Reviews With Mike Furches

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Rise of the Guardians, 2012

I have to admit, every now and then there is a movie that just slips by and I am not aware of it until sometime after its release. Such is the case of the 2012 theatrical movie Rise of the Guardians. While I had seen some of the Santa images, images I l

ove since I am often confused with Santa myself, complete with the suit, long white beard, hair etc. I finally decided to get the movie so I visited a used video store and found the movie, a new never opened, still wrapped Blu-ray. So I decided to watch it with my granddaughter the first chance I had.

The first thing that surprised me was the caliber of cast in the animated film, which included, Chris Pine as Jack Frost, Alec Baldwin as North, or Santa, Jude Law as Pitch, Isla Fisher as Tooth or The Tooth Fairy, and among many others, Hugh Jackman as Bunny or The Easter Bunny. All of these did a fantastic job, especially Chris Pine and Hugh Jackman who deserve being singled out for the emotional impact they gave to their characters.

I am pretty particular as a film reviewer. I comment on film from a fan or movie goer perspective and one of the sad things about this film is I truly wish I had had the gumption to see it when it was on the big screen. As is the case with many other animated movies, this one is filled with adult themes as well as themes and imagery that children will enjoy. I can’t recall the last time I saw an animated film with as much message as this. I loved it so much that my granddaughter and I sat right through it with no interruptions. We were fascinated with the images on screen and the story that was being told. Then the very next morning, I had to watch it again with my wife. She enjoyed it so much that she agreed, it is a keeper to watch over and over again. Virtually everything about this movie is nearly perfect, I can’t even find a single aspect to be critical of, it is that good.

I know many, especially some Christians will have some issues with the movie, that is a shame as the themes are deeply spiritual and I believe can be used to point to a specific purpose and used as a clear allegorical story, let me explain. There are those who have been chosen by a light in the sky, yet they have to surrender to that light. They are to be a reflection in many ways of the good that comes about. This reminded me of an old Barry McGuire performance on a recording years ago on an album with The 2^nd Chapter of Acts. He speaks how followers of Jesus are to be a reflection of the light of God’s love, like the moon if you will, he states, “Wow I want to be a full moon.”

The characters in the story have a desire to love and bless children, after all children are special, just like they were with Jesus who stated that, “we must become like little children if we are going to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. The Guardians are each characters based on lore and mythology to an extent who help keep children happy and focused. It is in the good dreams of the children, the faith, love and hope that they find their meaning, place and purpose in life, of course they have to surrender, and have faith in the things that seeks to give them those blessings.

As the story develops, there is an evil one who would destroy all good things. He wants to bring fear and to tear people away from all things that are good and brings purpose and life. Without giving too much away, there is a character among the Guardians who speaks to the heart, but never with audible words. He finds a way to enter into the lives of children to give that hope, that dream and that purpose. Later on that character gives his life to save the children. It appears as if all is lost, that he is dead and gone. Later on we see the need of a savior. That character returns from the dead to help save the world and defeat the evil one who rides on a black horse. Do I need to say anything more about how this seems to be clear Biblical imagery?

I found this movie fascinating and it has entered into my must view movies during Christmas, but it is also good for Easter, that first frost of the season or when a child places that first tooth under their pillow. It is also good at understanding the importance of not being afraid, yes we can and do know that evil exists but we also know there is a way to defeat that evil and in fact, that evil has already been defeated, we just have to accept, on faith, that there are those Guardians who protect us and have fought the battle for us, whether they be the angels around us or a Savior named Jesus.

How good is this movie? Quite good really, in fact, so good that I decided to write a review for a movie made in 2012. Now if you haven’t seen it, get it, find it, watch it, you will be glad you did, and for those who have already seen it, I am sure you would agree with my thoughts on this movie pretty close to 100% if not a full 100%.

To see the trailer for Rise of the Guardians, Just click on the following video, if the video doesn't work, click on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPLiBxhoug0

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Friday, June 12, 2015

Jurassic World 2015 in 3D

Let me get the first pet-peeve over with. This movie is rated 'PG-13' and could easily be an 'R' due to intense violence; that said, Parents, please, please, please understand the reason for this rating which means, "May not be suitable for children under the age of 13." Parents and legal guardians having mature children, who can control your children throughout the movie, please don't hesitate taking them if you want. I would say right off the bat though, I would have reservations taking a child under the age of 10, I certainly would not encourage taking children younger than that and was amazed at the parents taking 3, 4 and 5 year olds to the screening I attended. I hope the time they spend with their children from the nightmares dissuades them in the future from taking such small children. Another point, I don't care how old the child or adult is, please refrain from distracting the other viewers around you who have paid good money to see a movie. I literally had to listen to a 4 or 5 year old crying and pleading with their parents to give them money before they went to the bathroom. Sad thing is, the child won the argument while asking, and getting a $5 bill. Talk about ruining a movie going experience for those sitting around you.

Now to why you have come here: to read my thoughts on Jurassic World. I have been a fan of the Jurassic series for a number of years now starting off with the reading of the Michael Crichton Jurassic Series. The books are fabulous and I strongly encourage you to read the books. I was concerned though about this movie as Michael Crichton took an advanced look at the potential of humans to destroy the earth, or the audacity to think they could. This is clear from the opening paragraphs of the book series. Crichton had a strong grasp of the power of God and of the earths ability to replenish itself, while at the same time, looking at the destructive and lack of caring nature of humanity. In my opinion Crichton was able to find a terrific balance between the perfect aspects of God's Creation and the inability of mankind to care for that creation. Again, don't take my word for it, read the introduction and first chapters of Jurassic Park.

My concern with the passing of Michael Crichton in November of 2008 was whether or not the production team of the new release of Jurassic World would hold to those concepts? Let me say, not only did they hold to them, they in a way, expounded on them with reflections of our current world of science. It is in this area I think many will wrongly classify this movie as Action Adventure, when in reality it is Science Fiction. It explores the reality of where we are, are going and the possible results of the exploration into cloning, geno testing and so forth.

The special effects in Jurassic World are as good as ever. I saw the film in 3-D and while there are some worthwhile scenes in 3-D I would recommend forgoing the 3-D experience and watch it on a large screen in digital format. It may be even better like this. The other aspects of the movie technically are quite nice, the dinosaurs look as real as ever and the acting overall, while nothing award winning is still entertaining. There is a great score to the movie and it plays nicely alongside the images, several of which will have you jumping out of your seat and grabbing the person next to you. I also applaud the direction and editing as they are also done nicely.

I also appreciate the script, while it does drag minimally at times, it still holds up and entertains quite well. There are the primary plots of testing with things in a scientific way that are better left to God ,to the harm of divorce on children and the importance of spending time with others. There is also a wonderful illustration of sibling love I appreciated. We don't see that image often enough in the movies.

As can be expected, (like we haven't learned before) not a lot of good can come about when you consider opening up a theme park with live dinosaurs, especially when you genetically alter the DNA of the animals and create mixed breads. There is a lot more potential harm than one could imagine, especially when you have military contractors involved with purposes other than the original intent of the creation.

It is difficult to improve upon God's creation if it is possible at all. We see this wonderfully illustrated in this movie, yet, we see it play out, just like in real life, those tiring to do just that. It isn't to say the medical advances and other things haven't been of value; many have but a lot has to do with the intent of why one does what they do, whether it be flying a helicopter when they really don't have the experience, or creating something in a Petri dish without exploring the full potential of what it is you are trying to create or as in Jurassic World, clone.

There are lessons for all of us in these areas, especially as we look at our lives as they exist and will develop in the future, whether we be 14 or 94. We must all take seriously those around us and the situations around us which may be impacted by the things we engage in.

I wouldn't say Jurassic World is a great movie; I would say it is a very fun movie for individuals over 10 when with parents or legal guardians. I would also say it is a thought provoking movie if you take the themes beyond the screen. They could open up enlightening thought provoking conversations with others if you allow about the potential of mankind to improve upon God's creation and the impact humanity has had on nature.

Since this was a fun movie, minus a mom, dad and child insisting on a $5 bill to go to the bathroom, I'll deduct those three from a perfect score of 10 and give it an enlightening, entertaining 7.

To see the trailer for the film, click on the following link, if the link doesn't appear, click on the video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFinNxS5KN4

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.

Monday, February 2, 2015

Stained Glass Rainbows, Homosexuality and The Church

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.

Kent 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.

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.

Stained 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

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Interview with Luke Zamperini Son of Louis Zamerini, The Power Of God Featured In Unbroken

I recently had the opportunity to talk with Luke Zamperini, the son of Louis Zamperini, the subject of the movie Unbroken directed by Angelina Jolie. I wanted to find out a few things about his father and the father son relationship among a few other things. This wonderful movie represents a man who in the end was a man of strong faith and faith convictions. The following is the transcript from the time with Luke Zamperini.

Luke Zamberini (LZ) - Hey Mike

Mike Furches (MF) - Hey Luke, how are you doing?

LZ - I'm doing well, how are you?

MF - I'm doing wonderful. I saw the movie several weeks ago and to be honest didn't know the story. Your dad was an incredible man.

LZ - Well thank you very much.

MF - What kinds of lessons and things did he teach the kids as you were growing up?

LZ - Well, first of all he didn't have a hard time talking about his story with us. Those stories were my bedtime stories growing up. Of course my dad was my hero because he was my dad and as I begin to learn more about his story it just became more and more evident that he was a different kind of dad than the dad of my friends. The things he would pass down to us was primarily an attitude having a cheerful continence at all times, always looking at the bright side and never giving up or giving in. To always perceiver to achieve your goal. Most importantly what he taught me was a love for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. That changed his life and eventually changed mine as well.

MF - I noticed in some of the press materials that you are a musician as well.

LZ - Yeah I dabble in some music. I made the decision for Jesus as a child but I grew up in the 1960's in Hollywood California and so that presented some challenges so I just kind of got lost in the world of Rock N Roll and played the guitar and did all of that but eventually when I was 29 I kind of threw off the desire to be a part of that culture and returned to my Christian roots. I was blessed with a wonderful family, a wife and a great job. I do still play music but just as a hobby.

MF - I'm a musician as well so had to ask that. I have a lot of friends in Southern California who are musicians as well. One of the things I wanted to ask about though, and I don't know if a lot of folks have is about the camp that was started in honor and recognition of your dad. I am assuming the camp is still in existence. can you tell us some about it?

LZ - Sure, Victory Boys Camp was established by my father in 1954. It started out with a physical location in the mountains north of Los Angeles. He would take kids from reform schools up there and teach them mountaineering skills and outdoor skills. He would try to win their confidence to better influence them in their lives. The camp has changed over the decades and it eventually ended up being wherever Louie Zamperini was with kids and where he could help him, that was Victory Boys Camp. We actually lost the physical location and he would sometimes use Mammoth Mountain or Squaw Valley or some other resort would offer their facilities. So for Victory Boys Camp we figured would go away when my father died and that was the plan, that we would just discontinue the camp. However, a year ago we had found a young man who really needed some help so we took him to see my dad and Victory Boys Camp was able to finance this young mans journey to Australia to go to a youth mission camp down there. That helped to turn him around. He was a Christian boy who had gotten involved in drugs. They turned him around though and sent him on a mission. We thought, this is too wonderful of an opportunity to pass up, we need to keep Victory Boys Camp going. What's happened is that my 28 year old son Clay has decided to take the camp over so he is now the CEO of Victory Boys Camp. We are now trying to raise the money to get another facility and to continue the work that my dad did over the last seven decades of helping others find a better way in life through Christian teachings.

MF - The film shows the power to overcome and beyond resilient. Where do you think that power came from for your dad? Whether overcoming the issues of his youth, making the Olympic team, being lost at sea or overcoming what he went through as a POW?

LZ - My dad was a very resourceful and very defiant individual growing up. He turned himself around by getting into sports as a 15-year-old but he still kept that defiant spirit in him as he competed. That defiance and resourcefulness got him through the ordeal at sea, the prison camps but it couldn't get him through the post traumatic stress disorder that he was suffering from after the war. It wasn't until he walked into a tent meeting in downtown Los Angeles in 1949 that was being conducted by a new evangelist at the time, a guy named Billy Graham that he made a decision for Christ. That actually changed his heart and his defiance turned to joy and his revenge turned to love. That's what really turned him around. Up to that point, it was really just being resourceful defiant and clever, the Torrance Tornado from Torrance California.

MF - The concept of forgiveness is touched on in the movie towards the end of the film. The ability to forgive is a powerful illustration, especially towards The Bird. What would your dad say was the importance of forgiving others?

LZ - Well, he had hatred in his heart for the prison guard who was nicknamed The Bird because The Bird had singled him out and was on him daily for 27 months. His hatred for The Bird though wasn't hurting The Bird, it was hurting him, literally. It was destroying him. After he realized that God could forgive him for all of the rotten things that he had done then he realized that he needed to be able to forgive his guards and The Bird in particular as well. Having to forgive him was hard but it literally lifted him free from the destruction he was doing to himself by harboring that hatred. It was really a cathartic thing, it was good for Louie as well as a love and gesture of good for his fellow man.

MF - In my book and short movie I mention that it was me that was set free when I was able to forgive those who had done me wrong. It sounds like the same concept here.

LZ - Yeah, exactly.

MF - The film has been heavily promoted, what are your hopes that comes about for the movie?

LZ - I hope people take home from the film the power of faith and forgiveness. The film demonstrates the amount of suffering a person can endure. It also points towards the end that what really saved him was the ability to forgive those who had done him wrong. What I am really hoping is that this film will impact generations of people to consider their own situations and to look to forgive others. When they do that, it is also a way of helping themselves out.

MF - Your dad saw the film before his death. Do you think this is a part of what he wanted for it as well?

LZ - Oh, absolutely! He expressed from the very beginning that whatever shape the film took it had to include him making his promise in the life raft that if God would get him home from this ordeal that he would seek him and serve him and that he had gone back and forgiven his guards. Those two things were essential to him and Angeline did a marvelous job at getting them into the film.

MF - I appreciate it very much sir.

LZ - You're welcome and I do have a side note just for you. The guy who played The Bird in the movie, Miyavi, he is a guitar player. This is his first attempt at acting but he is a great Japanese Guitarist.

MF - I didn't know that, I did say in my review that I thought he deserved an Academy Award nomination for his acting.

LZ - Yeah, he is really good, but look him up. You will really appreciate the way he plays guitar.

MF - I will, I am a bass player and have worked with a lot of really good guitarist over the years so I really appreciate good guitar players.

LZ - Wow, great, you can find a lot of videos of him, (Miyavi) on youtube, but thanks a lot again for having me and I appreciate it.

MF - Thanks to you as well Luke, blessings to you.

LZ - You as well Mike.

The following is a video from CBS that remembers the Unbroken Spirit of Louis Zamperini, to see the video just click on the video, if the video doesn't appear, just click on the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyhFPqRZE9c

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Unbroken

I love movies, so much so that on occasion I will drive 3 hours through rush hour traffic in a major city to see one. Such was the case recently when I drove to Kansas City for an advance screening of Unbroken, a film meant to inspire and reflect the power of forgiveness. A wonderful concept if you will, especially when considering the film is to be released on Christmas day.

Unbroken follows through the use of flashbacks and narrative filming to tell the story of Louis Silvie “Louie” Zamperini. An Italian American growing up in California during the 1920's and 30's. He escaped his troubled youth through track and field distance running where he went on to run in the German, (Hitler) hosted Olympics of 1936. He later joined the U.S. Air Corps where the plane he was in crashed in the Pacific Ocean where he would spend 47 days at sea prior to being 'rescued' by Japanese forces. He remained a prisoner for the duration of the war.

Unbroken is directed by Angelina Jolie and the script is written by the Coen Brothers, Joel and Ethan. I must give kudos to Jolie for a well crafted effort that uses little dialog, especially from the principal actors and weaves the story together rather nicely. One of the things I was not certain of though was the way the story was weaved together by what appears to be the script. I am going to say something I hope others don't take wrong, but a huge part, if not the primary part of Zamperini's life and the thing that gave him the ability to endure the difficulties he went through was his faith, while there is brief mention of this, we never hear much dialog about it in the film. Instead the movie depends largely on images to present his ability to remain Unbroken. I have to wonder if the script writers and direction in the film truly understood the importance of this in Zamperini's life as it isn't evident to the viewer until the closing scenes where we see written narration on screen? This doesn't mean there aren't impressive qualities about the film, there absolutely is and in many ways the movie comes across as a reminder to the human ability to overcome. It shows the strength of a man, in an alluded way, through faith in a kind of Passion of the Christ movie kind of way without the bloody violence as displayed in The Passion of the Christ. It isn't to say Unbroken isn't emotional though, there was one lady during one particular scene in the theater I was in that had to literally run out of the theater weeping because she could not deal with what she was seeing on screen. There is brutality expressed in a haunting, and if you will, from a filmmaking perspective beautiful way. I would have just liked to have seen the character dealing with his faith through the process as it was a part of what made the man in real life who he was.

The two primary leads in the film do a surprisingly good job since they are not well known in film
circles as lead actors. Jack O'Connell does a very nice job in the lead roll of Zamperini. He actually has very little dialog and has to tell his story primarily through narration and living out the scenes on screen. His facial expressions and what times he does use dialog are very impressive though. The other example of little dialog from the actor is Takamasa Ishihara who plays the part of Mutsushiro Watanabe, known to the prisoners of war as The Bird, the overseer of the prisons where Zamperini spent his time during incarceration. Ishihara is so good I will be surprised if he doesn't receive an Academy Award nomination. The Bird was a brutal man who literally had Zamperini live through Hell on earth. The acting, all the way around, with no major movie stars is very good. Unbroken based on the quality of filmmaking alone, complete with cinematography, sound, etc... is worth seeing. I have to wonder though, will a story of this type, released on Christmas day, be well received?

Zamperini was a deeply spiritual man who made it very clear in his life that his faith and commitment specifically to Jesus Christ was what enabled him to remain unbroken during his time at sea and while imprisoned in Japan. Yet, while we see glimpses of this, allusion if you will, we don't have clarity as to that in the film. The imagery is definitely there though, from the struggles of a young man growing up in a deeply religious family, attending church, losing focus during church to ultimately being inspired by those around him through their faith in God. We even see him in a desperate situation, which resonates with the way it was for him to make a commitment to God while in a dangerous place. Here, he isn't just asking for spiritual salvation, he is asking for salvation from the situation he is in. We also see Zamperini in an almost supernatural way have the strength to endure and overcome situations that most of us watching wonder how could he overcome?

While a prisoner of war movie, Unbroken resonates with what I believe is the greatest illustration of the power of Christianity and faith in a movie I have seen on the topic, the 2001 movie, To End All Wars, starring Kiefer Sutherland. I have to compare these films because they seem to be so close in intent. To surmise the two; one, To End All Wars, is a great movie, Unbroken is a very good movie. I personally appreciated the intentional, and clear reminder of the importance and struggle with faith in To End All Wars much more as it seems a a more honest approach to the struggle one may go through in these situations.

Unbroken is however a powerful reminder of the need to overcome, especially for people who profess to believe in a God that gives the ability to overcome. It is a powerful reminder of the need to love, without retaliation and the powerful witness that can display for others. While watching the film one quickly sees what a hero is. Zamperini was undoubtedly a hero who was given strength by God to endure and overcome. In his ability to endure, there is no doubt of his witness to the strength and power of God but also the inspiration it gave others who witnessed what he went through. Unbroken, clearly on the topic of inspiration, gives clear witness to the ability of God to change a human life. From a young boy who wouldn't give up the fight, to a man dedicated to God who in the end, refused to fight in order that he may save lives, Zamperini was clearly a man who experienced God in his life, whether the film clearly speaks to that point or not.

Many from reading my review may think I didn't think highly of Unbroken, that is a mistake. It is a worthy film and one I believe that if thinking of the attributes of faith and what gives the strength to maintain that faith. If reminded of these concepts prior to seeing the movie one can clearly see the inspiration the movie can provide, even on Christmas day. Otherwise, as good as it is, it is also a message that could be overlooked by those seeing the film. I suspect the diehard, gun toting, blow the hell out of them 'christians' will take issue with the concepts of peace and nonviolence portrayed in the film, especially the efforts of Zamperini after the war but it is what it is. The mans life inspired multitudes, not by the act of war but the willingness to love and respond to violence with non violence. A concept many Christians have forgotten about, but an example once again, portrayed in a powerful way on screen. It is hard to forget about the sacrifices of men of this era, especially men like Zamperini, a true hero, who in the end, practiced forgiveness and love, not retaliation, certainly not in his personal life. While he understood the role of governments if you will, he also showed, by his actions and words, that he also understood the role of loving others and forgiveness as a bi-product of his faith. That is also a reminder for each person to consider, on the release of the film on Christmas day which celebrates the birth of the one called, The Prince of Peace.

I do feel compelled to make a closing comment, apparently according to the book, and comments by Zamperin, his conversion to Christ did not come until after WW2 via a Billy Graham Crusade. That said, the review is from the presentation of the film, but I think appropriate to get that concept worth mentioning to give the man the respect he deserves for the things he went through. I still think the review is appropriate though as to impression this reviewer felt and experienced from the movie.

While not perfect and falling just short of To End All Wars in my humble opinion, this is a very good, well worth watching, confrontation of faith in action movie. For that reason, for the number of letters in Zamperini, I give a very deserved 9 on a scale of 1 - 10

The following is a short documentary on the Real Louis Zamperini, to see the video simply click on the video, if that doesn't work, click on the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEGL-wyz1yk

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Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Interview with Luke Zamperini Son of Louis Zamerini, The Power Of God Featured In Unbroken

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Unbroken

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