Top Ten Movies to Rent in 2008—or Anytime:
Which Movie Changed My Life? by Terri Gillespie
Happy New Year . . . again!
I thought I’d switch-up this month’s Jewish Roots column with a list of great movies that depict—fairly accurately—the Jewish culture.
As a child from a small town in Missouri, movies were a treat. Once I entered the cinema I knew I would be taken to exotic locales to meet people I didn’t know existed. I loved being lost in a fantasy world with a box of unbuttered popcorn and an orange soda.
One movie in particular planted a seed that changed my life—nearly twenty-five years ago. Included in the top-ten list below, this film was used by the Lord to insert me into the Messianic trajectory.
Beginning with movie #10:
#10. The Diary of Anne Frank. Based on the real-life story of a young Jewish girl, this film tells the story of her final days of freedom hiding from the Nazis in a tiny Amsterdam attic. My favorite version is the one filmed in 1959 (just something about black and white), with Millie Perkins as Anne, but there are others with a more documentary feel like Anne Frank: the Whole Story, 2001. If you haven’t read The Diary of Anne Frank yet, hopefully this movie will encourage you to do so. This precious book is second only to the Bible in readership. Children: although there are disturbing moments, the movie provides a good opportunity for parental instruction concerning the Holocaust.
#9. The 10 Commandments. Okay, I can’t help it. It’s cheesy, totally Hollywood, but I love the Cecil B. DeMille’s version with Charleston Heston. There are some powerfully spiritual moments. Our Passover tradition is to watch The 10 Commandments; maybe it’ll be yours too. Children: might have to cover little eyes here and there, but mostly it’s family-friendly.
#8. Paperclips. Although this is a documentary, don’t think you won’t be riveted to the story of a small rural town in Tennessee partaking in the most incredible experiment of compassion. I was. Any teachers out there? I challenge you to show this film to your students. It will change lives. Children: everyone should enjoy this film.
#7. Ben Hur. Another Charlton Heston movie. Although I hate the chariot race (which my husband loves), there are several scenes that take my breath away. One scene in particular. For those of you who have never seen the movie, I won’t spoil it for you— Well, maybe just a little taste. There is a scene where Judah ben Hur is in chains on his way to a terrible fate. The Roman soldier stops to give the parched slaves a sip of water, when . . . That’s all I’m going to tell you. You’ll just have to watch the movie. Wait, one more clue, turn up the volume when you see the carpenter’s hands. Children: The chariot race and some of the slave scenes are pretty rough.
#6. Raid on Entebbe. If you’re over 50, you probably remember the 1976 news story of the French plane hijacked by German and Palestinian terrorists. The butcher Idi Amin (played well by Yaphet Kotto) allowed the terrorists to land in Uganda. All passengers except the Jewish passengers were released. Despite the outcry of such a terrible deed, none of the countries would help Israel attempt a rescue. Despite second-rate acting (at least Jewish actors actually played Jewish people), the 1977 movie is worth watching, especially in light of current politics. It’s clear nothing has changed in 30 years. There’s a subplot about a young Yonni Netanyahu, Bebe’s older brother. Children: Not recommended for smaller children. Disturbing images of terrorists and battles.
#5. Miss Rose White. A Hallmark Hall of Fame movie starring Kyra Sedgwick as Rose, a 1940’s beauty, who on the surface appears to be a typical New Yorker on the fast-track to the fashion world. But in realty she hides a secret. She has changed her name to distance herself from a painful past—she and her father escaped Poland, but her sister and mother were left behind. You may have a little difficulty finding this in DVD format. If your local video story doesn’t carry it, you may have to Google it. If you can, it’s worth purchasing. Children: good family film, but parents be prepared for discussions with your children about the Holocaust.
#4. The Devil’s Arithmetic. A fantasy—if that’s possible—of a teenager, Hannah’s transportation back in time to a Nazi death camp. Hannah is not interested in her Jewish heritage or any of the traditions (Kirsten Dunst of Spiderman-fame, gives a magnificent performance as Hannah). When she is transported back in time, the people around her seem to know her, but Hannah is no less confused and anxious to return home. Although the film features a fantasy element, the film is well-executed and the acting excellent. You may not recognize a very subdued Brittany Murphy, who also gives a surprisingly touching performance. Children: not recommended for young children. Disturbing images in death camp.
#3. Exodus. Plan on nearly 4 hours of watching this classic-must-see. Another stellar cast, including Paul Newman as Ari ben Canaan a man committed to a country waiting to be born, Israel. Directed by Otto Preminger and based on the novel by Leon Uris, Exodus gives credible insight into a people who were nearly wiped out by Nazism, and longed for their own homeland. A group of Jewish chalutzim (pioneers) of various political bents are determined to bring them “home” by whatever means necessary. They are thwarted by the English, the Palestinians, Moslem communities and even the last fringe of Nazism. Children: Not recommended for young children due to disturbing images of children in peril and a “smooching” scene.
#2. Ushpazin. (Hebrew for Guests) This 2004 award-winning Israeli film with English sub-titles has become our new family favorite. In fact, our daughter asked for a copy of this movie for her birthday. The film gives a beautiful insight of the celebration of Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) in modern Israel. A simple, poor Orthodox couple long for God’s blessings in their life—most especially, a child. God seems to have turned a deaf ear when they must instead welcome some unsavory guests from the husband’s past. Although this is not a Messianic movie, it is a story of redemption. There are wonderful analogies and delightful images of simple adherence to biblical traditions. Children: since this movie is sub-titled, smaller children may not be interested.
And the movie that changed my life:
#1. Fiddler on the Roof. Filmed on location in Eastern Europe, this beloved musical based on Sholem Aleichem's stories was nominated for eight Academy Awards and won three. Director Norman Jewison chronicles the trials of Jewish peasant Tevye the milkman (Israeli actor Topol), humble father of three strong-willed daughters and husband to an opinionated wife, Golde (Norma Crane). The story takes place in pre-revolutionary Russia, when the pogroms murdered and forced out of the country, many Jewish people. This has special meaning to me as many of my friends’ relatives were some of those people. Stunning songs like Matchmaker, If I were a Rich Man, Sunrise Sunset and Wonder of Wonders are worth the 3 or so hours. But what changed my life was “walking in the shoes” of a poor Jewish family who was rich in heritage and identity. A family—and village—that knew suffering and yet were knit together because of it. I don’t want to spoil it for those who haven’t seen this movie, but I will say you will not be the same. At least, that’s what I pray. Young Children: for very young children the dream sequence may be a little scary.
I so clearly remember sitting in the movie theatre in 1971. As the lights came on I realized the front of my blouse was soaked with tears. I turned to the person I was sitting with and said, “I wish I was Jewish.”
A seed had been planted in my spirit.
Twenty-three years later, I sat in a Messianic synagogue and turned to my husband and said, “I believe we are called to the Messianic Jewish movement.”
A few years later, in 1999, on our 25th wedding anniversary, we renewed our vows under a chuppah (a wedding canopy) and formally announced our covenant with the Jewish people—
. . . for wherever you go, I will go;
And wherever you lodge, I will lodge;
Your people shall be my people,
And your God, my God.
Where you die, I will die,
And there will I be buried.
The Lord do so to me, and more also,
If anything but death parts you and me. Ruth 1:16b-17
Is this an easy road for a non-Jewish believer? No. But, I still praise the Lord that He has allowed me to work side-by-side with my Messianic Jewish brothers and sisters at this prophetic time.
And it began with a movie.
RECIPE:
This is not a biblical or traditional Jewish recipe, but—hey—we’re talking movies here!
Carmel Popcorn
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
- 1 stick (4 ounces) butter or margarine
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 3 quarts popcorn
PREPARATION:
Bring to brown sugar, butter, and syrup to a boil; add 1 can sweetened condensed milk. I continue to cook for another couple of minutes, stirring constantly because it will burn easily. Pour over popcorn.
OR!
Buy microwave kettle corn.
NEXT TIME: The Traveling Holidays: The Biblical Calendar
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