The End of the Spear
The other day, the Missus, a friend, and I went to see the movie "The End of the Spear". It's the story of a tragic and wonderful encounter, told from both sides, and is better than I thought it was going to be.
Have you ever noticed that Christians, the heirs of JS Bach and Michelangelo, often churn out pretty lousy "art"? Not long ago I heard today's Christian music described as "the best sounds of the 80s", which prompted someone else to comment "Christian Radio - 100 bands, 4 songs."
Now, it's not all bad. There are some exciting Christian musicians, people who do very special things and write songs aimed at the heart more than the pocketbook. There are some artists who are painting beautiful, intriguing, thought-provoking, pieces at very high levels. (Just for the record, I'm not one of them). If you want to know some great poets or painters expressing a Christian wordview, let me know and I'll be happy to clue you in.
But there's a lot of dreck that gets by just because someone uses the name "Jesus" 27 times per verse.
It's the same with movies made "for the Christian audience". Most of it's lifeless, with mediocre acting and soap-opera worthy writing. And that's a real shame because we of all people should be the most alive, most expressive, most poetic. Hey, we KNOW the Life, the Word, don't we? Why, yes we do. :-)
So whenever I see a movie aimed at Christians I cringe a little, hoping that it will be better than an afterschool special.
"End of the Spear" is. Oh, there are a few "clinks" in it, but that's true of most movies. But there's a beauty and grace about it you don't often see. It has life.
The story revolves around a missionary family trying to reach a remote, Central American tribe who have never heard the Good News: though we are sinners, there is forgiveness and a new life for all who will trust Jesus as Savior and follow Him as Lord. The husband, a pilot, does make contact but tragedy ensues, brutally and in shocking detail. The rest of the movie deals with the ripples that extend from that moment.
There are two or three moments of genuine, almost infinite, sadness as well done as anything I've seen onscreen. And some truly funny things as well (don't leave when the credits start rolling). I say, Go see it, and see if you don't agree. I think you will.
But see it quickly. Them thar Christian movies never seem to stick around for long.
Have you ever noticed that Christians, the heirs of JS Bach and Michelangelo, often churn out pretty lousy "art"? Not long ago I heard today's Christian music described as "the best sounds of the 80s", which prompted someone else to comment "Christian Radio - 100 bands, 4 songs."
Now, it's not all bad. There are some exciting Christian musicians, people who do very special things and write songs aimed at the heart more than the pocketbook. There are some artists who are painting beautiful, intriguing, thought-provoking, pieces at very high levels. (Just for the record, I'm not one of them). If you want to know some great poets or painters expressing a Christian wordview, let me know and I'll be happy to clue you in.
But there's a lot of dreck that gets by just because someone uses the name "Jesus" 27 times per verse.
It's the same with movies made "for the Christian audience". Most of it's lifeless, with mediocre acting and soap-opera worthy writing. And that's a real shame because we of all people should be the most alive, most expressive, most poetic. Hey, we KNOW the Life, the Word, don't we? Why, yes we do. :-)
So whenever I see a movie aimed at Christians I cringe a little, hoping that it will be better than an afterschool special.
"End of the Spear" is. Oh, there are a few "clinks" in it, but that's true of most movies. But there's a beauty and grace about it you don't often see. It has life.
The story revolves around a missionary family trying to reach a remote, Central American tribe who have never heard the Good News: though we are sinners, there is forgiveness and a new life for all who will trust Jesus as Savior and follow Him as Lord. The husband, a pilot, does make contact but tragedy ensues, brutally and in shocking detail. The rest of the movie deals with the ripples that extend from that moment.
There are two or three moments of genuine, almost infinite, sadness as well done as anything I've seen onscreen. And some truly funny things as well (don't leave when the credits start rolling). I say, Go see it, and see if you don't agree. I think you will.
But see it quickly. Them thar Christian movies never seem to stick around for long.
posted by David Hardesty | 11:53 AM
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