Not a Book Club, a Film Club
Our Film Club has now met on three occasions, for both evening and matinée performances (!), to watch films before chatting about them from a Christian perspective. This means each film needs to be roughly 90 minutes long to allow time for a good discussion afterwards. This cuts out many Hollywood films, but there are still plenty of others to choose from, including lesser-known gems that go under the radar.
Kathleen Huey has already provided a review of our first film, the 1961 classic Whistle Down the Wind (November issue); a film full of Christian symbolism. Since then, we have seen Belfast (2021), a film based on the early life of actor Kenneth Branagh. It’s an affectionate portrait of little Buddy, whose carefree days playing in his local streets are shattered by a protestant mob intent on forcing out catholic neighbours. Life is seen through the eyes of a child trying to make sense of the strange world of adults, who are unable to get along together. Buddy's father says religion is to blame, but our discussions saw the roots of the problem lie in fear and ignorance, resulting in tribalism, prejudice, and hatred. This took on extra meaning for us, as we watched Belfast in the wake of the Hamas terror attacks and on the eve of Israel’s invasion of Gaza. The film opens with shots of today’s rejuvenated city and waterfront, symbols of what can be achieved when enemies agree to put down their guns to talk to each other, seeking a just and peaceful way forward.
Our other film this year has been Marvellous (2014), a feel-good movie if ever there was one. It stars Toby Jones in the true story of Neil Baldwin, a man with learning difficulties, who joins a circus before becoming the kit man for Stoke City Football Club. Although at first rejected by some, Neil’s disarming personality helps create a happy, cohesive spirit in the dressing room, ensuring he is loved by players and fans alike. Neil also welcomes and befriends students on Keele University’s campus – his ministry there recognised one day by the award of an honorary degree. This is a film about friendship, so we asked ourselves what makes for a good one. A mother’s love and faith were recognised as fundamental to Neil’s development and it left us asking that if one hasn’t ever experienced unconditional love, is it possible to believe in it?
We have greatly enjoyed ourselves this term and now look forward to our next meeting. So far, I have been interested to see the range of our discussions— from abortion to xenophobia; childhood innocence, to reception at communion; the importance of learning to love ourselves, to questioning the adequacy of our one English word love to cover the range of meanings we place on it. After all, the Greeks had four words for it all!
