Posted in Movies

Having read many good things from many different sources, it was with great anticipation that I awaited the opportunity to view the DVD documentary The Return of the Daughters.  I was not dissappointed; in fact, the film exceeded my expectations.

The Return of the Daugters, written and hosted by Anna Sophia and Elizabeth Botkin, tells the story of seven young women who have chosen to go against the cultural norm around them, and return the Biblical pattern for the decisions they are making in their lives and in their families.  These young ladies have forgone the accepted path so many have followed, and have instead have chosen to remain under the authority of their fathers until marriage.  they are staying home with their families, instead of going out on their own to pursue college of careers.  That is not to say that these girls are not "doing something with their lives".  Rather, each of them has found unique ways to use the talents and abilities God has given them to strengthen their families and serve their churches and communities.  As they use their gifts to serve others, they are developing skills that they will one day be able to use as wives and mothers.

As a young woman who was married at the age of eighteen, I know how difficult it is to buck the trends of the culture and chose to follow God's leading rather than the pressure of the world, and even at times the Church.  The Word of God tells us that a woman's highest calling is to be a wife and mother, and yet Christians often put pressure on a young girl to go to college and "make something of herself".  And yet, knowing God's call on my life was to be married and raise a family, what a waste of time and money it would have been for me to spend four years and thousands of dollars preparing for a career that would have countered God's desire for my life. 

As my husband and I raise our daughters, we want them to see from God's Word the true picture of a Godly woman, one who is content at home, who desires to raise Godly children, who is a help-meet to her husband, who serves others with willingness and generousity.  We only have one chance at life; what a shame that so many Christian women waste that chance on the pursuit of things that have no eternal value.  How sad that so many Christian young ladies who do marry after college have to fight the independence that has been trained into them for four (or more) years, learning how to be dependent and submissive after having tasted of the autonomy and individuality college life has offered.  I am so thankful that the Lord spared me the struggle of re-learning how to be under the headship of my God-given authority.  I went from the covering and headship of my father directly to that of my husband, and I believe I have been spared much of the struggle many young women have as they enter marriage.  I want my daughters to be spared the same struggle.  I also want them fully prepared for the work of managing a home, the joy of loving and helping a husband, and the blessing of caring for and raising children.  As a mother of girls, this is a wonderful gift I can give them.  They will have headstart in the truly important things in life, the ones that have eternal impact.  The work of the home is the greatest ministry a Christian woman can have, and I want my daughters to have a vision of what they can do for Christ's Kingdom as they serve their families, love their husbands, and raise up godly seed for God's glory.

I am so glad the Botkin sisters have made The Return of the Daughters.  This is a film that can have an incredible impact on the Church and on the culture around us.  The Light that shines from the families featured on this DVD can only come from Christ.  May that light shine ever more brightly as more families catch the vision of these faithful ones and show the difference He can make in the lives of His people.

Posted in Movies

I have very fond childhood memories of my mother reading The Tale of Peter Rabbit to me.  Beatrix Potter's lovely little stories were some of my favorite books as a child.  The adorable stories and delightful pictures captured my imagination in a way that other books did not.  And now I have the pleasure of sharing these beautiful tales with my own children.  Miss Potter's books are truly classic children's literature all children should have the opportunity to experience.

In light of my affection for Beatrix Potter's books and my fascination for the Victorian era, I looked forward to the chance to view the movie Miss Potter when it came out on DVD.  I was not disappointed.  It was as utterly delightful an experience as reading her books was when I was a child.  I enjoyed learning a bit more about Miss Potter herself, and the sweetness of the story is a rare thing in cinema today.  It was a truly lovely movie, one I am sure I will want to watch again soon (I might even have to buy this one!).

Posted in Movies

I am an old-fashioned girl at heart.   When I was a teenager, I was convinced that I had been born a century or two too late.  My favorite books were L.M. Montgomery's novels, Jane Austen's works, and the books by the Bronte sisters.  When I read them, I felt that I was living in that era,  a time of grace, gentility, and beauty.  Certainly, I romanticized these time-periods in my mind--the reality was different, I am sure.  Any yet, there is something about those old-fashioned days, and the way of life of the people that lived in them, that has always intrigued me.  So, when I discovered a link to a YouTube video entitled A Tribute to Old-Fashioned Girls, I was delighted.  It is a lovely little video, filled with moments from some of my most favorite movies, and with a lovely musical score.  Even with dial-up, it's worth the download time to watch this short video.  If you're an old-fashioned girl like me, you'll be delighted too!

Posted in Movies

There has been plenty of "talk" in the blogosphere (and other places) about the new movie Facing the Giants.  Most of the reviews (especially by Christians) are favorable.  My husband and I were looking forward to the opportunity to view it ourselves.  This past week gave us that opportunity, and we were not disappointed.

At the movie's start, I was struck with one thought--"Oh no, this is a football movie."  I do not like football, nor do I desire to like it.  However, not much further into the film, I realized this was not a movie about football.  Football is an incidental part of the story line.  The movie is really about trusting God and remaining faithful to Him in the midst of trials.  It spoke to my heart on many levels.  My husband, who rarely cries when watching movies, was brought to tears more than once by the touching story.  We plan to allow our children to watch it soon.  It is definitely a family film, one that will reach the heart of anyone who watches it.  Included in the story is a clear gospel message, as well as encouragement for believers.  It is also extremely professionally made, and entertaining to watch.

Facing the Giants is a poignant tale of faith, love, and whole-hearted service to God.  It is a movie I would encourage anyone to see.  You will be moved and challenged by its message.  I certainly was.

Posted in Movies

     "Don't judge a book by its movie" is one of my favorite quotes about books.  I can't tell you the number of times I have been disappointed by a movie adaption of a favorite book.  For instance, although I liked the first two Anne of Green Gables movies, I was unhappy with the third movie in the series.  Did the writers and director read any of the other books in L.M. Montgomery's wonderful series?  How disheartening!  Lest you think I am a snob about this, I must admit I liked all of the Sarah Plain and Tall movies much better than the books, which were originally written as much simpler children's books that the author expanded into beautiful story lines anyone can enjoy.

     I must say, I have not been always been thrilled with screen adaptions of Jane Austen novels.  I am a huge Austen fan, and have read all of her novels at least once (some twice).  Therefore, it was with a bit of apprehension that I purchased the most recent BBC production of Pride and Prejudice.  There is absolutely no way that this particular novel can be improved upon, and I believe it does fans of the novel a great disservice to attempt to do so.  At any rate, this production (made in 1995) was one of the most faithful movie adaptions I have ever seen.  It was very true to the spirit of Austen's novel, and I must say, I was very pleased.  In fact, I would have to list it among my favorite movies.  The acting is superior, and the costumes are so beautiful.  It was filmed on location is some truly lovely spots of English countryside.  Extra features on the DVD include a "Making of" documentary, which I found very interesting.

     A homeschooling friend of mine (Maggieraye) and her daughter (LizBeth) like to watch movie versions of books they have read and compare the two.  This is an excellent movie to use in that capacity.

     Plus, it's just really fun to watch! 

 

So, what do you think?  What is your favorite movie taken from the story line of a book?

 

Posted in Movies

     We have Narnia Fever at our house.  How 'bout you?  No, our case did not come from the recent release of the movie, although we excitedly awaited it, and were the first in line at the theater on opening night.  Actually, the Narnia craze started for us back about a year and a half ago when I first read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe aloud to my children.  From the first chapter, my then 7-year-old was hooked.  He is now 9, and has listened to or read all seven of the Chronicles of Narnia.  He can definitely be described as an avid fan.  He has been talking, playing, and even drawing all things Narnian.  It has opened up some wonderful opportunities to discuss the spiritual parallels throughout the books.  He has even begun picking up on some of them himself: "Mom, The Last Battle is just like what it says in Revelation about the new heaven and new earth!"

     I have read some excellent reviews of the movie right here on HSB.  I especially appreciated what middleearthmom had to say.  Check it out if you have the chance.  And if you are interested in listening to the audio version, I would recomend the Focus on the Family Radio Theater dramatization.  It is very well done.  We may have to listen to ours again soon, because, having been to the movie twice and having read all the books at least once (some twice--see I told you he's a fan!), we have to find something to tide us over 'til it comes out on DVD!

 

Posted in Movies

     Every family has traditions connected with Christmas.  Our family has several.  One of my favorites is watching all of our Christmas movies.  My dh and I are what you might call movie buffs.  We both really enjoy a good movie.  Our standards are quite high.  We especially like movies that we can watch as a family.  We do not have any kind of TV hookup, so all we watch are videos and DVDs. 

     So, every year at the beginning of December, we pull out the Christmas movies.  Most of them are on video, because we have had them longer than DVDs have been in existence.  There is the usually fare--It's a Wonderful Life, White Christmas, A Christmas Carol, etc. 

     Last night we saw one we haven't in a few years.  It is called The Christmas Box.  My grandmother gave me the book to read years ago.  (She is a fellow bookaholic: it must be genetic.)  I absolutely love the book and the message in it.  The movie doesn't quite give the book justice, but it is a very good story in its own right.  The message is another reminder of what this season is really about.  It isn't about the "stuff" surrounding the event.  It is about that baby born 2 millenia ago, so that he might become the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world.  It is about the love of a Father giving the thing most precious to Him: His only Son.  May we all remember and rejoice in that special gift this Christmas.