Movies Everyone Should (But May Not) Have Seen

Richard Lewin, United Church of Christ pastor, retired.

Thursdays, October 5, 12, 19 and 26; 2 p.m – 4 p.m.
Bohm Theatre. Fee for Theatre: $10 for the series.

There are many movies of historical significance, artistic genius, with wonderful storylines, and ground-breaking technology that should be seen, even decades after their release. This class shall view four such movies — wonderful movies, that should be seen… ESPECIALLY if you have not been fortunate enough to have already seen them. There will be time provided for conversation regarding the viewing event.

Movie 1: La Haine (1995)

This is a French black-and-white film about three young friends, and their struggle to live in the banlieues (suburbs) of Paris. The title derives from a line spoken by one of them, “La Haine attire la Haine” (“hatred breeds hatred”).

Movie 2: UP (2019)

An exciting, funny, and poignant adventure, UP is the first animated and 3-D film to open the 2009 Cannes Film Festival: becoming one of the best animated films of all time, and winning two Academy Awards. Carl, a 78-year- old balloon salesman, sets out to fulfill a lifelong dream and fulfill a promise he had made to his deceased wife, Ellie; he ties thousands of balloons to his house, and flies away to the South American wilderness. The curmudgeonly Carl’s worst nightmare comes true when he discovers a little boy named Russell is a stowaway aboard the balloon-powered house.

Movie 3: Paths of Glory (1957)

A pivotal work by Stanley Kubrick (2001: A Space Odyssey, A Clockwork Orange), PATHS OF GLORY is among the most powerful antiwar films ever made. A fiery Kirk Douglas (Ace in the Hole, Spartacus) stars as a French colonel serving in World War I who goes head-to-head with the army’s ruthless top brass when his men are accused of cowardice after being unable to carry out an impossible mission. This haunting, exquisitely photographed dissection of the military machine in all its absurdity and capacity for dehumanization (a theme Kubrick would continue to explore throughout his career) is assembled with its legendary director’s customary precision, from its tense trench warfare sequences to its gripping courtroom climax to its ravaging final scene.

Movie 4: Eat Drink Man Woman (1994)

Tradition! Tradition! Traditions have been discussed, and debated by families all over the globe throughout history. Director Ang Lee (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon; Brokeback Mountain; Life of Pie) weaves a funny, poignant, and always entertaining story, of one such family, centered on a father and his three unmarried daughters living in modern-day Taiwan, where, each Sunday, as is their tradition, they gather around the table to share a meal, stories, and digest the wisdom of their all-knowing father.