17 March 2020

Courage, Grace, and Delight: Three Good Films

Not sure any of these films can yet be streamed but regardless whether you can see them now or will have to wait until (much) later, I can recommend all three.

1917. A story of two young British soldiers in WWI sent on a high-risk mission. One appreciates the risks; the other doesn't. One dies; the other lives. Determination, courage, and brotherly love in the face of great adversity. Reminded me of Dunkirk. A good review here.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. Not so much the story of Fred Rogers but of the effect that Rogers had on Lloyd Vogel, an investigative reporter sent to do a puff piece on Rogers. Looking for cracks in Rogers's facade, Vogel comes to see Rogers for the kind, unassuming man he is and sees his life turned around under Rogers's "ministry". As others have noted, the film downplays Rogers's Christian faith in favor of a heartfelt humanism yet a movie well worth watching. For the first ten minutes I observed how well Tom Hanks was playing Fred Rogers. Thereafter Hanks was Rogers.

Emma. In a word, a delight. An exceptionally well-crafted cinematic version of Jane Austen's eponymous novel. Over the course of the film Emma, beautifully played by Anya Taylor-Joy, grows from a mischievous manipulator of the affections of others into one whose personal affections are redirected from herself to others. The scenery, costumes, manners, and dialog were true to the lives of the landed gentry in Georgian England. Every bit as good--although not as out-loud funny--as Love & Friendship.

In short, three outward-facing opportunities with wisdom for life in disquieting times.

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