Central Florida Christian Links: Inspirational Movie Recommendations

MICHAEL'S INSPIRATIONAL MOVIE RECOMMENDATIONS I love to watch movies that remind me of God’s goodness and His continual role in our lives. You can’t always find these movies at the local video store, so I highly recommend a Netflix* account for unbridled access to faith-based movies and inspirational programs. *By using the link above to sign up for a Netflix account you will be helping to support this site.

Check Out These Great Videos!
	The Gospel of John PG-13, 2003 As close to the Bible as it gets. This film is a word-for-word adaptation of John's Gospel from the Good News Bible. The portrayal of Jesus is beautiful and the costume/set designs are great. For those of you that may not have time to read (or the inclination) this movie fits the bill. A special treat for me is Christopher Plummer's narration of this movie -- his voice is soothing and strong. I have purchased many copies of this film to give away to friends and family. Don't miss it!
	What Dreams May Come PG-13, 1998 What an awesome movie! This movie is a testament to the love between a husband and wife, and the enduring bond that transcends death. I remember the first time I saw this movie; the visuals just knocked me out! Not only is this movie deeply moving, but it’s a real treat for the senses. Robin Williams always amazes me in his ability to jump from comedy to drama and everywhere in between – a truly blessed performance. Be sure to watch the alternate ending on the DVD. I have watched this move at least 10 times now – it’s a 5 star in my book.
	Be Still NR, 2006 This program really helped me to understand the necessity of prayer in my life. Through a series of interviews with Christian authors, educators, and ministers the techniques of contemplative prayer are thoroughly examined. The program is narrated by Judge Reinhold (remember him from Fast Times at Ridgemont High?) and co-directed by his wife Amy. As the title suggests, we all need to be still and listen for God -- He is talking.
	The Jesus Film G, 1979 The Jesus Film has been translated into over 800 languages by Campus Crusade for Christ's Jesus Film Project -- which happens to be located right here in Orlando. This movie was filmed on-location in the Holy Land and is based on the Gospel of Luke. If you don't mind a tiny picture you can also see it on the Internet (Jesus Film Project) for free. Of course you can also rent or buy the DVD. My favorite version is Pijin English. What's yours?
	Facing The Giants PG, 2006 Facing The Giants is not your typical sports story -- although it does deliver in that area as well. It's about a high school football coach who faces many challenges in his life, and feels the weight of the world pressing down on his shoulders. When he does finally place his faith in God, his life changes in amazing ways. This is a great tale of salvation and redemption. My kids (10 and 11) also loved it. While many secular critics panned this movie; Christian viewers sing its praises. See it and judge for yourself.
	Hotel Rwanda PG-13, 2005 Hotel Rwanda is not specifically a movie about religion. However, it portrays Christian values in action. When genocide rears its ugly head during intertribal fighting in Rwanda, a simple hotel manager intercedes and save hundreds of lives while greatly risking his own. This movie is a testament to self sacrifice and love for fellow human beings. If you can watch this movie without shedding a tear, you better check your pulse because you may not be alive.
	Passion of the Christ Rated R, 2004 I am not ashamed to say that I cried profusely throughout the second part of this movie depicting our Lord's brutal crucifixion. Even as I write this review the memories bring tears to my eyes. If you have not seen this movie, please do yourself a favor and see it. Yes, it is brutal. Yes, it is subtitled. Yes, it may make certain groups of people uncomfortable. However, this movie did make one thing very clear to me -- I can never repay my Savior for his sacrifice. All I can do is work to honor Him by my thoughts and actions for the rest of my days. This is one R-rated movie that I have decided to show my children because I am certain that its message will not be lost on them.
	Five People You Meet in Heaven Rated NR, 2004 This movie is based on the best selling book from Mitch Albom. A downtrodden mechanical engineer at a seaside amusement park sacrifices his life to save a little girl. What follows is an incredible journey through his life, his loves, his regrets, and ultimate salvation. This story reminds me of God's grace and mercy, and His eternal presence in all of our lives. This movie is great food for thought and I highly recommend the book as well.
	Luther Rated PG-13, 2003 When I think of John the Baptist crying in the wilderness, I also think of Martin Luther crying out against social and moral injustices in medieval Germany. Martin Luther questioned abusive practices that were being perpetrated by the Roman Catholic church in the 1500s, and set the stage for Protestant denominations to flourish. Martin Luther understood that The Gospel of Jesus Christ was for everyone regardless of education, occupation, or social station. He is a personal hero of mine, and I feel that this movie adequately details his contributions to modern Christian thought. This movie is safe for the "10 year-old and up" crowd.
	Joshua Rated G, 2002 I absolutely love this parable of The Second Coming. Some people have complained that the story is very simple -- but those folks miss the point. A parable is supposed to tell a story in a way that's easy for everyone to understand and Joshua delivers. Joshua arrives in a town that appears peaceful enough but is silently falling apart at the seams. Joshua helps the townspeople come together through his gifts of love, compassion, and understanding. When Jesus returns, I hope he comes to us as a conquering lamb who can show us the error of our ways without too much fire and brimstone ;-) Joshua gives me this hope. If you get a chance, read the book series too!
	Chronicle of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Rated PG, 2005 C.S. Lewis books will always hold a special place in my heart, and this movie is as good as a book adaptation gets. The characters that were sleeping in my imagination definitely came alive while watching this movie. The parable of sacrifice and resurrection is not lost on child viewers either -- my kids picked up on it instantly. While a lot of praise has been heaped on the Harry Potter movies, I think that Narnia blows them all away -- and it's a Christ-centered story too. How can you go wrong?
	Left Behind Rated PG-13, 2000 First, let me say that this is somewhat low budget film. And second, it doesn't follow the book exactly. That being said, I like this movie quite a bit because it's about Revelations (one of my favorite parts of the Bible) and my man Kirk Cameron is in it! Kirk is from my generation and I am proud of the way he has conducted his life. His witnessing work is second to none (see The Way of the Master) and he decided to do this film because it works with his values. There are two other films in this series and they have gotten better as they years go on. Go Kirk!!!
	The Miracle Maker: The Story of Jesus Rated NR, 2000 It doesn't get any better than Jesus and Claymation ;-) This is a really cute clay-animated movie for the kids (and adults too). Unlike many Jesus movies made for the little ones, this one stays really close to The Scriptures. The voice talent is awesome (Ralph Fiennes, Julie Christie, William Hurt and Ian Holm) and the use of flashbacks is very cool. My kids give it their "Little Christians" seal of approval.
	The Nativity Story Rated PG, 2006 What an awesome retelling of The Savior's birth! I wasn't sure what to expect when I went in to see this film. Of course I knew the story, but I wasn't sure how it would play out on the big screen. It's a beautiful production with visuals that takes you right back to the days of Mary and Joseph. I was also happy that they stayed away from big Hollywood actors because your focus is drawn to the story and not the actors. Sometimes I forget about the parents who bravely brought Jesus into the world against a backdrop of hardship, despair, and persecution -- this movie reminded me of their sacrifice too.
	One Night With The King Rated PG, 2006 This movie is a stirring retelling of the story of Queen Esther (Hadassah) of Persia. Hadassah, a humble Jewish girl, captures the heart of the Powerful King Xerxes. At first she hides her Jewish identity so that she might be queen, but later finds that she must reveal the truth to save her people from genocide. While watching this movie I was reminded that we may not know what God has planned for us, but we must be ready and willing to do His bidding even at risk to our own comfort or welfare. Not only is this a gorgeous movie, but it's a powerful love story sure to be appreciated by romance aficionados.
	End of the Spear Rated PG-13, 2006 Caught up in a cycle of violence, the Waodani people are dwindling in numbers and facing an uncertain future. A Christian missionary group attempts to contact these Ecuadorian natives after coming into contact with a victim of their tribal warfare. The story that ensues is one of sacrifice, heartbreak, courage and redemption. God's grace and mercy is prevalent theme in this true-to-life story. End of the Spear is a somewhat violent movie (related to the story line), so it may not be suitable for the younger children. A large portion of this film's sales directly support the Waodani people.
	The Perfect Stranger NR, 1994 The Perfect Stranger is not a big budget production (nor is the acting really anything to write home about) but give it more than 15 minutes and you'll be absorbed in the message. The movie is based on the book Dinner with a Perfect Stranger: An Offer Worth Considering. The plot is simple -- a woman who feels that her life isn't going in the right direction receives a mysterious dinner invitation from none other than Jesus. She thinks this may be a trick on the part of her husband and shows up for dinner. I won't tell you any more -- check it out and you'll be pleasantly surprised.
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