Comparative Religion Through the MoviesAug 29 '01 Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line To get a more universal world view about religion, you have to dig a little to find good films about non western religions.
Although watching a film about religious content should never substitute for individual research into a religion’s history and writings, it can certainly provide insights and background as well as allow a vicarious travelogue to distant regions. Not everyone will be able to walk the streets of Jerusalem, ride a camel across the Arabian desert, or trek through the Himalayas to get a physical sense of lands from where the great religions have begun, but we do have the movies. In an effort to cover as many religious faiths as possible, I have attempted to list the better films that I’ve seen that derive from various religious backgrounds. Traditional Indigenous Religions: I really wanted to include a Native American film here, but couldn’t think of an adequate one that represents Native culture/religion adequately. Most American films treat indigenous people as stereotypes—whether they are the marauding warriors or as a romanticized version (like the ones envisioned by Kevin Costner). The only film that treats modern indigenous Americans as real people is Smoke Signals, but this film doesn’t focus solely on the religious aspects of the people—but since it is written, directed, and acted by authentic Native Americans, it gives a far better insight into Native American thinking than any other film that is out there. We have to travel to Asia for a good film about indigenous religious beliefs: Himalaya (2001) To represent traditional beliefs of indigenous people it takes a filmmaker intimate with the culture to represent it properly. That’s why I’m thankful that French filmmaker Eric Valli lived in Nepal for many years and has crafted Himalaya after taking pictures for Life magazine and National Geographic, filming some documentaries, and acting as a unit director on Seven Years in Tibet. The main strengths of the film rely on the intimate knowledge that Valli has gained over the years and on the relationships that he has formed with the people. Thus, the actors are no Brad Pitt types, but are real Tibetans from the Nepalese region. Actually, all the characters come across as real people to care about, and Valli’s cultural touches portraying the lifestyle highlight the film. As in Kundun, we see a funeral ritual involving vultures that may be a little hard for some to stomach. We also witness some of the spiritual practices of the people and such mundane activities as washing clothes by hand that communicate a great deal about the people—electronic appliances haven’t been marketed to indigenous Tibetans high in the Himalayas. --------------------------------------------------- Judaism: The second most popular religion as far as film goes, but no surprise coming from western civilization in a Judeo-Christian section of the world. There is another category at this site specifying Jewish heritage, so I’m avoiding the numerous Holocaust and other cultural films and will only cite a directly religious film that goes to the roots. The Ten Commandments (1956) Many of us associate Charton Heston as Moses, or is that just me? One of the all time great epics, this Cecil B. DeMille classic holds up today in spite of some laughable dialogue and Heston’s wooden acting. I even enjoy seeing the old legendary director come on screen to explain to us how The Ten Commandments is a story about freedom, justice and the American way. Of course the ideas about justice and the importance of obedience to God’s law is a basic theme of Judaism, and the film admirably depicts the historical period. What a grand spectacle this is, with the plagues, the huge exodus from Egypt, and the parting of the Red Sea. This epic is probably more familiar to the English speaking world than the actual book of "Exodus" from the Old Testament. To be in touch with the story of Moses, this is required viewing. So let it be written, so let it be done. ------------------------------------------------------ Hinduism: Without access to Indian films, it’s difficult to find unique films about Hinduism. Gandhi (1982) Not many western movies have been made specifically dealing with Hinduism, and I’m not familiar with east Indian films. Thus, the one film readily available that gives insight into Hindu life and culture is Richard Attenborough’s epic, Gandhi. While often tedious, the film chronicles the public life of Gandhi and provides political, cultural, and religious awareness of India. Ben Kingsley transforms himself remarkably into the non-violent leader, who successfully forced Britain to grant independence to the huge country. --------------------------------------------------- Buddhism : Buddhism seems to be more in favor recently with more than one film coming out about Tibet and the Dalai Lama. I recommend three films—two that teach a great deal about Buddhism and its spiritual teachings and one other that shows a more human side to its religious order. Little Buddha (1993) This little seen film presents a fine introduction to Buddhism with the impassive Keanu Reeves effectively portraying young Siddhartha—he mostly has to look detached and speak in a monotone, so he is perfectly cast for a change. The film drifts back and forth between a modern day search for a new incarnation of a spiritual teacher and a re-creation of Buddha’s story, all infused with an understandable presentation of Buddhist teachings. The scenes filmed in Bhutan inside the monastery alone are worth watching. Kundun (1997) No one uses the camera any better than Martin Scorsese, and the cinematography highlights this biographical account of the Dalai Lama from childhood to his young manhood and escape from Tibet. Scorsese has always shown interest in religious matters and this film is much truer to the culture of the region and to the spirit of the Dalai Lama than the inferior Seven Years in Tibet. The Cup (2000) We would expect Buddhist monks in training to be very somber and meditative at all times and would expect them to be detached from all worldly cares, but not so in this film. For the first time audiences are granted an inside picture of a Buddhist monastery that is much more human than stereotypes would have us believe. This occurs because The Cup is based on a true story, uses untrained actors, and is filmed by a Buddhist monk from Bhutan -- Khyentse Norbu, who knows that the monks have a terrific sense of humor and can get caught up in the world’s sports, especially during World Cup play. ------------------------------------------------------ Christianity: Christian subjects dominate western film, so there are numerous films to choose from. Although Zefirelli does a very thorough effort of covering the gospels in his lengthy straightforward epic Jesus, I am selecting other films that provoke more thought and controversy. The Last Temptation of Christ (1988) Subjected to theater boycotts and protests when it was first released and a Blockbuster boycott when released on VHS, The Last Temptation of Christ ranks as one of the most profound and deeply spiritual films about Christianity ever made. Never mind that 99% of the protesters had never seen Scorsese’s film, but they had heard that the film would show Christ having sex with Mary Magdalene and would show Christ having doubts. Had they bothered to see the film, these same protesters might realize that this deeply spiritual film wrestles with the same questions that have faced seminary students for centuries about the nature of God and about the station of Christ itself. The doubts that Christ has about his mission are already alluded to in the gospels, and the controversial scenes turn out to be dream sequences. Can any of us claim to know for a certainty that Christ never contemplated how His life would have been different as an ordinary husband and father? Scorsese once contemplated going to seminary himself, but he has chosen wisely to use his visual talents to create some remarkable films. The Last Temptation of Christ is often overlooked, perhaps due to its controversial nature, but this very personal film has had more spiritual impact on me than any other Biblical film that I’ve seen. This film isn’t for everyone, but if you are a thinking person who can open-mindedly accept the conceit of using Christ as a metaphor, you will find this film very rewarding and worthwhile. Life of Brian (1979) Using the same sets that Zefirelli left behind in Tunisia, the Python troop has created an underestimated comedy that explores Biblical themes and examines life in the Holy Land. Christ is shown at a distance, as Brian grows up and is eventually crucified during the same time period. For those who think it sacrilegious to list Life of Brian in this spot, just check it out if you have an open mind. The Pythons do not satirize Christ at all, but do take delightful jabs at the mentality of the unthinking people who create silliness through politics or by following any “prophet” who may come along and drop a sandal or appear naked before them. For thinking people, Life of Brian actually provides some fodder for spiritual discussion. Jesus Christ Superstar (1973) This rock opera created a bit of a stir when Tim Rice first created it in the early 1970’s, but I also remember even the Rev. Billy Graham giving it a “thumbs up,” declaring that any film that portrays the life of Christ and promotes thinking and discussing His life was worthwhile. I’ve also seen other critics bash it for being hokey and dated, but it takes an interesting position by portraying Judas in a different light (much like Scorcese’s Last Temptation of Christ) as a beloved disciple who realizes that Christ actually wants him to carry out his role as the betrayer. Many of the set musical pieces are well done. The humorous King Herod song asking Christ to “Prove to me that you're no fool, Walk across my swimming pool” cracks me up still, but I am especially moved by Ted Neely’s prayerful rock rendition of “Gethsemane” where he comes to grips with the coming sacrifice. ------------------------------------------------------- Islam: Although the religious beliefs make it difficult to make a compelling film about the founder, there is one film that does an outstanding job. The Message (1976) When I saw this in a theater in the 1970’s, it was called Mohammed: the Messenger of God, but no doubt the name has been changed avoid controversy with strict Islamic law. In accordance with Muslim beliefs, Mohammed could not be depicted on screen nor could his voice be heard, a rule that also applied to His seven wives, daughters, and his sons-in-law. Thus, the only character left to carry the story was Mohammed's uncle Hazma (Anthony Quinn). The actors could only speak to the camera and react to unheard dialogue. Yet still the movie works and serves as a fine introduction to Islam. With so much misunderstandings about Islam in the Judeo-Christian world, The Message should receive more viewership.  |
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