I will never forget talking with an old school friend in the pub after he got back from the first Gulf War in 1991. He had left school at 16 and joined the army just as I went into the Sixth Form. In the Gulf he served as an officer in a tank regiment. At… Continue reading ‘They Shall Not Grow Old’ – a film by Peter Jackson [review]
Category: Films & music
Shannon Matthews and the three faces of poverty
Everyone who cares about poverty and community life in the UK should make sure they watch the BBC drama The Moorside. It is a thoroughly researched and brilliantly acted film about the tragic case of Shannon Matthews, a young girl from Dewsbury, West Yorkshire. In 2008, Shannon was reported as missing by her mum, Karen Matthews.… Continue reading Shannon Matthews and the three faces of poverty
Martin Scorsese’s ‘Silence’ – a review by Corin Pilling
Going to see many films produced by Christians is a bit similar to a visit to McDonald's. You hope that no-one sees you going in and as you indulge yourself, you try to convince yourself that the delivery of such a sugary hit must contain at least some nutrients. Many films marketed to the faith community seem designed… Continue reading Martin Scorsese’s ‘Silence’ – a review by Corin Pilling
The harrowing reality of UK poverty: ‘I, Daniel Blake’ [Review]
In 1967, Ken Loach's film Cathy Come Home was a seminal moment in the national consciousness about homelessness. The film led directly to the formation of the national housing charity Shelter. I, Daniel Blake is a Cathy Come Home for our times. Loach has once again shone an unflinching spotlight on poverty in the UK today. Its a film… Continue reading The harrowing reality of UK poverty: ‘I, Daniel Blake’ [Review]
‘It’s All About Me’: spiritual music to nourish the soul
I am really excited by this album of Christian worship songs that I have just discovered - check out this promotional video. It helps me focus on what is truly important - I would recommend it for anyone, but especially bloggers. Surely nothing could be a better in the week approaching Easter... Note: for those reading… Continue reading ‘It’s All About Me’: spiritual music to nourish the soul
Fifty Shades: Testing our Grey matter – by Mandy Marshall
By now you may be a bit sick of hearing all the news and views about Fifty Shades of Grey. Is it erotic mummy porn? Is it abusive? Is bondage domination sadism and masochism (BDSM) compatible with a healthy relationship? The film based on the books is being released tomorrow - Valentine's Day – but,… Continue reading Fifty Shades: Testing our Grey matter – by Mandy Marshall
The personal cost of injustice: review of ‘Selma’ (12A)
Few people have integrated activism, theology and personal commitment in such an inspiring way as Martin Luther King. ‘Selma’ is the first major feature film made about King. It focuses on his campaign in Selma, Alabama in 1965, where the restrictions and obstacles enforced on black people meant that, despite having a constitutional right to vote, hardly… Continue reading The personal cost of injustice: review of ‘Selma’ (12A)
Three reasons why everyone should watch ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ this Christmas
When the church leaves the building…
This is my favourite scene from the Oscar-winning 1954 film On the Waterfront, starring Marlon Brando. One of the key characters is a priest who is encouraging the dock workers to stand up against the corruption of the Union bosses. One docker, Kayo Dougan, is prepared to testify in court against the violence and extortion. But the day… Continue reading When the church leaves the building…
Bono on the difference between Grace and Karma
"It's a mind-blowing concept that the God who created the Universe might be looking for company, a real relationship with people, but the thing that keeps me on my knees is the difference between Grace and Karma... You see, at the centre of all religions is the idea of Karma. You know, what you put… Continue reading Bono on the difference between Grace and Karma
