The Best Films Celebrating Faith
These secular films show faith in a positive light.
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- DirectorMichael AptedStarsIoan GruffuddAlbert FinneyMichael GambonThe idealist William Wilberforce maneuvers his way through Parliament, endeavoring to end the British transatlantic slave trade.Uplifting film that chronicles the struggle of William Wilberforce and other abolitionists to push through Parliament a bill outlawing slavery in the U.K. The film also examines his personal relationships with his wife, Barbara Spooner, his best friend, Prime Ministers William Pitt Jr., and John Newton, the man who wrote the song "Amazing Grace". The former captain of a slave vessel, John Newton wrote the song as a testimony to the power of redemption when he came to see the evils of slavery. Newton's lyrics about being blind before and now being able to see are particularly poignant given that he became blind.
- DirectorRobert WiseStarsJulie AndrewsChristopher PlummerEleanor ParkerA young novice is sent by her convent in 1930s Austria to become a governess to the seven children of a widowed naval officer.This Rogers and Hammerstein musical is not really a religious film, but faith is shown in a positive light in this story of a nun who becomes the governess for the eight motherless children of an Austrian sea captain. Filled with wonderful songs that you will find yourself singing for days, this film celebrates love, the importance of family, and the bonding power of music.
- DirectorChristian CarionStarsDiane KrugerBenno FürmannGuillaume CanetIn December 1914, an unofficial Christmas truce on the Western Front allows soldiers from opposing sides of the First World War to gain insight into each other's way of life.Moving and uplifting story of the day in 1914 when Scottish, German, and French soldiers fighting on opposite sides of the First World War laid down their arms to mark Christmas. A Catholic priest plays a prominent role as he offers solace to the soldiers and presides over a Christmas mass jointly attended by both sides of the conflict. While there is at least some suggestion that there are those in organized religion who exploit it for their own gains, in the end it is those individuals and not faith itself that is shown as misguided. Some intense fighting scenes and a scene of partial nudity and moderate sensuality may make it inappropriate for younger teens and children.
- DirectorPeter WeirStarsRussell CrowePaul BettanyBilly BoydDuring the Napoleonic Wars, a brash British captain pushes his ship and crew to their limits in pursuit of a formidable French war vessel around South America.The crew of British ship "The Surprise" seek God's protection as they seek out a French ship while paroling the waters off South America during the Napoleonic Wars. While some take faith to extremes by allowing superstitions to cloud their judgment, a healthy dose of faith carries the men through peril. Creationalism and Evolution are beautifully reconciled as Dr. Stephen Maturin, ship's surgeon and budding naturalist seeks the beauty of God's creations among the animal inhabitants of the Galapagos Islands. This movie is fast paced and wonderfully shows positive male relationships, which makes it a particularly good film for teenage boys.
- StarsJodhi MayEdward FoxAmanda RootSet in Victorian London, Gwendolen Harleth is drawn to Daniel Deronda, a selfless and intelligent gentleman of unknown parentage, but her own desperate need for financial security may destroy her chance at happiness.An English aristocrat with no sense of direction and no belief in anything comes to know himself and the strength that comes through faith through his relationship with a young singer. As he helps her locate her mother and brother, he comes to learn a secret about his background which changes his life. Meanwhile another young woman, whose path also crosses with our hero's gets a hard lesson in life when she is forced to give up her spoiled ways. This charming story is slow-moving at times, but picks up the pace enough to keep the viewer involved and move him or her towards its emotionally satisfying ending.