Ten most “spiritually literate” films of 2008
The Golden Globe awards have been handed out and the Academy Award nominations were just announced this morning.
Now comes film reviewers Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat to announce their choices for the 2008 “spiritually literate” films. The couple describes these films as movies that best reflet the character qualities that lead to a meaningful life.
“We’ve identified an alphabet of spiritual practices that are recognized by the world’s religions as being signs of spirituality, and when we watch films, we look for them,” Mary Ann Brussat said in a news release.
She said this year’s list is broader than in previous years, with a new animated film category.
“Some amazing things are happening in this genre, and it is no longer limited to children’s fare,” Frederic Brussat said, pointing to the spiritual messages conveyed by the story of a robot on a quest for love in “WALL.E” and the tale of a caring elephant on a mission of mercy who hears the cries of strangers in “Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who!”
For more information about the Brussats and the films they have chosen as “spiritually literate,” visit their interfaith Web site at www.SpiritualityandPractice.com.
Here, according to the Brussats, are 10 characters in the couple’s “Ten Most Spiritually Literate Feature Films of 2008″ modeling difference aspects of spiritual life:
1. A sister who experiences the grace of forgiveness and compassion in “Rachel Getting Married.”
2. Two poor women who realize their connection with life in “Frozen River.”
3. An enthusiastic woman who demonstrates true happiness in “Happy-Go-Lucky.”
4.. A professor whose closed-off heart is opened by music, friendship and love in “The Visitor.”
5. A charismatic gay activist who speaks truth to power in “Milk.”
6. A young girl who experiences the healing and transformative power of love in “The Secret Life of Bees.”
7. Two religious leaders struggling with the challenges of faith, openness, and not knowing in “Doubt.”
8. An angry old man whose heart is softened through his relationships with an immigrant family in “Grand Torino.”
9. An oddball outsider who relishes life with gratitude in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.”
10. A curious and resilient Indian boy whose love remains true no matter what life throw at him in “Slumdog Millionaire.”
(PHOTOS: Above left, actor Clint Eastwood in “Grand Torino”; Above upper right, actress Meryl Streep in “Doubt”; and above lower right, actresses Dakota Fanning and Queen Latifah in “The Secret Life of Bees.”)
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
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