August 28, 2009 9:15 AM
Building better families - snuggle-up videos
I published this piece as a series in Christian Parenting Today in 2000. It is dated in that it doesn't reference any of the many wonderful movies that have been released since - like Meet the Robinsons or anything Pixar
My aim in sharing is to show how more intentionality in selecting movies and entertainment can reinforce values that will help us grow better families and stronger men and women.
Let's face it: our hope for the future right now lies in the next generation. We need to be becoming as purposeful and thoughtful as we can. We need to grow as parents so we can build a strong generation which will not be prey to the coarseness and unintelligent entertainment now targeted at teens. Fill your children up with good things when they are young. Learn how to understand the underlying themes and to ask the right questions so that your children will learn to think through and make good entertainment choices on their own later on.
Please keep in mind that I wrote this 10 years ago - and I think all of these are included in my Family-Friendly Films under Barbara's Picks (finally updated, btw). I have linked each title to Amazon so you can read more about each movie. Some are such good buys, you might want to add them to your personal library. All are available at Netflix 
- which our family has been grateful to have as a resource since 1999 - and many may be available for free at your public library:
Snuggle Up Videos
44 Film FavoritesClip this page to take to the video store, then snuggle up and watch these with your kids!
Does your local video store ever seem like a field of land mines? Murder here, mayhem there, coarseness and sick humor everywhere - so much to avoid while digging for the gems sparkling quietly in between.
These will make your trip worthwhile - forty-four cinematic treasures our family (mom, dad, eleven kids) have enjoyed viewing and discussing again and again.But beyond enjoyment, movies offer an unbeatable way to broaden your children's horizons - showing how people live in other families, other regions, other cultures, other times. Just think : For less than a the cost of a Happy Meal you can bring the world into your living room. Amazing!
Top Ten Family Friendly (Recommended for all ages):Never underestimate the power of stories. Though a hero may be a dog or an ant or a toy cowboy, their trials and triumphs may illustrate heroic themes. In fact, with young children - who are not yet developmentally ready to understand abstract concepts - this is the most effective way to teach values. Before writing off a movie because it has a villain or two, consider that the portrayal of evil serves a rich purpose in the development of the child's sense of security - as long as good clearly triumphs and right is done by the end.
The following films touch hearts, soothe unspoken fears, and resonate with a child's need to know that even the smallest is important.
101 Dalmatians (1961, Disney, G) - 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.
Balto (1995, Universal, G) - 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.
A Bug's Life (1998, Buena Vista, G) - 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.
Charlotte's Web (1973, Paramount, G) - 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.
Children of Heaven (Miramax, 1999, PG) - Subtitled Iranian gem about a boy who chooses not to trouble his already overburdened parents with the news that he has lost his sister's only pair of shoes. After weeks of sharing his own shoes, he seizes the opportunity to win a new pair for her - a work of hope and sacrifice and love.
The Man From Snowy River (1982, Twentieth Century Fox, PG) - 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.
Pollyanna (1960, Disney, G) - 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.
Sound of Music (1965, CBS, G) - 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.
Stuart Little (1999, Columbia/Sony, PG) - 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.
Toy Story II (1999, Buena Vista, G) - 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.
Classics Your Kids Will Love
Even today's most techno-savvy kids - accustomed to vibrant color and sound, all the bells and whistles - respond to a story well-told. They can handle black and white. And just as we encourage children to read classics, we can encourage them to see them. Like best-loved books, these films with kid-appeal have stood the test. of time to become part of our heritage. Filmed during Hollywood's wholesome heyday, most were never rated (NR).Beauty and the Beast (1946, Lopert Films, NR, French with subtitles) - 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. 7+
Captains Courageous (1937, Warner, NR) - Rudyard Kipling story of a spoiled, rich boy - neglected by his father - who is lost at sea, rescued by a Portuguese fisherman, 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.
David Copperfield (1935, Warner, NR) - 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+
Go West (1940, Warner, NR) - The Marx Brothers go western in this hilarious comedy - not the most popular of their films with adults, but a kids' favorite. Choose this when you're willing to watch something just plain silly. All ages.
Gone With the Wind (1939, Warner, G) - 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+
It's a Wonderful Life (1946, Republic, NR) - 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. All ages.
March of the Wooden Soldiers
(1934, Third Coast, NR) - 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. All ages.
Seven Samurai
(1954, Home Vision, NR, subtitles) - In this Japanese epic, 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+
Seven Samurai
The Wizard of Oz
(1939, MGM, G) - 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."
Christian Themes
C. S. Lewis, when asked whether he planned The Tales of Narnia to be a Christian allegory, said no - he just set out to write a story. The Christian themes just bubbled up of their own accord.
The book of Esther records a moment of history which reveals God's plan, purpose, love, and might -- all without a mention of his name.
All by way of saying that a movie doesn't have to be overtly Christian to contain a deeply Christian theme. Keep this in mind as you view these films - spanning many times and places - which reveal faith at work in people's lives.
Ben-Hur
(1959, MGM/UA, G) - 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+
Brother Sun, Sister Moon
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Brother Sun, Sister Moon (1973, Paramount, PG) - 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+Chariots of Fire
(1981, Warner, PG) - 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)
Les Miserables(1935, Twentieth Century Fox, NR) - 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+
The Mission
(1986, Warner, PG) - 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. Realistic native nudity, a tragic ending, but a rich and rewarding theme. 12+ only.
The Prince of Egypt
(1998, Dreamworks, PG) - 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.
Sergeant York
(1941, Warner, NR) - 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+
Simon Birch
(1998, Hollywood Pictures, PG) - 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+
The Spitfire Grill
(1996, Castlerock, PG-13) - 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+
Tender Mercies
(1983, Republic Studios, PG) - 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+
Movies to Spark Conversations with Teens
The Bible didn't shy away from controversial subject matter, but used it to instruct us. Likewise, discerning parents can use films to help set their children's moral compass. These movies will provide rich material for heart-to-heart discussions.
Corrina, Corrina(1994, New Line, PG) - A little girl, mute since her mother's death, and her Jewish/atheistic father find humor, faith and hope when their new maid opens their hearts. In this flawlessly '50's film, that the maid is African-American and the father falls in love adds special poignancy. Big plus: no sex or bad language.
Dancer, Texas Pop. 81
(1998, Columbia/Tristar, PG) - Upon graduating from high school, four young men are faced with their boyhood vow to leave their tiny town for Los Angeles. The townspeople are so involved in their lives that they're placing bets on who will leave and who will stay. Funny and poignant and real.
Glory
(1989, Columbia/Tristar, R) - This Civil War epic chronicles the first Northern black infantry unit, led by a white commander who accords his men the same respect and demands the same professionalism as found in white units. Heroism all around, shown by men who lay down their lives for their country and a leader who lays down his beside them.
Groundhog Day(1993, Columbia/Tristar, PG) - Bill Murray is hilarious as an arrogant weatherman who gets stuck in a town he despises with people he despises on a day he despises until he learns how to stop despising things. An entertaining lesson in choosing each day how we will serve. One sexually suggestive scene to fast forward.
Lifeboat
(1944, Twentieth Century Fox, NR) - Alfred Hitchcock drama of eight diverse survivors from a passenger ship sunk by Germans in World War II who take on a stranded Nazi. A penetrating study of character types and relationships.
Memphis Belle
(1990, Warner, R) - The true story of a World War II American bomber crew - "boys next door" now media heroes - poised to set a record for the number of flights over Germany. An excellent portrayal of individual responses to the intense realities of war. A breathtaking ending. One sexually suggestive scene to fast forward.
Places in the Heart
(1984, Tristar, PG) - A young widow is threatened with the loss of her farm and children. Instead, God brings into their lives two unlikely champions: a black drifter who steals but is forgiven, and a blind man who has been hurt but learns to love. No sugar coating of evil, but all evil - including racism and adultery - is shown to be reconciled in Christ.
Princess Caraboo
(1994, Columbia/Tristar, PG) - When an exotic beauty suddenly appears in an English village in 1817, most believe her to be an Asian princess, but an Oxford linguist is intent on proving her a fraud. This subtle, funny film will keep you guessing to the end.
The Mighty
(1998, Miramax, PG-13) - Two seventh grade outcasts - one with a brilliant mind and crippled body, the other a slow-but-steady giant - form a unique friendship. Their mutual pledge to redeem their fatherless legacy by becoming heroes leads them on some life-changing adventures.
To Kill a Mockingbird
(1962, Universal NR) - A widowed trial lawyer in a small southern town defends a black man accused of raping a white woman. Seen through the eyes of the lawyer's two children - who also learn a lesson in misjudgement - a powerful portrayal of the evils of racism.
Especially For Girls
Ever After
(1998, Twentieth Century Fox, PG-13) - This uniquely intelligent Cinderella story eliminates the fairy godmother and magic, focusing instead on witty dialogue, humor, and surprises to reach the same loving conclusion. Wholesome and rewarding. 7+
A Little Princess
(1995, Warner, G) - A rich and pampered little girl is left at boarding school while her father goes to war. When he is reported killed in action, she is reduced to being a maid, terribly mistreated, surprisingly befriended, and finally rescued. All ages.
Especially For Boys
High Noon
(1952, Republic, NR) - In this landmark western, townspeople profess admiration for their town marshal, but refuse to assist him when he rises to their defense. A study in courage and integrity - the qualities that make a good leader. 7+
October Sky
(1999, Universal, PG) - The true story of a coal miner's son whose longing for a brighter future is misunderstood by his father and nurtured by a teacher who introduces him to rocket science. Archetypal father/son issues, real life family problems, sacrificial giving. 8+
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Notes for Parents:MovieLover's Tip: No need to shy away from subtitles - just hold your youngest kids close and whisper the essentials to them. Children who read enjoy subtitles.
Ratings Tip: Over the years, as the film industry has continued to push the limits in sex, violence, and crudeness, the ratings have been watered down. An older PG film like Chariots of Fire has little questionable material compared to today's PG's. It's a good idea to keep this in mind when you compare films for family fare.
MovieLovers' Resources:
Plugged In Online
From Focus on the Family - my favorite for reviewsChristian Spotlight on the Movies
Internet movie news and reviews from a biblical perspective.
Movieguide®
Biweekly magazine with the latest movie reviews, or subscribe to website
Screen It!
Entertainment reviews for parents - not distinctly Christian, but highly informative.
For more movies, see Classic Books and Movies for Boys and Family-Friendly Films in my left sidebar. I will be publishing more in this series today.
Posted in Movies, Spiritual education, Teens and Tweens | Permalink
Comments
I like your recommendations.
I have some of my own...stop by!
Posted by: Keri | August 28, 2009 4:25 PM
I've got to be honest with you...I love most of the movies on the list, but I actually sent 101 Dalmations packing! The terrible name-calling that I found in the movie was enough to make me crazy when my daughter started calling her brother those names. Hearing a darling little girl yell, "You IDIOT!" in the backyard just doomed the movie...
Posted by: Dianna Cooper | August 28, 2009 6:26 PM
