When I decided to write movie reviews for this blog, I knew I wanted to do something different. Personally, I don’t believe that parents care much about what critics think when they are looking for a movie to watch with their children. Most parents I know just want something entertaining, exciting, and engaging without having to worry about inappropriate content. I never want to be guilty of suggesting that parents watch a movie because I think it’s good. Instead, I want to help parents watch movies through the lens of Christianity. Some movies are blatantly anti-Christian, but most are neither in opposition to Christianity nor supportive of it. I do think, however, that almost all movies today have some elements that parents can use to teach their children fundamental Christian values.
Inkheart(PG) is an enchanting fantasy film based on a book series by the same name. The movie stars Brendan Fraser as Mortimer Folchart, a bookbinder with an extraordinary gift. Mo, as he is fondly called by his daughter Meggie, has the ability to bring the words in books to life. When Mortimer reads aloud, characters, events, and objects move from the world of imagination into the present, but not without consequence. Unfortunately when something comes from the "inkworld" into the real world, something from the real world must replace it. Mortimer discovers his incredible talent by accident while reading to his 3 year old daughter from the medieval fantasy book Inkheart. Three characters from the book—the evil Capricorn, his minion Basta, and the fire-eater Dustfinger—appear in Mo’s living room while his loving wife Teresa disappears into the “inkworld.” For the next 9 years, Mo and Meggie travel around Europe running from the evil Capricorn and scouring bookstores for a copy of the book so Mo can bring his wife home. The pair eventually has to enlist the aid of the book's author, Fenoglio, and Resa’s aunt Elinor, played by the magnificent Helen Mirren.
I thought the movie was delightful even though I found the plot full of holes. While I did think the story dragged along at times, I found the host of characters interesting and entertaining in their struggles. I felt that good and evil characters were clearly defined, which young children often appreciate. Even though I think very young children will lose interest after a few minutes, I believe elementary-school aged children will enjoy jumping into the medieval world of fire-eaters, sword-throwers, princesses, and mythical creatures. I believe there is only one character that might be frightening to young viewers—the Shadow, a black smoke monster that is beckoned near the end of the film. I actually found myself drawn to the characters and silently hoping they redeemed themselves. Even though I kept waiting for surprises, I wasn’t disappointed with the film. The movie isn’t particularly Christian in content but I was able to recognize some themes that Christian parents can discuss with their children.
The viewer learns in the movie Inkheart that words have power. In this story, by reading the written word, the main character is able to give life to characters, both good and evil. This reality convinces Mo to be overly cautious and to never read aloud again. Christianity teaches something very similar. It is through God’s voice that all things come into existence. Every Christian knows the story of Genesis---“God said, ‘Let there be light’ and there was light.” The Creation story illustrates the omnipotence of God through His words. John, in his Gospel, refers to Jesus as “the Word made flesh” who came to live, as man, in the world. The word of God is also a term given to the Scriptures. It is through the Word of God, both in Jesus and the Scripture, that all Christians come to know Christ. The Word of God is powerful indeed. Not only is God’s word powerful, but so are the words of humans. Unlike the childhood mantra of “Sticks and stones may break my bones,” words do have the ability to hurt or heal. Most people know from personal experience how hurtful words can be and how encouraging acclamations can be. In his Letter to the early Christians, James writes about the power of the tongue. He points out that words can be used for either blessings or curses and that Christians should be ever mindful of their speech. While it may seem overwhelming to consider, Christian parents may find either of these points to discuss with their young children. Younger children can certainly grasp the importance of using kind words and being respectful. Older children may be ready for deeper understanding of the Bible and prayer. Teenagers may even appreciate a more complex discussion regarding the Trinity.
While the power of words is a central theme of the movie Inkheart, there is another underlying concept. Most of the main characters are aware of their flaws whether it be selfishness, greed, self-doubt, or fear. Throughout the film, the characters are forced to examine themselves. The good people somehow manage to overcome these flaws and make the right decisions, while the evil characters succumb to their desires. One character, in particular, struggles with selfishness, finally sacrificing his desires to save his friends. This theme is fairly common in most childhood fantasy films and, on the surface, may seem trivial. The secular world values the concept that one does not have to believe in God to make moral or right judgments. While this may be true for many non-believers, Christians recognize that rejection of sin is possible only through Christ Jesus. Christianity teaches that, with the fall of Adam, humankind became subject to temptation and inclined to sin. Man’s will is therefore weak and, in this state, he would rather please himself than please God. To help humanity choose God over selfish desire, Christ willingly paid for the sins of the world through His death and resurrection. The gift of God’s grace helps Christians become free from the power of sin, desire to live righteously, and live for the glory of God. Christian parents can use this opportunity to help explain the theological concepts of grace, justification, and sanctification.
The desire to reject sin and please God is similar to one other theme in the film—reconciliation. The main character in the film, through his own actions, has caused a separation from his wife. Longing only for her, he searches and suffers for 9 years. He is willing to do whatever he must in order to be united with her once again. This story may appear to be nothing more than romance, but this idea is at the heart of Christianity. One of the most well known parables of Jesus is the story of the Prodigal or Lost Son. In this story a wealthy man has two sons, one of whom demands his inheritance and leaves home. After squandering everything and living among the pigs, the young man desires nothing more than forgiveness from his father and to return home. When the young son returns home, he is greeted rather surprisingly by the open arms of his father and a feast. Christian parents can explore several concepts when discussing this story. Obviously, there is the unimaginable love God has for his children, his desire for them all to be with him, and his unceasing forgiveness. Parents might also use the parable to explain how Christians, once they recognize the gravity of their sins, desire only to return to the security and warmth of God’s love. This may also be a good way to explain, especially to teens, the lure of personal fulfillment and desire, the consequences of rejecting Christ and His Church, and the peace of reconciliation.
Once again, I don’t believe the writers or producers of Inkheart had Christian theology in mind when making this film. I do feel, though, that parents should be willing to use the tools available to them when teaching their children about Christian faith. All movies are not vehemently anti-Christian. Some are just simple stories with familiar themes. Christians can use the films to teach their children fundamental Christian values and theology. Jesus said to his disciples in Luke 9:50b, “…for whoever is not against you is for you.” Before rejecting a film, Christians might consider if they are justified or are simply being intolerant.
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