We are delighted to welcome Rev. Andy Godfrey to The Praus Movement’s Fireside Chats. Andy is a film critic for Sorted Men’s Magazine, and you will often see his quotes on the front of the posters for your favourite movies. He is a full-time speaker with Outreach UK, a Representative for the Good News Paper and has been in full-time Christian ministry for many years. In the second of a two-part series, Andy talks about what we can learn from a recent shift in movies…
In part one of this article, I talked about a shift in scriptwriting that could have a profound impact on men and they way they live life. Gone are the days where our favourite movie heroes are immortal, never dying despite navigating dangerous odds.
Recently, writers have been brave and created a story arc where the hero pays the ultimate price - sacrificing their own life so that others may live. Sound familiar? It should because it is a part of all of our stories, thanks to Jesus. It's no wonder the tears flowed amongst men when the likes of Superman, Ironman, James Bond, Harry Stamper (see Armageddon) exchanged their life for those they loved. We are hard-wired to know this is real love.
Personally, I think this is great. Media has a big impact on culture, and the message from Hollywood is clear: the true measure of a man is not how long his life lasts but what he does with it. So, as we ponder how we may use our lives for the betterment of others, a key facet of The Praus Movement, here are some great films to inspire you:
Schindler’s List
Plot: The film follows Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who saved more than a thousand mostly Polish–Jewish refugees from the Holocaust by employing them in his factories during World War II. This wonderful act was very costly for Schindler.
Inspiration: There comes a time when every man must examine himself to ensure that he is doing the right thing and that he can live with his conscience, no matter what the personal cost maybe. Give yourself and your life for the sake of others and you will discover what life is really all about. Your sacrifice will be worth it in the end.
The Truman Show
Plot: Selected from birth following an unwanted pregnancy, Truman Burbank is the unsuspecting star of The Truman Show, a reality television program filmed 24/7 through thousands of hidden cameras and broadcast worldwide. Christof, the show's creator and executive producer, seeks to capture Truman's authentic emotions and give audiences a relatable everyman. Truman has been the star of the show since he was born and the studio officially adopted him.
Inspiration: There are lots of great life lessons in this film.
Life can be tough and it can be confusing. We cannot explain why things happen, and that is hard. Keep going anyway.
We all have big dreams - and that comes with risk i.e. that they may never be realised. Chase them anyway. Worst case, your soul will be at rest knowing you gave it everything you have.
Love is wonderful. If you are fortunate enough to meet the woman of your dreams, be brave enough to pursue her.
Kindness is definitely a virtue. It's nonsense that people think its a weakness.
As a Christian, I believe that God is up there watching over me and ultimately all will be ok because of Him (P.S. I always found it interesting that the creator and director of the Truman Show is called CHRISToff).
Risen
Plot: Joseph Fiennes plays a battle-hardened Roman soldier, who is present at the crucifixion and burial of Christ. A few days later, as rumours that Jesus has come back to life begin to spread, he’s given the job of producing the body of Jesus in order to dispel the rumours.
Inspiration: Risen is my favourite “Christian movie” of all time. It’s a terrific film because as he pursues Jesus’s disciples, whom he is convinced have stolen the body. Along the way, he encounters the risen Christ himself and becomes a follower of Christ. It’s a beautiful, dramatic film which reminds us that following Jesus is the best way to build a meanngful, powerful life.
Death becomes her
Plot: Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn star as rivals who fight for the affections of the same man (Bruce Willis) and drink a potion that promises eternal youth, but causes unpleasant side effects.
Inspiration: I will admit, this is not the usual choice for an inspiring men's movie but hear me out. Having just played all action hero John McClane in the box office smash 'Die Hard', Bruce Willis played a very different character in 'Death Becomes Her' - a weak, subserviant, measly Ernest Manville. As you wrestle with Praus - a wonderful characteristic that is neither uncontrolled anger nor meekness, this movie demonstrates what the latter looks like. Guard your heart. Be careful who you fall in love with. Don't allow yourself to be dominated emotionally. A Praus Man is assertive in the most gentle way.
The Indiana Jones Films
Plot: Dr Henry Walton "Indiana Jones" Jr is a professor of archaeology who gets up to all sorts of crazy adventures in this five film series.
Inspiration: Set yourself goals and go for them. Learn to deal with the past but take time to correct the mistakes you have made. Fortune and Glory isn’t worth it, if it means selling your soul. Prove to others that you are trustworthy, and they will follow you, even into the well of souls or a temple of doom.
There are of course plenty more great movies out there to inspire you to live out your true calling from God - and that calling is far greater than you and I will ever be able to write on a piece of paper.
Are we invincible in this life? No - just ask 007. But can life be fulfilling, satisfying and worth living? Absolutely - but only when lived with God at the centre, as the Roman Soldier in Risen discovered. In the end, how we chose to live is our choice to make. So, as a wise 1000 year old knight in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade once said: "Choose wisely".
*End Credits*
Andy Godfrey will return
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