Friday, February 13, 2015

Fifty Shades of Grey



Warning, the following review may be offensive and is intended for adult audiences only, it may also contain spoilers.

Now let me say from the outset, in the past I have done reviews that have caused me to lose friends both on social media and real friends just for the fact that I have chosen to review the movie. I suspect that will be the case for my review of Fifty Shades of Grey. Let me also say, as a film reviewer it is my obligation to review film, even film some may not like, or for that matter, film I may not like, just as a Christian plumber does the work they do, I do the work I do, which is review film, and find points of truth to point people to Christ if possible.

The truth is, protests, news stories and all of the controversy drove me to want to see the movie, not stay away from it. Many will ask why, well let me be clear; most of the time when I have seen protests and controversy like exists with this movie, it drives me to want to see it, and this time, like many others, I believe the comments about the movie are greatly over exaggerated, in more ways than one, and the  movie that is being protested is so far from what is being said about it that it is unbelievable. In fact most of the time those protests come from people who have not seen the film or know anything about it other than what they have been told.

Now some facts about Fifty Shades of Grey.  Does the movie contain scenes of explicit sex?  Yes, albeit not as explicit as I thought although there is a great deal of nudity in the film. Does the film contain sadomasochism or dominance and submission sex? Yes!  Does it glorify this act?  Absolutely not!

This film is the story of a soon to be college English Lit major graduate, Anastasia Steele played quite well and innocently by Dakota Johnson. While doing a report for her friend and roommate she goes from Portland to Seattle to interview young billionaire, Christian Grey. In a sort of twisted tale, resembling at times Last Tango in Paris,  a relationship develops between Steele and Grey. Grey has secrets though, secrets that go back to a childhood that included being involved in sexual acts at the age of 15 in a non voluntary way, (BTW this is rape for those that don't know). There is more to his past but we are left to figure much of that out. Steele, a virgin falls in love with Grey although the feeling is not quite amicable. Now at this part as the story develops and concludes I was reminded that this movie is based off of the first book of a 3 book series. In that every show for the Friday, Saturday opening weekend is sold-out in Wichita, I suspect the movie will do well enough to make the other two films at some point.

On a technical perspective, the film is well lit, a lot of great cinematography and a very interesting story line that is about far more than sex, although sex is a backdrop to the story but more on that in a sermon a little later. I was also frankly surprised at the level of character development and for a movie of this sort, at a little over 2 hours I felt myself compelled to the characters and the story, and while there is a great deal of nudity in the movie it was not nearly as important to me as the characters in the story. That for me causes me to give kudos to the director, Sam Taylor-Johnson.

Now back to another question just for clarification. Am I promoting this movie? Absolutely not, I will say in fact, many need to stay away from it as they may not be mature enough to deal with the subject matter. I would imagine for example teen age, hormonal individuals will focus more on the nudity and sex than they do the actual story. In this area, I must also make another comment, just as many Christians have gone overboard to be critical of what they believe the story is, so have many others who are promoting the story as a sordid love story. The truth of the matter is, Fifty Shades of Grey is not a horrible promotion of perverted sex, neither is it a lustful, to be desired love story. It is instead, a story that deals with the after effects of many of sexual abuse.

Those who know me as more than a movie reviewer also knows my history and of my book The Keystone Kid, which chronicles my life, including being sexually abused. I have heard from no less than 5 individuals in the last week who have commented on how much that book helped them because of its honesty. I have shared my story in print, on television, on screen and in a book as well as in person across the globe. I have said many times, "How is a child who grew up in an abusive situation, never being taught an appropriate concept of sex supposed to have any understanding of sex, or for that matter love." That my friends, is the exact same concept that is presented in this movie. Grey, in a yet to be determined fullness of understanding, has gone through a period of what I would consider abuse from at least the age of 15 maybe longer.  His first sexual encounters seem to be atrocious and the character has literally no understanding of sex in a loving or caring way. Now for the Christians who may be offended. I have read all of the Bible, including the Song of Solomon which includes scenes of as much graphic nature as in the film. The difference is, it can be determined that one is in a loving way, the other not; of course the Bible also includes stories of rape, incest and more. The discussion of sex amongst Christians should not be Taboo.

Now for my mini sermon, I really wish that adults, people of faith, would not be so ashamed to address human sexuality, and in the case of this film, as I have discovered in my own life, the issues and consequences that come about from being abused or children who have been abused and not developed an appropriate attitude or understanding of sex. Here is a reality, whether we like it or not, accept it or not, we live in a society where the abused have had the sins of others swept under a rug and never addressed. It is sad especially when people of faith have to go through situations of this nature, no wonder so many, when they are seeking healing, even from sexual sin and misunderstanding are condemned for the sins of others. Here is a shocking truth, Christians could use a film like Fifty Shades of Grey to start a discussion that would provide healing for multitudes of people who seem to have gone through what the character Christian Grey has gone through.  Again let me make it clear, THIS DOES NOT MEAN YOU HAVE TO WATCH THE MOVIE, OR SHOULD WATCH THE MOVIE!

Now does any of this mean that I am saying see the movie?  ABSOLOUTELY NOT!  Just as I stated earlier, this film is too mature for many, can be a stumbling block or for many a movie they can not to handle. It is an adult movie but an adult movie that for me, as a former sexual abuse victim, does not glorify sex, premarital sex or sex at all. While sex is a backdrop, it is a backdrop to what appears to be a misunderstood, search for love and misunderstanding of love due to abuse in his own life of Christian Grey. It is also a search for love for the lead female character, which can bring about appropriate discussion of how one discovers love, how far do they go, and when does one or should one give in to sexual activity.

Fifty Shades of Grey is not a great movie. It is not a feel good, lets get romantic movie either, instead, it is a movie that could inspire discussion and hopefully motivate people who have a relationship with God, who have experienced real love to open up discussions with those who are drawn to the sexual content of this movie, which there will be. For Christians, the appropriate discussions can be had even if you choose to not see the movie. Personally, I can't recommend that many if any do see the movie.

In closing, I believe sex is a beautiful gift of God when practiced with the intent of which God created it, between two individuals who have made a life long commitment to each other. Does that change the reality that many have engaged in sex in a way outside of God's intent? Of course not, but if discussion is not made, real honest discussion then we will never see things change and the message of a gift of God, when used appropriately and practiced appropriately can never be given or shared with those who need it.

The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry.  Believe me there is much more going on than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work.  Thanks and feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the materials provided.


Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid 

http://www.mosaicwichita.com/#!store
Click here to visit the web page The Virtual Pew

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click here to visit Mosaic Church where Mike is Pastor

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There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.

Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word. Here is our contact information

The Virtual Pew
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Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org

Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew

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Monday, February 2, 2015

Stained Glass Rainbows, Homosexuality and The Church

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There is little doubt, one of the most heated topics in the church today is the role of faith in regards to homosexuality. It brings about likely more anger and debate than any other topic. It is a topic many refuse to engage in, yet, others bring to the forefront of discussion, especially amongst those of varying views. Kent Williamson, along with Paladin Pictures has done it once again, that is, produced and made a documentary that will raise eyebrows, create discussion, and cause the viewer to think. Just like their previous documentary, Rebellion of Thought, Stained Glass Rainbows is a must watch movie which will likely do more to engage conversation than raise tempers and create argument than any film on this subject ever done.

Stained Glass Rainbows does what a documentary film should, present various sides of a perspective without taking sides. While there may be some dogmatic viewers on either side of the topic of homosexuality and faith who will have trouble with the film, I watched a private screening with persons on varying sides, from one extreme to the other and the universal opinion of each person was the film was fairly done and respectful to all sides. It isn't to say the film makers don't have an opinion, they likely do, but a good documentary isn't to do what Michael Moore often does in exaggerating truths and disrespecting the subject matter and opinion of those in the film, but instead, to present facts and let those facts and opinions of those being filmed be enough to provide their perspective.

www.thevirtualpew.comKent Williamson does a tremendous job in his work. As an independent filmmaker I can think of few I respect more, not just in the subject matter of his films but the quality of work, from sound to lighting and from cinematography to editing and direction. Stained Glass Rainbows is exceptional but beyond those things is the scripting to some extent, (normally a part of the editing process) in telling the story in a fair and respectful way. This film, much like the previous work Rebellion of Thought along tells a thought provoking story along with the documentary nature of the film. There are surprises and thought provoking footage, mixed in with humor and perspective that will challenge the viewer, no matter what their perspective.

Stained Glass Rainbows includes interviews with various persons, from former Christian musicians such as Ric Alba and Sean Doty to theologians such as Robert Gagnon and Cindi Love along with numerous others. Included in those interviews is a surprisingly, respectful interview with Shirley Phelps-Roper, daughter of former Westboro Baptist Church Pastor Fred Phelps. Known for their protests at dead soldier funerals and homosexual events among other events.

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When speaking to Kent he told me that he was able to get a respectful interview with Shirley Phelps-Roper due to the fact that the film was an independent film. Of all the interviews I have seen with this woman, while I strongly disagree with the approaches her group takes, it was the most respectful interview I have seen her give. Why do I say this? It shows the ability of Kent Williamson to interview individuals with such diverse opinions while at the same time, being fair. He gets more information out of her because of her calm demeanor, along with the other interviews, that I have seen others ever get. This allows the viewer to make up their mind. The interviews also move the viewer to view the subject matter in a deeper more respectful way without the drama of a Jerry Springer television show.

Stained Glass Rainbows has one perspective it is consistent with throughout the film, that is, all people, are loved by God. While individuals interviewed may not take this position, the film certainly does. I greatly appreciated it because it does something like no other film I have seen on the subject, it brings the topic to the forefront of respectful discussion. I found myself appreciating things said by Cindi Love, especially her response as a lesbian pastor and what she would say to Fred Phelps if seeing him in Heaven, as well as the perspective of Jonathan Ervin, a formerly gay man and his perspective on his own life regarding his faith.

www.thevirtualpew.comStained Glass Rainbows shows that despite ones views, no matter what side they are on, the discussion should be respectful and is worth taking part in. The film shows, that the reality is, there are multitudes of homosexuals who are seeking a knowledge of God and a relationship with Jesus. No matter what perspective one takes, Stained Glass Rainbows shows the possibility of engaging in respectful and appropriate conversation on the subject.

At the end of the screening I did, I don't think anyone's opinion was changed, that isn't to say their attitudes didn't change though, especially in how they would or could discuss the subject with others. Each person felt they were better prepared for respectful conversation on the topic. That is a starting point and it shows the power and potential of the video helping bring about understanding is major aspect I loved about this film

Who should see this film? Anyone impacted by the discussion on homosexuality and faith! It is well worth seeing and beyond that, watching with a group and engaging in conversation afterwards. There are plans for a discussion guide on the film which will be worth getting for these types of gatherings.

Something unique about Stained Glass Rainbows is that Paladin Pictures has made it available for order with a 50% discount delivered to those ordering it from reading this review, upcoming interview with Kent Williamson, or listening to the Mike Furches and Lightshine Program on the Bacon Rock Network. When ordering the film, simply type in Furches in the coupon code at checkout.  You can order the film at www.paladinpictures.com for the 50% off discount.

Now on a scale of 1 - 10, for the intriguing conversation this film can provide helps with I give a very respectful and deserving 9 for the 9 letters in the word wonderful which this film is, wonderful, simply wonderful and engaging.

To see the teaser trailer for the film, click on the video below, if the link does not appear, click on the link.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dc_URYBLD3w





The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry.  Believe me there is much more going on than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work.  Thanks and feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the materials provided.


Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid 

http://www.mosaicwichita.com/#!store
Click here to visit the web page The Virtual Pew

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click here to visit Mosaic Church where Mike is Pastor

The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards

Click to subscribe to my blog

There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.

Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word. Here is our contact information

The Virtual Pew
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org

Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Personal Furches Web Site

Hollywood Jesus

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News