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TEN REELS OF HOPE

Ten Reel Issues discussions to use as part of your local Hope 08 activities

These films all feature human hopes and dreams as important or central themes and are available as Reel Issues discussions. A few of these films refer directly to the hope gained from a Christian faith and worldview, while Superman Returns and Lord of the Rings include plotlines that echo important biblical stories.

The films are listed alphabetically.

Big Fish (Cert PG) 2004 Romantic, comical and, at times, fantastical. The story of a visionary and imaginative father as seen by his more sceptical son. Themes of hope, confidence, love.

Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Cert 12) 2003 An arduous redemptive journey to discard a magical ring and so end the evil that threatens the world with chaos. Includes themes of sacrifice, temptation and resurrection.

Million Dollar Baby (Cert 15) 2005 A working class girl’s dedication to her dream of becoming a boxer. Award-winning, thought-provoking drama. Issues of handling family rejection, hurt and the things which threaten to undermine our dreams.

Millions (Cert 12) 2005 A five-year-old boy’s other-worldly values and regular conversations with the saints lead him to share a stolen fortune with the poor and needy. Issues of where we place our hope and security.

Shadowlands (Cert U) 1993 The true story of CS Lewis and Joy Davidson. Shows Christian faith and hope tested by suffering, grief and bereavement.

Superman Returns (Cert 12) 2006 Superman is presented as a kind of “Christ figure” and “suffering servant”. Sent to earth with a special mission, he makes the ultimate price to rescue others. The film also includes a resurrection episode. Raises opportunities to discuss whether humanity needs rescue, and what this could involve.

The Pursuit of Happyness (Cert 12) 2006 A struggling salesman’s climb to success and determination to care for his son. Issues of parenting, hope and ambition, what makes for happiness.

The Shawshank Redemption (Cert 15), 1994 Hope is the central theme in this prison drama. The main character’s tenacious hope in the face of a brutal institution is both contrasted with that of fellow prisoners and infectious towards them.

The World’s Fastest Indian (Cert 12) 2005 True story of an ageing biker’s land speed attempt. Hope despite obstacles and the things that provoke us to awe and wonder.

Walk the Line (Cert 12), 2006 Tells the story of Johnny Cash’s early career, personal and family struggles. Shows how Cash’s hopes and ambitions are affected and changed, partly by his own mistakes and decisions and, eventually, by his second wife’s love and by his coming to Christian faith.

Hope 08 is an inter-denominational initiative giving churches and Christian groups across the UK the opportunity to work together to share and be good news to their communities. See www.hope08.com