 |
|
|
| February, 2008 | ||
| Return to Index |
|
|
MILAREPA is a film about a young man who would eventually become Tibet’s greatest saint. While simple in its theme, the story is engaging and illustrates a powerful message. Milarepa is the son of a wealthy merchant who is the designated heir to the family fortune. After his father’s untimely death events transpire that leaves the family destitute. Milarepa, hopeless and confused, becomes filled with thoughts of violence and revenge; at an early age he finds himself on a life-path that becomes increasingly complicated and challenging to navigate. A compelling story of renewal, we are introduced to the drastic consequences and the emptiness of revenge. I think Milarepa’s journey will leave most viewers thinking about difficult situations in a different way. This riveting story is told beautifully by director Neten Chokling. In addition to the stunning beauty of the film and the message it delivers is actor Jamyang Lodro’s remarkable portrayal of Milarepa. This film is an excellent reminder that there is always hope on the other side of seemingly impossible situations. |
||
DORIS Dörrie’s documentary, How to Cook Your Life, follows best-selling author, master chef and Zen priest Edward Espe Brown from the kitchen to the classroom as he shares his insights of embracing a new outlook on life through cooking. Brown asks that we “study cooking, study yourself, study what is happiness, what is joy, what is it you really want in your life.” From this pretext, the film explores topics ranging from anger and sincerity, to affluence and waste. I think viewers will connect with the message here of surrendering to beauty and simplicity in every single moment. Brown offers, “if you’re going to wash the rice, wash the rice or if you’re going to stir the soup, stir the soup” and to truly give your undivided attention to these tasks and learn how to appreciate them. With all the gems and knowledge that the film delivers, what I loved most is that it made me want to not only cook, but to find the joy in it. This film serves up a tasty dish of life and food—bon appétit! |
||
BEYOND the Gates is one of several recent films that re-creates the horrific events that transpired in Rwanda in 1994. It’s told from the perspective of a priest and schoolmaster Father Christopher, brilliantly portrayed by John Hurt, and an idealistic, young teacher, Joe Connor (Hugh Dancy). The film centers on the United Nations’ occupation of Father Christopher’s school; many of the Tutsis seek refuge there from the rebel Hutus. The situation is further complicated by the UN’s orders “not to enforce the peace, but to monitor it.” The position by the UN that the school is not to be used as a refugee camp, but that it will be used as a military base, are in direct opposition with Father Christopher’s stance on his school and its purpose. These differences set the stage for serious internal dilemmas for the characters. While this gripping story aptly illustrates the horrific violence that occurred in Rwanda, it goes beyond it. It shows many facets of these characters, such as their crises of faith and their struggles to try and resolve the unthinkable events they’ve witnessed. It is worth noting that many people who worked on this excellent film are survivors of the violence in Rwanda. |
||
Living Luminaries THIS fascinating tale follows a young man, Sean Mulvhill, on his journey to find happiness. On his quest he comes across many “living luminaries” who range from popular authors and teachers to ministers, and even a voodoo priestess. They all help him to clarify and define his journey. This documentary/life-enrichment project tackles the age-old question of “How can we truly find happiness?” One perspective, which I found amazing, comes from the experience of Geronimo Pratt. He was falsely imprisoned for twenty-seven years for a crime he did not commit, and you will be in awe when you hear his story and his views on happiness. What is refreshingly unique about this film is not only the extensive knowledge of the luminaries, but also the diversity of the group, which includes Eckhart Tolle, Marianne Williamson, Rabbi Nachum Schifren, Dr. Michael Beckwith and many others. I genuinely appreciated all of the various perspectives, which when merged together formed one universal truth— our individual responsibility for creating our happiness. |
||
| —Charmain Crook | ||
To
read further, pick up your copy of Science of Mind Magazine United
Church of Religious Science Web Design
and Graphics Copyright © 2003
Marty Bunch Art Originals
|
