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Dear Glen Morris United Church, 

Peace be with you! For something a little different this week I thought I would share with you how I spent a portion of my covid-conscious winter this past year (and a bit) with a list of TV shows and movies that I have enjoyed and the ways that they spoke to my faith. 

Rev Michiko’s List of Movies & TV Shows 

Spiderman: No Way Home (2021)

Anyone else out there a Marvel fan? You may be surprised to know that I have been following along with Marvel since almost the start of when they launched their current cinematic universe and am a huge fan. When it comes to superheroes, I am a much stronger believer in the power of all people working together to make change than relying on someone else to come to the rescue. However, this Spiderman film was a powerful example of someone who must deal with the repercussions of trying to live out their values even when the challenges are universe-altering. As a Christian, I loved seeing Spiderman’s belief in someone’s capacity to transform; giving us a modern day example of what is possible through grace. 

Encanto (2021)

Once again, Lin Manuel Miranda (Hamilton, Moana) brings a story to life with music that is fun, super catchy, and heartfelt. My family watched this movie “together” (through an app, in our separate homes) and absolutely loved the celebration of Colombian culture in this movie which features a magical family that has been blessed with special gifts. Beyond the vibrant colours, this movie tells a story about immigration, the intergenerational impacts of loss, and how we can best find liberation with the gifts we are given. I also appreciated this article's perspective on what Encanto teaches us about prophets. 

Having grown up in the era where Disney films often featured an antagonist with unexplored motives and conflict that was resolved through violence or banishment - I am so thrilled to see a new generation of stories being told where we can appreciate that some of the greatest sources of challenge in our lives come from growing up and learning the best ways to love ourselves and others.

Parasite (2019)

This film which took home the Oscar for Best Film in 2019 recently became available on Netflix so I thought it would be worth naming an older film that still stands out. For me, this movie offers so many insights into the Kingdom of God by its ability to portray the exact opposite of it. Director Bong Joon-Ho does an incredible job using film to show us a painful truth; that our current ways of being in the world diminish each other through classism and poverty. This film is a challenging watch but will leave you with so much to learn from. I also appreciate the connection being made in this article about the ways capitalism influences our understanding of salvation. 

Other Recommendations:

Breeders (2021-current): an honest look at the messy reality of modern-day parenting

Reservation Dogs (2021-current): an insight into the life of a group of teens living on an Indigenous reserve in southern US filled with humour and a lot of heart

How about yourself? Have you seen any movies recently that taught you a new perspective or given you insight that nurtured your faith? Hit Reply and let me know!

As you experience the gift of connecting to others stories through film and television, may the peace of Christ be with you.

In the conversation you share with family & friends about the tv shows and movies you watch, may the peace of Christ be with you.

 

Yours in Christ,

Rev Michiko