Meanne Mabesa Mijares is a Filipina inspirational and children’s book author. Ten (10) books have been published under her name. Her children’s books, “Emma Kali-kaliwete! Emma Uutal-Utal!” (St. Pauls 2014), "Diego Meets the Pope", and "Lala and The Enchanted Cloak" (Vibal Group 2017, 2018) have earned nominations from the 9th Cardinal Sin Catholic Book Awards in 2015 and the 40th/41st Catholic Mass Media Awards in 2018 and 2019, respectively.
DO YOU REALLY HAVE JESUS THIS CHRISTMAS? Ang Dalawang Hapag (A Christmas Reflection on the late Joey Velasco’s Two Banquets-Hope and Love)
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by Meanne M. Mijares
HAPAG NG PAG-ASA painted by Mr. Joey Velasco
It will soon be Christmas and we all know that Jesus Christ our Lord is the true reason of the season. Year after year, we are always being reminded of this truth. During the preparations for this much-awaited day, I am being strongly drawn to two, yes two, paintings by the late former Salesian seminarian, businessman-turned-visual “heartist” (an artist who creates art from the heart, since he did not receive formal training as a painter.) and philanthropist Joey Velasco and that for me, sum up what Christmas is about because Christmas is a joyous celebration with so many banquets and celebrations being held all over the world. But I would like to share my two cents’ worth on the two banquets he painted about-hope and love.
His paintings Hapag ng Pag-asa (Banquet of Hope) and Hapag ng Pag-ibig (Banquet of Love) spoke many volumes indeed about the love of God. Hapag ng Pag-asa, most especially called attention to the entire country and it was reprinted into postcards, calendars, and posters for every Filipino household. Indeed, Sir Joey was not only able to change his life but also the other faithful who were moved with his works and were inspired to do something for the poor and marginalized. It looks a simple painting but carries a very powerful message. The Lord used the “heartist” in Sir Joey and the transformative power of art to call people together to put love into action to awaken the message of love, sharing and generosity in our slumbering, parched and weary souls-with of course, the help and grace of our Lord no less.
“Hapag ng Pag-asa” is about twelve street children, representing the Filipino folk instead of His twelve apostles who invited our Lord to share a meal with them. The children many not have enough but they anchored their lives and hopes in Him. What makes the painting so special is because of the loving presence of our Lord who knows all our hurt, sufferings and problems that we face in our lives. We see ourselves in the plight of these twelve children also clinging to Him who knows the desires of our hearts, who has the power to answer our prayers and solves our problems beyond our dreams. Through this painting, Mr. Velasco reminds his children and to all of us as well about the importance of food consumption and avoidance of wastage as hunger is a problem rooted by greed. It also reminds us to put Christ our Lord at the center of our lives, whether it is Christmas season or not.
“Hapag ng Pag-ibig” is the follow-up to the earlier work and represents the children in an innocuous safe place where they are loved and cared for. This was painted during the time when shelters were being put together to take in the children and their families. Mr. Velasco was said to give color to each child’s visual rendering when each unit was being constructed in Hapag Village located in Amparo, North Caloocan. In reflecting on this painting, it says that in eternal life, we enjoy the loving company of our Lord. Where there is no more hurt, pain, hunger or thirst only happiness, joy and peace infusing the beauty and grandeur of Heaven.
In summary, these paintings and other previous works turn out to be more than just a platform of Mr. Velasco’s masterpieces. It is an eye-opener to the plight of the needy, oppressed and troubled. In due course, it is a representation of Jesus Christ-the real Emmanuel, dwelling in our midst.
They say art imitates life. But for Sir Joey, art transforms life. Considering himself a “socio- spiritual realist”, as he made artworks to reveal the realities of life, he reinvented the visual landscape to make known his own tale of hope and healing and by bringing the Lord Jesus closer to the Filipino people.
His paintings empower us to partake of His banquet of hope on earth so that we may have a generous share of His greatest banquet of love in Heaven. May our hearts be buoyed up with hope and love all year round, all the days of our lives. May we always celebrate a joyful Christmas with Jesus truly alive in and with us!
IT’S NOT EASY TO BE FIRST “FIRST MAN”: A FILM REVIEW
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By Meanne M. Mijares
Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said,
“Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”
Mark 9:35 (NIV)
So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
Matthew 20:16 King James Version (KJV)
Cast
Ryan Gosling … Neil Armstrong
Claire Foy … Janet Armstrong
Jason Clarke … Ed White
Kyle Chandler … Deke Slayton
Corey Stoll … Buzz Aldrin
Patrick Fugit … Elliot See
Christopher Abbott … Dave Scott
Ciarán Hinds … Bob Gilruth
Olivia Hamilton … Pat White
Pablo Schreiber … Jim Lovell
Shea Whigham … Gus Grissom
Lukas Haas … Mike Collins
Ethan Embry … Pete Conrad
Brian d’Arcy James … Joe Walker
Cory Michael Smith … Roger Chaffee
Kris Swanberg … Marilyn See
Directed by Damien Chazelle
Screenplay by Josh Singer
Based on the book by James R. Hansen
Distributed by: Universal Pictures
Genre: Drama
Rating: PG-13
First Man is Oscar-winning director Damien Chazelle’s (La La Land) serious, fact-based movie about distinguished astronaut Neil Armstrong. It’s set during the stormy decade leading up to his significant Apollo 11 moon mission. Ryan Gosling stars as Armstrong, the smart, brave, strong-minded, extremely enduring engineer-pilot-astronaut who endured to eventually become the first person to walk on the moon. Along the way, he and NASA must get through life-threatening circumstances including mission fiascos, hazardous test flights, and even the demise of esteemed team members — but this is more of an crafty character study than an Apollo 13-style page-turner. Expect social drinking, chain smoking, infrequent but memorable swearing (including “s–t,” “damn,” and one “f—ing”), and several tense, sad scenes of characters in danger. A child’s passing isn’t presented, but the impression is clear. Claire Foy co-stars as Armstrong’s wife, Janet, who has a bigger role here than many “NASA wives” in relatedly themed films. Some scenes were shot with a handheld camera in a way that can be quaking.
THE STORY
FIRST MAN is Academy Award-winning Damien Chazelle’s film bio about Neil Armstrong (Ryan Gosling). It took place between the years 1961 and 1969, those years that took Armstrong from being a test pilot in California to a groundbreaking NASA astronaut in Houston to the first person to walk on the moon. While he’s still flying planes in the Mojave desert, Neil and his wife, Janet (Claire Foy), suffer the loss of their daughter, Karen, who dies from brain cancer. Neil is then employed to officially join NASA’s space program in Houston. There, he and Janet make friends with the other astronauts, like Ed White (Jason Clarke), Elliott See (Patrick Fugit), and Jim Lovell (Pablo Schreiber), and their families as the men go on board on often precarious missions be in charge of up to the race to the moon.
Positive Messages
The film celebrates traditionally American values such as competition, pioneering spirit, courage, teamwork, hard work — all of which came into play to win space race to moon. It depicted how Armstrong’s humility, quiet strength, determination helped make Apollo 11 a fruitful mission.
Positive Role Models & Representations
Armstrong is a keen, brave, strong-minded engineer, pilot, and astronaut. He loves his wife and children but is also focused on his NASA mission. The astronauts are kind, reassuring, even though they’re also vying for slots on the moon mission. Janet is a caring, enduring, loving wife and mother.
Violence
More than a few deaths occur due to mission/equipment failures – and they take place off camera. In one case, lead-up to the deaths is shown, with astronauts worrying, yelling for help as fire breaks out. There were edgy scenes in which astronauts in space have to prevail over troubles that could have life-threatening results. Karen’s death is veiled; her petite casket is shown during a wake.
It is natural that a married couple dances, embraces, kisses but done in good taste. I have observed occasional strong language includes “holy s–t,” “damn,” “screw,” “jackass,” “hell,” “Jesus Christ!,” and one “f—ing.” I have also seen adults drink beer at a couple of get-togethers/dinners while some adults do chain-smoke.
CONCLUSION
Gosling gives an excellent feat as the thoughtful, intelligent space pioneer in this warm, primordial but thoughtful biopic. Chazelle’s adaptation of James R. Hansen’s novel of the same title First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong is a very personal discovery of Armstrong’s life in the 1960s. The movie opens with a uncomfortable, terrifying, dizzying test flight on the rocket-powered X-15 — a scene that’s contrasted with a upsetting sequence in which it’s clear that Neil’s little girl is ill. After her death, Neil hardly lets anyone see him break down, and that impassiveness about loss lasts throughout the years as he endures the death of his fellow pilots and astronauts who weren’t only colleagues but good friends. Gosling is a masterful thespian: one who never overacts and seems to truly comprehend the art of restraint. It helps that Armstrong isn’t an alpha male space herdsman or an go-getting and outgoing like Buzz Aldrin (Corey Stoll); he’s humble, hardworking, and at times emotionally aloof.
Although the movie offers plenty of nail-biting moments and picturesque cinematography (especially in the space/rocket scenes), this character study isn’t as similar to Apolllo 13, Gravity, or The Right Stuff as moviegoers might expect. Chazelle keeps the film focused only on the two Armstrongs, without trying to pick up every major event or figure involved in the space race. Unlike many other fact-based films about that time, which only cursorily include the astronauts’ wives, Chazelle gives Foy’s Janet plenty of screen time as the wife left behind to keep the house spic and span, calm down her frazzled nerves, and hope that her husband doesn’t become another NASA fatality. The film is buoyed by an excellent supporting cast and production and creative teams — First Man attests that Neil Armstrong is a uniquely self-effacing and modest celebrity and that Chazelle is one of the most multitalented filmmakers.
We Filipinos have been used and accustomed to many important traditions during Christmas time. For me, the most special one is attending the Simbang Gabi, Misa de Gallo or Misa Aguinaldo. What is it, really?
The Simbang Gabi is a series of novena masses which starts on December 15 up to December 23 leading to Christmas Eve which annually takes place. Attending these masses for nine (9) consecutive days expresses deep devotion and faith in God and preparing for the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
This comes with the belief that holds dear to many of us that God will grant your requests and answer your prayers when you have completed all the nine day novena masses.
Simbang Gabi starts at three (3) a.m. while in other churches or parishes, it starts at 8 am or 7:30 am. After the Mass, all the faithful buy bibingka and puto bumbong in the stalls and happily munch on them in one corner or when they get home. It goes well with piping hot ginger brew or chocolate.
Looking back, I remember the time when I was a teenager waking up so early to attend the 9 Simbang Gabi masses in our parish before going to school. There were so many people carrying their various special intentions in their hearts. At that time, I just prayed hard to God that I may be able to graduate from high school and land a slot in my dream university. It did not take long for it to come true. Gratitude and joy filled only my heart. And from that time on and to this day, it has already become second nature to me. In return, I studied and worked hard while doing acts of kindness all throughout.
Simbang Gabi only happens once a year so there is nothing to lose if we sacrifice our time to rise from our sleep and go to mass. Many answered prayers were granted and dreams have been fulfilled one after the other since that first Simbang Gabi experience I had and through writing this article for this Christmas season for FilCatholic readers, I encourage you to do the same and make it a part of your Christmas activities.
Remember that in making your dreams and aspirations in life come to fruition, prayer is the key and best investment you will ever make. Through it, your faith in Him will be bolstered. This is one essential ingredient to make all our dreams happen most especially if you are losing hope and spiritually undernourished.
More than that, for me Simbang Gabi is an encounter with our Lord. Here is a poem that I have discovered through the internet and I would like to share it with you all.
May this poem guide you through in preparing for the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ:
If You Look For Me At Christmas
…you won’t need a special star –
I’m no longer just in Bethelehem,
I’m right there where you are.
You may not be aware of me
amid the celebrations –
You’ll have to look beyond the stores
and all the decorations.
But if you take a moment
from your list of things to do
And listen to your heart, you’ll find
I’m waiting there for you.
You’re the one I want to be with,
you’re the reason that I came,
And you’ll find me in the stillness
As I’m whispering your name.
Love,
Jesus
Happy Birthday, Lord Jesus Christ!
We are grateful for the gift of Your Presence, love and salvation!
Have a blessed and joyous Christmas season, dear FilCatholic readers!
I have loved you with an everlasting love. (Jeremiah 31:3) KJV
A new commandment I give you: Love another as I have loved you. (John 13:34) KJV
CAST
Richard Gomez as Rick
Sharon Cuneta as Cristy
Kathryn Bernardo as Tin
Tommy Esguerra as Kyle
Liza Lorena as Tinay
Freddie Webb as Cito
Joross Gamboa as Paeng
Directed by Cathy Garcia Molina
Distribution by Star Cinema
Rating PG-13
THE STORY
In the movie, Three Words to Forever, three generations of couples are challenged with a tough question: what do they need to say to each other every day to forge a long-lasting relationship? Will the words “I love you” be enough to get them through?
The most recent flick from Star Cinema sees Tin, a sprightly young woman working in New York City packs her stuff to return to the country, so she can attend the emerald wedding anniversary cum renewal of vows of her maternal grandparents Cito and Tinay. Tin who believes in forever after is stirred by her grandparents’ enduring vow, resolves to bring her boyfriend Kyle with her.
However, she is unaware that her parents’ marriage is on the brink of collapse as Rick has declared his choice to leave Cristy for good after the course of their 25-year marriage.
Though, they agreed to keep mum about it and end it after their trip to Ormoc to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary of Cristy’s parents. While in Ormoc, Tin tells them that she has resolved to tie the knot with her boyfriend Kyle.
STRONG POINTS
“Three Words to Forever” thrives because of its stellar cast and notable character portrayals. With director Cathy Garcia-Molina at the helm, she made sure that film’s characters have harmony as a family, so viewers can readily empathize and relate to the story. Kathryn absorbed her character with gusto that is delightful but not gruff. Our Megastar was able to personify desolation hidden by strength, while Richard Gomez connected heavily, through his calm demeanor.
Former PBB housemate and model Tommy Esguerra did quite well in his portrayal as Kathyrn’s devoted boyfriend. Because the actors’ performances are so strong, it is easy to empathize with their pain. The emotional climax of the movie just might bring viewers to tears. Joross Gamboa was awesome in providing comic relief to the film and leaving the viewers in stitches!
Sharon fares a little better, yet she, like Richard, doesn’t really commit to the requirements of her character. She never satisfies the look of a wife who is trapped in an ill-fated marriage. Fortunately, when she is compelled to dish out a gamut of painful emotions, she does so credibly. It is just in the lighter moments that her character reveals a definite lack of complexity or pragmatism. Kathryn and Liza Lorena are exceptional given that their roles are not that tough and challenging enough.
WEAK POINTS
The result is a film that is more of the same narrative formula of a seemingly ordinary family bursting at the seams with secrets that threaten to ruin their fragile harmony. I noticed that they relied on the same methodology or formulaic structure to make it thrive at the tills where they could do so much more to tweak it to fare even better. What exactly went wrong if Three Words to Forever is bound to formula that more or less would arrive at something stirring? Unfortunately, it seems that the problem to “Three Words to Forever’s fustiness is the quality of performances.
“Three Words to Forever” isn’t picture-perfect, despite its depth in the acting prowess and storytelling dexterity not to mention that its visuals are quite defective.
The film is largely shot in the scenic hills and valleys of Ormoc, Leyte, but these scenes were only presented as launching shots. Many goings on take place outdoors, and it is quite confounding why the chosen shots are done at close range. Worse, the background looks somewhat hazy and simulated in these close ups. The climax, despite all the tears, moans and snuffles, fails to deliver.
It is crucial to the character of Rick that he be helpless by Cristy’s incessant nagging. However, Richard Gomez never really embodies any flake of emasculation. He, unfortunately, never seems to let go of his drive and celebrity status, wavering to comprehend a character who has become so outshined by his wife’s domination that his only way out to regain his “machismo ” is to dodge his marriage.
I find Freddie Webb portrayal, on the other hand, lackluster and unremarkable.
Making matters worse, the most poignant scenes or highlights of Three Words to Forever hardly involve Rick, Cristy, or any of their family member’s marital woes.
The film’s most moving and even wittiest and amusing portions consist of a variety of married couples who are questioned about their marital proficiencies and encounters. The interviews are actually quite plain, sans the gloss and maneuvering that permeate the story. However, without much pomp or cock-and-bull story, the narratives of real couples have all the genuineness and candor that is totally wanting in this film.
CONCLUSION
The message of the film is that what truly matters more in a relationship are the words that are often left unsaid and unexpressed. Saying “I love you'” every day hardly suffice, especially if you hold back from coming to terms about how you truly feel.
For a relationship to thrive, honesty is important while deceit could kill it. You need to convey your inner thoughts so that they won’t grow into bitterness or umbrage. Go ahead, tell the other person how much they mean to you, but do you also out rightly say how hurt you feel by the things they say or do? This is something worth pondering on.
On a spiritual level, perhaps saying “I am sorry” is a more necessary and principal statement that can direct to forever than saying “I love you.” It has to be proven time and again. Because we are not perfect people but broken people needing to learn and relearn over and over again until we get and do it right with a changed attitude and best efforts. Saying “I am sorry” makes us humble and build bridges until we can finally say with all sincerity “I love you”.
All the characters in the film look well. The locations are attractive. When everybody isn’t complaining about their trials and adversities, everything just feels pleasant and superb. The film never really works hard enough to represent issues and its struggles, making its emotional commotions feel underwhelming and meaningless and its happy ending so monotonous. “Three Words to Forever” is such an unexciting foray.
I guess, perhaps “Three Words to Forever” is far too engaged with luster that none of the emotions it aims to induce actually resonate properly.
Don’t get me wrong. “Three Words to Forever” isn’t an awful film. It’s only your colossally basic family drama with more integral problems than the marriages it portrays.
“BEAUTIFULLY DONE, WHIZ POPPINGLY FUNNY AND GREATLY EMPOWERING!” A FILM REVIEW ON “The BFG”
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By Meanne M. Mijares
Cast
Mark Rylance … The BFG
Ruby Barnhill … Sophie
Penelope Wilton … The Queen
Jemaine Clement … Fleshlumpeater
Rebecca Hall … Mary
Rafe Spall … Mr. Tibbs
Story (based on the novel by Roald Dahl)
Director: Steven Spielberg
Distributed by: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Genre: Family and Children
Rating: G
The BFG — which was directed by Steven Spielberg and based on Roald Dahl’s much-loved fantasy novel– is about a Big Friendly Giant (BFG) and Sophie, the young orphan he first seizes and later make friends with. The film has a gloomy tone, and jittery moments of danger and jeopardy intersperse the story to begin with. After Sophie got kidnapped, she expects the BFG to broil her for dinner, and later she’s pursued by the other giants, who love to devour children; these giants are detrimental, flamboyant, and creepy when they’re on screen. In one scene, the BFG implants a nightmare in Sophie’s mind when she sleeps just so she will believe him about how truly dreadful the other hulks really are. Death is also referenced in not-so- delicate ways: Sophie candidly states that her parents are passed on, and the BFG refers to another human child he used to be friends with who was undoubtedly chomped by the other giants. While the frights are enough to keep the kid viewers away, this fiction about uncovering friendship and family in the improbable places also extends sweetness, humor, and heart — as well as matters of courage, empathy, and perseverance.
THE STORY
In THE BFG, Sophie (Ruby Barnhill), a young orphan with insomnia, spends her evenings either walking the halls of the orphanage or reading books well into the wee hours of the night. On one of these restless nights, she finds herself face-to-face with “the boogie monster.” He kidnaps her and takes her to live on Giant Island; as a result, Sophie spends the beginning of the movie terrified and angry — she’s scared of being eaten and then angry when she learns she’s expected to live on Giant Island for the rest of her life. But gradually Sophie and the “monster” get to know each other, and Sophie learns that he’s actually a Big Friendly Giant (Mark Rylance), who walks the streets at night placing good dreams into children’s rooms. As their friendship unfolds, the BFG shows caring and kindness toward Sophie — and they work together to try to rid Giant Island of the rest of its scary, bullying residents, all of whom are eager to eat the “bean” (aka “child”) that the BFG brought home with him. Sophie and the BFG power through dangerous encounters, terrifying close calls, and sheer hilarity as they discover a deep and truly unique friendship.
STRONG POINTS
Educational Value
The film teaches kids about not judging others by their looks, about the importance of friendship (no matter how unbelievable it is), and the power of speaking up and seeking for help. Children may also learn about Nicholas Nickleby, the Charles Dickens book that Sophie is reading when she’s abducted by the BFG.
Positive Messages
The film emphasizes on themes about friends coming in all shapes and sizes, how even one or two persons can make a difference, and how everyone needs someone to have confidence in them. Sophie and the BFG’s friendship also delve into how friends should be there for each other, and their dealings with the queen discloses that is alright to ask for help, even if it seems intimidating and overwhelming.
Positive Role Models & Representations
The BFG and Sophie are great friends to each other. They protect, listen to, and support each other rise above apparently challenging hurdles. The queen believes in Sophie and the BFG and that is why Her Majesty agrees to help them. Sophie is brave and unwavering.
We All Have the Right to Make Our Dreams Come True
Steven Spielberg’s version of the Roald Dahl novel is visually stunning, with unified special effects that blend computer-generated giants with real-life actors. Mark Rylance stars as the title character – the Big Friendly Giant – who teams up with a strong-willed, 10-year-old orphan named Sophie (Ruby Barnhill). Together, they try to keep other giants from eating people with the help of the Queen of England (Penelope Wilton) and the British military. Sophie is in near-constant danger of being smushed, stomped on or outright devoured by the hulking inhabitants of Giant Country. And while the BFG himself is gentle and kind, the other giants – who are much larger than he is – are outlandish and threatening, and might seem scary for the kid viewers. Also, The BFG’s role is to capture dreams (and sometimes nightmares) to place in every Londoner’s head while they’re sleeping, so some of that metaphors might be a bit eerie for young children. And there’s a presence of a running joke involving pomposity that puts up a fiery culmination and best moments in the film. I’d say this is suitable for all ages.
VIOLENCE AND LEVEL OF FEARFULNESS
The tone of the film is dark, and there is a load of peril and danger. Sophie is taken away by the BFG and immediately taken to Giant Country (she screams the whole time). After she’s kidnapped, Sophie believes she’s going to be eaten as the Giant sautees dinner (and she lands in the skillet)! She later realizes she’s safe with him — but the other nine giants are indeed human-eaters. These giants hunt for Sophie and do away with the BFG’s home. They also hurt him in several apprehensive scenes that put Sophie (and the BFG) in dangerous positions as she makes an effort to hide from them. The BFG places a nightmare in Sophie’s mind when she sleeps just so she’ll believe him about how truly bad the other giants really are. In one scene, a truck hits a giant’s private parts. At one point, a giant nearly does eat Sophie, but she’s saved in the nick of time. The Royal British Army march into Giant Country and conquers each of the “bad” giants. I can see a good point here which the film zeroes in on the triumph of good versus evil, and no evil deed goes unpunished. Another point is that we can speak up against those who bully us and put the matter in the hands of God. There were also several allusions to the last child who stayed with the BFG, whom the other Giants found and consumed.
WEAK POINTS
Language
Invectives like “you’re a disgrace to giants,” and some mindless foolish humor as a special fizzy drink causes everyone (even the queen) to “whizzpop” (fart).
Drinking, Drugs & Smoking
Men who seem drunk walk around the streets below the orphanage, and Sophie yells at them. The giants drink a green fizzy drink called frobscottle, in which the bubbles go down instead of up. Although it’s supposedly made from fermented snozzcumber, t’s not alcoholic, seeing as Sophie is allowed to drink it (and so does the queen of England).
CONCLUSION
Based on the book by Roald Dahl, the BFG movie is an uplifting experience. It opens in an orphanage in the London. The main character, Sophie, is an insomniac orphan with a normal and ordinary life. But when she is awakened in the middle of the night, she meets someone who will change her life forever. She meets the BFG. In my opinion, the movie was very well done. It had a great plot with some added twists from the original story. The friendship between the BFG and Sophie is amazing. It is a joy to watch and see a little girl open herself up to the world with the help of someone you would never expect. The feeling is more like when you let a Big, Faithful God (Our Lord Himself) into your life and you are never the same again. With a funny and exciting plot, the BFG truly is a great film.
The magic, fantasy, and eventual pure sweetness between the two main protagonists is nothing short of heartwarming. The BFG has many opportunities to highlight what being a good friend is all about — and what it means to have strong values. Sophie, an orphan wise-beyond-her-years is portrayed incredibly well by Barnhill. She’s fully developed as a character, but her maturity is lovingly balanced with her regular, child-like ways. This is a long-awaited change, since “mature kids” in movies and TV shows can often seem lively and “un-relatable”.
The visuals live up to director Steven Spielberg’s reputation; as always, he has a knack for bringing fantastical elements and creatures into everyday life. As for the BFG himself, Rylance will win audiences over from his first (of many) teary-eyed smile. His giant warmth and compassion, his clumsy language and missteps, and his fortitude and determination will leave every viewer– wanting to have their own BFG. But as for most people, nothing beats a BIG FAITHFUL GOD!
The story line is new and refreshing which is hard to find in movies these days. I was extremely impressed by the BFG’s facial expressions, the artistry, and genuine smile that I found constant erupting on my face. Ruby Barnhill as Sophie does a wonderful performance. I would not be surprised if a bright acting career is in her future!
The atmosphere created was much deeper, richer and more enchanting. I commend Steven Spielberg for doing more than an amazing job on this movie. He deserves the Best Director Award! The realistic friendly face of the BFG is an incredible artistic achievement. I love the perfect balance for children with the bad Giants, not focusing on too much of the ghastly images and instead of the usual with films nowadays somehow made directors thinking the louder, the scarier the better, Spielberg gave the Giants personality over scary looks that gives a spine tingling feel.
FAMILY BONDING TIME AFTER WATCHING “THE BFG”
I encourage parents to discuss with their children what makes Sophie such a strong character in The BFG.
Some questions they may find helpful are the following:
Do you think Sophie is a good role model? Why? Can you recall other movies highlighting strong female characters?
What was the frightening part of the film? Did the creepy parts make the film sadder or more fun? Why? How much frightening stuff can young children deal or cope with?
What did the BFG teach you about friendship? What specific things happened that were examples of empathy, courage, and perseverance? Why are those important character builders?
Why do you think the BFG didn’t eat “beans” like the other giants? In what ways is he different from the other giants?
A few nights ago, I went to watch the movie “An Interview with God,” which highlighted the life of Paul Asher, a young Christian journalist portrayed by Brenton Thawaites who begins to look into his faith after spending time in war-torn Afghanistan. He receives an invitation to engage in three 30-minute interviews with God.
In terms of production value and quality, I must say, it is excellently done. The graphic quality and drama are first-rate. The amusing and multifaceted dialogue between God (portrayed by David Strathairn) and Paul serves as the main thrust of the movie, with his faith crisis and collapsing marriage functioning as the setting.
Story Line
The film did a brilliant job of revealing the reality of an individual’s tussling with God and his own personal faith. Paul’s marriage is on its last legs and his prayers, from his standpoint, seem to go one-sided. While parts of the film are mind infuriating and could very well serve as good conversation-starters. However, in the end, it is not predominantly deep and leaves the viewers with so many questions than answers.
Spirituality
There is an argument about free will and God’s will. God retorts with Paul by countering, “if everyone attempted to do everything according to my will, nothing would get done.” God then goes on to define a person paralyzed. Again, I recognize the producers’ intent, but for someone unfamiliar with the Scriptures, this could lead down a wrong path by moderating the importance of God’s will, which unswervingly relates to His holiness. When Jesus taught us to pray, He begins by acknowledging God’s holiness. It is through this lens that we are to embrace the rest of the prayer, including, “…Thy will be done on earth, at is it in heaven.” (God is not concerned about how we daily subsist in our lives, but He is most definitely concerned about destroying evil.)
In the dialogue on salvation, evil, and Satan (hell is never mentioned), God replies, “Satan is overrated” and “he (Satan) only has the power we give to him.” While it is true that Jesus has defeated Satan (and sin and death) on the Cross, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, Christians can resist the devil’s schemes and defeat his attacks (1 John 5:18), it is still important to remember that we live in a world cursed by sin and that is unfortunately ruled (temporarily) by Satan, notwithstanding within God’s prescribed limits for God’s own purposes (1 John 5:19).
While the devil is nothing more than a single fallen angel he and his legions of demon cohorts nonetheless have power, but only because God allows it for His purposes, which are often far above our understanding. In short, GOD IS STILL IN FULL CONTROL.
While I agree we as Catholics and Christians very often give Satan more credit than he deserves, it is treacherous to circumvent the reality that he does wreak havoc on this world by tempting and subjugating people in sin (even though none of us can ever claim, “the devil made me do it,” see James 1:14-15). More importantly, as the film addresses evil and Satan, it seemed strange that a rejoinder indicates that hell exists was left out totally. At one point, God proposes to Paul that miracles are “within” each of us to live out and, in effect, make the world a better place by healing marriages, caring for the sick, etc. God encourages Paul, “you have more power than you know.”
I would possibly agree on this one; however, without a sound understanding of what the Bible actually teaches on these topics, this could hoodwink movie viewers to simply embrace God’s love, ignore that hell exists, and “go and make the world a better place”. But Jesus’s great commission was not go and “make the world a better place” (honestly, the Bible tells us that this world is earmarked for judgment; 2 Peter 3:7), but rather to evangelize it. “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19-20).
Ending the “Interview”
I find the end of the film somewhat disappointing. An interview takes place with two persons who share some personal thoughts about it, including a discussion on the importance in prayer of not only speaking, but listening to God. I could not agree more. Unfortunately, the “listening” centered on being receptive to God’s voice through things such as our circumstances, “signs,” words from other people, etc. However, there was little to no discussion about the importance of knowing God’s Word, even though Scripture is how God speaks to us. 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that all Scripture is “God-breathed.” If this is true (and it most surely is), shouldn’t knowing what God’s Word says be our priority if we want to hear from God? I concur that God can use other things to confirm His Word, but if we don’t know His Word, how can we trust these less important ‘voices?’
Conclusion
Overall, the producers’ aim is worthy – to encourage conversations about God and faith, and in that regard, I would say they have made the grade. The eminence of the film is very well done. Even the concepts of God, evil, and salvation, if taken as a whole and carefully considered in light of the Bible are reasonably on point (more on than off, but that’s the best I can honestly say).
However, there are many places where, if what is being presented about God (or evil, salvation, etc) are taken separately, they could lead down the incorrect path. While I speak well of the producers that pieces of the true gospel are ‘sprinkled’ in here and there, I felt it could have been more clearly presented – if not in the movie itself, then at least in the interview towards the end, which would have been far better had they interviewed church leaders or others represent God who had some qualified theological training to lead us into a deeper discussion and a more thorough and meticulous presentation of the Gospel.
It is my hope people will leave the theaters realizing how much God loves them, and because of that, there is no question that is forbidden or out-of-bounds or question that He can’t handle or that in asking, could ever break His love for us. I want people to feel emboldened to share and discuss the tough and hard-hitting questions in life.
“With the Rosary, the Christian people sits at the school of Mary and is led to contemplate the beauty on the face of Christ and to experience the depths of his love.
Through the Rosary the faithful receive abundant grace, as though from the very hands of the Mother of the Redeemer.”
St. John Paul II
“Rosarium Virginis Maria”
“The Rosary is a powerful weapon to put the demons to flight and to keep oneself from sin… If you desire peace in your hearts, in your homes, and in your country, assemble each evening to recite the Rosary.
Let not even one day pass without saying it, no matter how burdened you may be with many cares and labors.”
-Pope Pius XI
by Meanne M. Mijares
October is Rosary Month. Devotion to the Holy Rosary has brought many wonderful blessings in my life. In gratitude to our Lord and Blessed Mother I share with you the following Rosary Challenges to bless the people around you as you reach out to them. The Rosary is a powerful prayer of intercession to our Blessed Mother. We ask her to bring our prayers to her Divine Son and plead for His aid. We bring our Rosary intentions to Mary with the hope that our prayer requests will be answered. While many of us want to spend more time praying the Rosary or learn how to pray it, it can sometimes be grueling to find that so-called “hard to pin down” time. Many of us also have a desire to be a blessing to more of our neighbors in need. But the same problem happens. What’s the solution? If, on one occasion, we combine both, we can honor Jesus through prayer and meditation, while doing some of the good work He calls us to do. Here are four Rosary challenges that can help us meet both goals:
Plant Seeds or Trees
While we’re aware that there are many people in the world who don’t have enough food to eat, we don’t always realize that hunger is a problem in our own communities. Because salaries have not increased as much as the cost of living, many of us still struggle to put food on our tables and keep as many roofs above our heads. If you have a patch of land or pots you can use, why not plant seeds to grow vegetables while listening to and praying along with your Rosary App or audio recording? Having a tree planting activity with your family, loved ones and friends while praying the Rosary is also a great idea and noteworthy endeavor. Whether you donate the harvest to a food bank or soup kitchen program or to people you know who don’t have easy access to nutritious crop, you can feel good about feeding the hungry, while feeding your soul and help save the environment.
Reason: Save Your Soul
“If you say the Rosary faithfully until death, I do assure you that, in spite of the gravity of your sins ‘you shall receive a never-fading crown of glory.’ Even if you are on the brink of damnation, even if you have one foot in hell, even if you have sold your soul to the devil … sooner or later you will be converted and will amend your life and will save your soul, if– and mark well what I say– if you say the Holy Rosary devoutly every day until death for the purpose of knowing the truth and obtaining contrition and pardon for your sins.”
-St. Louis de Montfort from The Secret of the Rosary
Make or Donate a Rosary Apostolate
If you would like to try beading, you could make a rosary while praying the Rosary. There are many online video tutorials and documents that are available on how to make various kinds of rosaries, including the beaded and knotted ones. There are also kits you can purchase that have the supplies and instructions included. You may also wish to encourage children to join. They will surely enjoy it!
Reason: Blessings for Your Children
“Do not cease praying for your children; God’s grace can touch a hardened heart. Commend your children to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. When parents pray the Rosary, at the end of each decade they should hold the Rosary aloft and say to her, ‘With these beads bind my children to your Immaculate Heart,’ she will attend to their souls.”
– St. Louise de Marillac
You could donate the rosaries you make to people in problematic situations. For instance, you might want to donate them to local shelters or nursing homes. Alternatively, you might wish to organize a group or join one that sends them to our troops overseas. Of course, you could also give it as a gift to a loved one. Make sure it’s blessed!
Reason: Solve Problems
“The Most Holy Virgin in these last times in which we live has given a new efficacy to the recitation of the Rosary to such an extent that there is no problem, no matter how difficult it is, whether temporal or above all spiritual, in the personal life of each one of us, of our families…that cannot be solved by the Rosary. There is no problem, I tell you, no matter how difficult it is, that we cannot resolve by the prayer of the Holy Rosary.”
– Sister Lucia dos Santos, Fatima visionary
Walk For A Cause
We’re all aware of the positive effects that walking can generally have on our fitness and energy levels. At our churches and in our communities, there are several ways we can utilize that newly-found energy and fitness to help others through volunteering. And for this challenge, you can even pray the Rosary on your rosary beads. As long as you’re healthy enough to walk for about 20-30 minutes, pray as you walk. If you’re not sure of your ability, it might be best to consult your doctor. Use your rich energy to volunteer for a church ministry or a community group that helps people in need.
As you start your walk, I would like to suggest that aside from reciting the four mysteries, you may wish to include the Mysteries of Mission courtesy of The Society of the Divine Word (Latin: Societas Verbi Divini, abbreviated SVD), popularly called Verbites or the Divine Word Missionaries. It can be said any day of the week, particularly when we pray for our missionaries and celebrate World Mission Sunday.
The Mysteries of Mission:
The Incarnation “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God…And the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us and we saw His glory (John 1:1,14)
The Epiphany “The Magi were overjoyed at seeing the star and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary His mother. They prostrated themselves and did Him homage.” (Matthew 2:10-11a)
The Calling of the Twelve Apostles “He went up the mountains and summoned those whom He wanted and they came to Him. He appointed twelve that they might be with Him and He might send them forth to preach. (Mark 3:13-14)
The Washing of the Feet “If I therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet you out to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow so that as I have done for you, you should do also.” (John 13:14-15)
The Mission-Sending of the Disciples to the Word “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
Reason: Relaxation and Meditation
“By its nature the recitation of the Rosary calls for a quiet rhythm and a lingering pace, helping the individual to meditate on the mysteries of the Lord’s life as grasped by the heart of her who was closer to the Lord than all others.”
– Pope Paul VI
Pray for People in Need
There are many groups of people in the world that are desperately in need of our prayers. Whether it’s the homeless, the abused or all those suffering from dire illnesses or injuries, praying the Rosary, especially for them, can make an amazing difference in their lives. While Saint Padre Pio called the Rosary “the weapon for these times,” Saint Josemaria Escriva declared that people who pray the Rosary with confidence will “be amazed at the results.” If we make the time to pray it for a group of strangers, we will be helping some of our neighbors who may not have friends or family who will pray it for them.
Reason: Therapeutic Benefits
“The Rosary is the best therapy for these distraught, unhappy, fearful, and frustrated souls, precisely because it involves the simultaneous use of three powers: the physical, the vocal, and the spiritual, and in that order.” – Archbishop Fulton Sheen
While these four challenges and reasons may help us to meet our goals of praying the Rosary more and helping more of our neighbors in need, it’s important to remember that meditating on the mysteries and drawing closer to Jesus should come before even the most noble activities. As St. John Paul II reminded us, the Holy Rosary leads us to “contemplate the beauty on the face of Christ and to experience the depths of his love.” In doing so, we naturally bless others through His love.
Let me leave you with one more reason to pray the Rosary with fervor:
You Pray with Heaven
“When you pray ‘Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now…’ the Blessed Mother comes instantly to your side to pray with you. And she does not come alone. She brings angels with her. And not just one or two for she is the Queen of Angels, so choirs of angels come with her. And she and Jesus are joined at the heart and cannot be separated so she brings Jesus with her. And Jesus cannot be separated from the Trinity so He brings the Father and the Holy Spirit with Him. And where the Holy Trinity is all of creation is and you are surrounded by such beauty and light as you cannot imagine in this life.”
– Father Gabriel Amorith, Chief Exorcist of the Vatican
By Meanne M. Mijares
