May 31, 2005 12:01 PM
Film: lessons in leadership
One of the greatest joys of homeschooling was all the free time we had to watch movies. We didn't have a television in the 80s and the 90s, but we had a VCR and screen. Tripp and I have always been movie buffs and we used films as teaching tools with our kids.
With our string of boys, we were especially concerned with raising leaders. And since Christian leadership should always reveal a servant’s heart, we were aiming for a hearty mix of compassion, humility, and sacrifice.
Here are my lesson plans:
Glory, PG, 1989, Matthew Broderick, Morgan Freeman, Denzel Washington.
This Civil War epic chronicles the first Northern black infantry unit, led by white commander Robert Gould Shaw. In taking on his command, Shaw forswears his privileged life, explaining, “They have given up their lives and freedom to be here. So must I.â€
A leader does what is right, no matter the cost. He stands with those he leads - as when Shaw protests the black recruits’ lower wages by giving up his own pay. A leader expects the best of those he leads - as contrasted with a corrupt commander who treats his “colored†regiment as childlike barbarians.
Finally, a true leader inspires his followers to a higher level of character and strength of heart. He is willing to stand beside them even unto death. He shares their final glory.For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45
Memphis Belle, PG-13, 1990, Matthew Modine, John Lithgow, Eric Stolz, Harry Conick, Jr.
In the summer of 1943, a fierce battle raged in the skies over Europe, claiming the lives of 200,000 men. This deeply satisfying movie, based on a true story, takes us there.
The boys of the B-17 bomber Memphis Belle, on the brink of completing the first ever 25 mission tour-of-duty, are poised to become homefront heroes. Yet they are real enough to live next door.
The powerful subtext of the film is leadership: the agony of the base commander scanning evening skies, awaiting each bomber’s return; the feelings he bridles to obey difficult orders. His tender heart is revealed only in the letters of comfort he writes to the bereaved families of his lost fliers.
A leader’s integrity inevitably causes loneliness. Dennis, the young captain of the Memphis Belle, can’t help but feel the isolation: not even his copilot wants to be his friend. Yet, leaders are blessed with qualities that give them little choice but to lead.
Dennis brings his crew home. His base commander’s watch ends well. The final strains of “Danny Boy†as the bomber barely makes the final landing promise not a dry eye nor unmoved heart. (Caution: a few obscenities)He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.... They will soar on wings like eagles. Isaiah 41: 29,31
The Mission, PG, 1986, Robert DeNiro, Jeremy Irons, Liam Neeson
Set in the borderlands of 1750 Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil, this tale of colliding spiritual and worldly values offers more questions than answers: What does it mean to serve God while serving man? How does a Christian leader protect his flock?
Captain Rodrigo Mendoza, a greedy and merciless slave trader, kills his brother in a jealous rage, then is wracked with remorse. Father Gabriel, a Jesuit missionary, challenges him to beg forgiveness of the natives he has victimized. In perhaps the most glorious portrait of redemption ever captured on film, Rodrigo literally carries his burden of sin until released through the joy of forgiveness. His conversion culminates in his own priesthood.
For a while, all is innocence and joy as the Jesuit priests serve and teach the natives. But when the wheels of politics conspire to overrun the missions, Father Gabriel and Rodrigo take their leadership roles in different directions.
The ending is painful and appropriate only for adults and teenagers (with discussion). Native nudity is no more than that encountered by missionaries (the film uses an authentic South American tribe). But The Mission is too rewarding to miss.Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently......Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:1,2
Henry V, PG-13, 1989, Kenneth Branagh, Derek Jacobi, Paul Scofield
Shakespeare’s portrait of a youthful leader coming into his own, and Kenneth Branagh’s interpretation are equally stunning. In this incomparable film, we are privileged to see every trial that could beset a leader - factionalism, treachery, doubts, and loneliness - and the flawless response of a man destined for victory. And in counterpoint we see the weak and confused responses of leaders destined for defeat. In the end there is little doubt why Henry was able to defeat his French foes at Agincourt though outnumbered ten to one.
If the bard’s Elizabethan English makes for rough going on first viewing, watch this film a second and third time, or have the kids read the play along with it - their ears will become better tuned with time. And this film is well worth the investment!We all have different gifts according to the grace given us. [If a man’s gift be] leadership, let him govern diligently. Romans 12:6,8
High Noon, 1952, Gary Cooper, Grace Kelly, Lloyd Bridges
What does a leader do when evil threatens and he is abandoned by those he serves? Can one be a leader when there is no one to lead?
In this landmark Western, a newly-married town Marshall faces a gang of killers alone. The townspeople, while professing admiration for their hero, refuse to help him rise to their defense. This Oscar-winner offers a powerful lesson in what it means to be a person of integrity, to lead the battle of Good vs. Evil.“Could you men not keep watch with me one hour?†Matthew 26:39-40
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Comments
What a great idea! I'm going to remember these movies and your ideas this summer. :)
Posted by: Mel | May 31, 2005 12:57 PM
