whose mother has died and whose father’s heart has grown cold. She teaches them to love and laugh and sing, rekindles their father’s heart, and finally finds her true calling as mother of a musical family.

	Pollyanna After the death of her missionary father and mother, a young girl comes to live with her domineering aunt in a town awash in negativity. Her joy and optimism win out over all, and succeed in transforming the town.

	The Man from Snowy River A young Australian loses his father and must find his own way in the world. Against breathtaking scenery and heart pounding horse scenes (a little intense for young children), a young Australian proves those who doubt him wrong.

	Charlotte's Web E. B. White's tale of a motley group of barnyard animals who rally together to save a pig from the dinner table. Charlotte is a clever spider who uses her gifts to save the life a friend, then loses her own. A safe structure for learning about loss.

	A Bug's Life An ant can’t seem to do anything right. What’s worse, he just doesn’t seem like all the others. But when his colony is threatened, he rises above his feelings of inferiority, outwits the enemy and saves his friends.

	Balto Based on a true story, an Alaskan dog faces rejection and contempt because of his heritage (half wolf), but when help is desperately needed succeeds where others have failed. His bravery saves lives and brings him recognition as a hero forever.

	101 Dalmations A standout among Disney animation for spotlighting loving marriages and strong family bonds. Reassuring themes: there is always plenty of parental love to go around, there are family friends who care and will help, and good is smarter than evil.

All written content is © Barbara Curtis www.mommylife.net

Mommy Life

Montessori megamom serves up smorgasbord of parenting, cultural, political, and spiritual wisdom. Because she can.

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