Christian and Faith-Based Films

Biblical & Historical Films | Christian & Faith-Based Films | Apocalyptic Films | Controversial Films
Films for Children

BIBLICAL AND HISTORICAL FILMS

Anchoress (1993) [VHS only] [Available through CWMARS]

Story of a 14th century visionary girl whose passions have attracted the attention of the two most powerful men in the village. Starring Natalie Morse, Eugene Bervoets, Toyah Willcox; directed by Chris Newby. Not rated.

Andrei Rublev (1966) [Available through CWMARS]

Story of the famed 15th century icon painter who survives the cruelties of medieval Russia and creates works of art. In Russian with English subtitles. Anatoly Solonitsyn, Ivan Lapikov, Nikolai Grinko; directed by Andrei Tarkovsky. Not rated.

Barabbas (1962) [Available through CWMARS]

Pardoned instead of Christ, Barabbas is haunted for the rest of his life. After watching his former lover being stoned to death for her belief in Jesus, Barabbas returns to his life of thievery. Arrested again, he is sent to the sulphur mines and then to gladiator school where he witnesses yet another friend give his life in the name of the Nazarene. It is only at the end, when Barabbas himself faces crucifixion, that he discovers his faith. Based on the novel by Pär Lagerkvist. Starring Anthony Quinn, Silvana Mangano, Arthur Kennedy; directed by Richard Fleischer. Not rated.

Becket (1964) [Available through CWMARS]

As young men, Thomas à Becket and King Henry II of 12th century England wench and carouse together. In middle age, Henry appoints Becket Archbishop of Canterbury but a stormy clash develops when Becket, sobered by his office, challenges Henry's royal edicts. Starring Richard Burton, Peter O'Toole, John Gielgud; directed by Peter Glenville. Not rated.

Ben-Hur (1959) [Available through CWMARS]

A peace-loving prince of Judea leads his nation against the wrath of the conquering Romans. His self-imposed destiny brings tragedy to himself, and his people, as he learns to fight, to love, to hate and, finally, to forgive. Based on the novel by Lew Wallace. Winner of 11 Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Director. Starring Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins, Haya Harareet; directed by William Wyler. Not rated.

Black Robe (1991) [Available through CWMARS]

In the 17th century a Jesuit priest and a young companion are escorted through the wilderness of Quebec. Starring Lothaire Bluteau, August Schellenberg, Aden Young; directed by Bruce Beresford. Rated R.

Brother sun, sister moon (Fratello sole, sorella luna) (1973) [DVD available through CWMARS]

A compelling, insightful look at the early years of Francis of Assisi, who abandoned a life of wealth and comfort to seek a spiritual union with the world. Starring Graham Faulkner, Judi Bowker, Alec Guinness; directed by Franco Zeffirelli. Rated PG.

The Flowers of St Francis ( Francesco, giullare di Dio) (1950) [Available through CWMARS]

In a series of simple and joyous vignettes, director Roberto Rossellini and co-writer Federico Fellini lovingly convey the universal teachings of humility, faith, and sacrifice of the People's Saint. In Italian with English subtitles. Starring Brother Nazario Gerardi, Brother Severino Pisacane, Esposito Bonaventura. Not rated.

The Gospel According to St Matthew (Il vangelo secondo Matteo) (1964) [VHS only] [Available through CWMARS]

The film, which won a Special Jury Prize at the 1964 Venice Film Festival, is different from other cinematic depictions of the life of Christ in that there is no screenplay per se. Pasolini limited himself to the account by Matthew; only words written by the Saint are employed; no additional dialogue was written and only scenes described by Matthew are shown. Featuring nonprofessional actors; directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini.

The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965) [DVD available through CWMARS]

Drama of the life of Christ, the teacher and saviour, healer of the hopeless and champion of the poor, from Galilee to Golgotha. Starring Max Von Sydow, Michael Anderson, Jr., Carroll Baker; directed by George Stevens. Rated G.

Luther (2003) [Available through CWMARS]

Regional princes and the powerful Catholic Church wield a fast, firm and merciless grip over 16th-century Germany. But when Martin Luther issues a shocking challenge to their authority, the people declare him their new leader - and hero. Even when threatened with violent death, Luther refused to back down, sparking a bloody religious revolution that shakes the entire continent to its core. Starring Joseph Fiennes, Alfred Molina, Jonathan Firth; directed by Eric Till. Rated PG-13.

Jesus of Nazareth (1977) [Available through CWMARS]

Maintaining the perfect balance between religious fervor and realism, this film depicts the life of Christ from His birth through His resurrection. It is acclaimed exceptional for its thorough Biblical and historical research written in consultation with leading Anglican, Catholic and Jewish religious authorities. Starring Robert Powell, Anne Bancroft, Ernest Borgnine; directed by Franco Zeffirelli. Not rated.

The King of Kings (1927)

The King of Kings is the Greatest Story Ever Told as only Cecil B. DeMille could tell it. In 1927, working with the biggest budget in the history of Hollywood, DeMille spun the life and Passion of Christ into one of the highest-grossing films of all time. Starring H.B. Warner, Joseph Schildkraut, Ernest Torrence. Not rated.

The King of Kings (1961)

The story of the life of Christ, describing certain events that took place between Romans and Jews and setting the political background, and the personalities and ideas of the New Testament. Starring Jeffrey Hunter, Siobhan McKenna, Hurd Hatfield; directed by Nicholas Ray. Not rated.

A Man for All Seasons (1966)

Historical drama about the opposition of Sir Thomas More to the divorce of King Henry VIII and the events which led to More's execution. Starring Paul Scofield, Wendy Hiller, Leo McKern, Robert Shaw; directed by Fred Zinnemann. Rated G.

The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999)

A young girl receives a vision that drives her to rid France of its oppressors. Starring Milla Jovovich, John Malkovich, Faye Dunaway; directed by Luc Besson. Rated R.

The Mission (1986) [VHS only] [Available through CWMARS]

This film is a powerful epic about a man of the sword and a man of the cloth who unite to shield a South American Indian tribe from brutal subjegation by 18th century colonial empires. Starring Robert De Niro, Jeremy Irons; directed by Roland Joffe. Rated PG.

The Nativity Story (2006)

Powerful, timeless and visually magnificent, The Nativity Story is a beautiful telling of one of the world's most familiar stories. Starring Keisha Castle-Hughes, Oscar Isaac, Hiam Abbass; directed by Catherine Hardwicke. Rated PG.

The Passion of Joan of Arc (La Passion de Jeanne D'Arc) (1928)

Dramatization of the life of Joan of Arc centering on her trial and execution. Silent film with French intertitles and English subtitles and musical soundtrack. Starring Renée Falconetti, Eugène Silvain, André Berley; directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer. Not rated.

Quo Vadis (1951) ) [VHS only] [Available through CWMARS]

It's 64 A.D. and Rome revels in pomp and debauchery under the mad Emperor Nero. Into this corrupt court comes Marcus Vinicius, a heroic military commander who falls in love with Lygia, only to learn that she is a convert to the new religion of the gentle carpenter from Nazareth. Starring Robert Taylor, Deborah Kerr, Leo Genn; directed by Mervyn LeRoy. Not rated.

The Robe (1953) [VHS only] [Available through CWMARS]

A Roman tribune who is ordered by Pontius Pilate to carry out the crucifixion of Christ becomes obsessed with the power of the Saviour's robe, and as he journeys through the Holy Land seeking to find and destroy it, he becomes converted to Christianity. Starring Richard Burton, Jean Simmons, Victor Mature; directed by Henry Koster. Not rated. Sequel: Demetrius and the Gladiators (1954).

The Seventh Seal (1957) [Available through CWMARS]

A 14th century Swedish knight returns from the Crusades to find his country ravaged by the plague. The knight encounters Death, personified, and plays chess with him, hoping for time to resolve his own religious doubts and to save a young couple from death. In Swedish, with English subtitles. Starring Gunnar Bjornstrand, Max Von Sydow, Bibi Andersson; written and directed by Ingmar Bergman. Not rated.

The Song of Bernadette (1943) [Available through CWMARS]

Until a miracle changes their minds, church and state officials persecute a simple, ingenuous peasant girl who claims to have seen a vision of the Virgin Mary. Starring Jennifer Jones, William Eythe, Charles Bickford; directed by Henry King. Not rated.

The Ten Commandments (1956) [Available through CWMARS]

The story of the life of Moses from the Pharaoh's household through his life of leading his people to freedom. Starring Charlton Heston, Yul Brynner, Anne Baxter; directed by Cecil B. DeMille. Rated G.

CHRISTIAN AND FAITH-BASED FILMS

About Schmidt (2002)

Warren Schmidt is about to taste the not-so-sweet slice of life. When he retired, he and his wife, Helen, had big plans - but an unexpected twist changes everything. Now, all of Schmidt's attention is focused on his daughter's upcoming wedding to a loser waterbed salesman. From meeting the groom's hippie parents to sponsoring a Tanzanian foster child, Schmidt embarks on a search for answers, only to discover that life is full of trick questions. Starring Jack Nicholson, Hope Davis, Dermot Mulroney; directed by Alexander Payne. Rated R.

The Apostle (1997)

A gifted, charismatic Southern preacher, loved by his community, is secretly plagued by the darker side of human desire and rage. When he commits a crime of passion, he is forced to run from the law and set out on a new mission: to find the road to redemption. Starring Robert Duvall, Farrah Fawcett, Billy Bob Thornton; written and directed by Robert Duvall. Rated PG-13.

Babette's Feast (Babette's gæstebud) (1988) [DVD available through CWMARS]

Babette, a superb French chef, lives an anonymous life among a pious congregation on the desolate coast of Denmark. As housekeeper and cook to two elderly, religious women, she's never called on to prepare anything very exciting. Then, one day she wins 10,000 francs and decides to spend it all by creating the most memorable meal ever consumed, even though her guests will have no idea what they're eating. Based on a story by Isak Dinesen. In French and Danish with English subtitles. Starring Stephane Audran, Birgitte Federspiel, Bodil Kjer; written and directed by Gabriel Axel. Rated G.

The Bicycle Thief (Ladri di biciclette) (1948) [Available through CWMARS]

An unemployed man gets work for which his bicycle is essential. Its theft and the man's desperate attempt to recover it evoke a story of deep poignancy. Italian dialogue with English subtitles. Starring Lamberto Maggorani, Enzo Staiola, Lianella Carnel; directed by Vittorio de Sica. Not rated.

Bruce Almighty (2003)

Bruce Nolan is a discontented TV reporter who believes the entire universe is stacked against him. After a bad day, Bruce flies into a rage and blames God for making his life so miserable. God responds by endowing Bruce with all of His divine powers and challenges him to take on "The Big Job" to see if he can do it any better. Starring Jim Carrey, Jennifer Aniston, Morgan Freeman.; directed by Tom Shadyac. Rated PG-13.

Chariots of Fire (1981)

The story of two British track athletes, one a determined Jew, and the other a devout Christian, who compete in the 1924 Olympics. Academy Award for Best Picture. Starring Ben Cross, Ian Charleson, Nigel Havers; directed by Hugh Hudson. Rated PG.

Come to the Stable (1949) [VHS only] [Available through CWMARS]

Determined to fulfill a promise made to God for saving a hospital from destruction during World War II, Sister Margaret and Sister Scolastica arrive in Connecticut with the dream of building a children's hospital. All they need is land and money. They already have the most essential ingredient--faith. Starring Loretta Young, Celeste Holm, Hugh Marlowe; directed by Henry Koster. Not rated.

Dear God (1996)

Tom Turner a is money-scamming con artist who goes from no-good to doing good. His transformation begins when a judge gives him a choice of work or prison. Tim chooses work, and is assigned to a post office's Dead Letter Office. There he begins a con of divine proportions - by responding to letters addressed to God. With a few "miracles," he's in the right place to pocket any offerings mailed back. But an unexpected miracle takes place when the city starts cheering on Tom and his loony "God Squad." Starring Greg Kinnear, Laurie Metcalf, Maria Pitillo; directed by Garry Marshall. Rated PG.

Elmer Gantry (1960)

One man's fervent pursuit of wealth and power leads him to religion for profit in the evangelist tents of the 1920's Midwestern Corn Belt. Starring Burt Lancaster, Jean Simmons, Dean Jagger; written and directed by Richard Brooks. Not rated.

Entertaining Angels: The Dorothy Day Story (1996)

Examines the life of social activist Dorothy Day and the Catholic Worker movement. Starring Moira Kelly, Heather Graham, Melinda Dillon; directed by Michael Ray Rhodes. Rated PG-13.

Finding Home (2003) [Available through CWMARS]

Amanda inherits a bed-and-breakfast after the death of her grandmother. The busy executive has every intention of selling it off, until she begins going through her grandmother's belongings. She then begins to question her way of life. Starring Lisa Brenner; Genevieve Bujold, Louise Fletcher; directed by Lawrence D. Foldes. Rated PG-13.

The Five People You Meet in Heaven (2004)

Eddie is an eighty-three-year-old war veteran. He spends his days maintaining the rides at Ruby Pier, a seaside amusement park. Now Eddie's own life is about to come to an end. One morning, an accident occurs on one of the rides. In front of a horrified crowd, Eddie attempts to save the five-year-old's life. The last thing he sees is the little girl's frightened face, the last thing he feels is the child's hands in his. Then, a blinding flash of light and silence, and Eddie reawakens in an unfamiliar place called Heaven. But he's not alone. Five people have been waiting to meet him. Based on the book by Mitch Albom. Starring Jon Voight, Ellen Burstyn, Jeff Daniels; directed by Lloyd Kramer. Not rated.

Going My Way (1944) [DVD available through CWMARS]

Musical story of a young priest who saves a mortgage-ridden parish from financial collapse. Starring Bing Crosby and Barry Fitzgerald; directed by Leo McCarey. Not rated. Sequel: The Bells of St Mary's (1945).

Grand Canyon (1991) [DVD available through CWMARS]

In Los Angeles, two men from very different walks of life meet and their friendship, based on a good deed, sets into motion a chain of events that surprises and affects the lives of not only the two men, but also their friends and families. Starring Danny Glover, Kevin Kline, Steve Martin; directed by Lawrence Kasdan. Rated R.

Hometown Legend (2002) [Available through CWMARS]

Once, Athens, Alabama, was golden. Its football team, the Crusaders, won the state title 16 times in a row. The American Leather Football Company provided good jobs to the townspeople. But now, the football coach is gone, and the Crusaders haven't won a championship in years. Will the new young hero of the team lead the town to redemption? Based on the book by Jerry B. Jenkins. Starring Terry O'Quinn, Lacey Chabert, Nick Cornish; directed by James Anderson. Rated PG.

Hoosiers (1986)

A basketball coach with a checkered past leads him to a last-chance position with a last-chance team. Starring Gene Hackman, Barbara Hershey, Dennis Hopper; directed by David Anspaugh. Rated PG.

How Green Was My Valley (1941)

A man looks back on his life as a boy in a small Welsh mining town. His reminiscences reveal the disintegration of his closely knit family, while capturing the sentiments and issues of their time. Academy Awards for Best Picture and Director. Starring Walter Pidgeon, Maureen O'Hara, Anna Lee; directed by John Ford. Not rated.

In America (2002)

Told by 11-year-old Christy, a child wise beyond her years. An Irish couple bring their two young daughters to America in search of a better life. Christy and her sister, Ariel, find New York's Hell Kitchen a place of magic where anything is possible. To their parents, it represents a place to begin anew. Carried by the girls' youthful hope and faith, the family finds the heart to live and love again. Starring Samantha Morton, Paddy Considine, Sarah Bolger; directed by Jim Sheridan. Rated PG-13.

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

James Stewart plays a small-time banker who believes his life has been useless and plans suicide – until Clarence, his guardian angel, convinces him otherwise. With Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, and Thomas Mitchell; directed by Frank Capra. Not rated.

Joan of Arcadia: Television Series (Season 1, 2003-2004)

An average 16-year-old, Joan is going through the growing pains typical to any teenager after she and her family relocate to Arcadia. Except for one thing: Joan has been getting visits from God. Originally broadcast on CBS Television. Starring Joe Mantegna, Mary Steenburgen, Amber Tamblyn.

Keys of the Kingdom (1944) [Available through CWMARS]

Inspiring, moving story of one man's effort to serve God without any thought of personal gain or earthly reward. Starring Gregory Peck, Thomas Mitchell, Vincent Price; directed by John M. Stahl. Not rated.

Lilies of the Field (1963) [DVD available through CWMARS]

A free-spirited ex-G.I. stumbles upon five refugee nuns in Arizona and helps them build a chapel. Academy Award for Best Actor. Starring Sidney Poitier, Lilia Skala, Lisa Mann; directed by Ralph Nelson. Not rated.

The Long Walk Home (1990)

Two women, black and white, in 1955 Montgomery Alabama, must decide what they are going to do in response to the famous bus boycott lead by Martin Luther King. Starring Sissy Spacek, Whoopi Goldberg, Ving Rhames; directed by Richard Pearce. Rated PG.

Love Comes Softly (2003)

A woman's dream to forge a new life for herself on the great American plains becomes a test of her pioneering spirit, her inner strength, and her undying faith. It was Marty Claridge's dream to build her new life on the frontier with her husband. But when the courageous pioneer woman is suddenly widowed, she's offered a new opportunity-- to marry a widower in a marriage of convenience. What they did not expect was that the marriage would lead to love. Based on a novel by Janette Oke. Starring Katherine Heigl, Dale Midkiff, Skye McCole Bartusiak; directed by Michael Landon Jr. Not rated.

Magnolia (2000) [DVD available through CWMARS]

A mosaic of American life woven through a series of comic and poignant vignettes. Nine people will weave and warp through each other's lives. Some will mend frayed bonds, others will be exposed. Starring Tom Cruise, Philip Seymour Hoffman, William H. Macy; written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. Rated R.

Marcelino, Pan y Vino (Miracle of Marcelino) (1955)

This multi-award winning film tells a deeply affecting story about the power of goodness. The use of strong symbolism and haunting imagery sets an undeniable mood: Marcelino, a boy who grows up in a monastery, prepares to eat his daily serving of bread. When he decides to give a statue of Jesus a piece of his small meal, the statue accepts the offer and rewards him multifold. In Spanish with English subtitles. Starring José Nieto, Fernando Rey, Rafael Rivelles; directed by Ladislao Vajda. Not rated.

The Ninth Day (Der neunte tag) (2004) [Available through CWMARS]

Noted German director Volker Schlondorff's (The Tin Drum) highly compelling film, which tells the true Nazi-era story of a priest, played by Ulrich Matthes, provides a unique examination of historical events that took place during the Holocaust. In German with optional English subtitles. Not rated.

The Nun's Story (1956) [DVD available through CWMARS]

Audrey Hepburn portrays a nun whose life journey takes her from the staff of a mental asylum to a surgical nurse in the Belgian Congo. She returns to Belgium as WWII breaks out and is torn between the needs of the Resistance and the church's neutrality. With Peter Finch, Dame Edith Evans, Dame Peggy Ashcroft; directed by Fred Zinnemann. Not rated.

Places in the Heart (1984)

It's the 1930's in Waxahachie, Texas. Against this Depression-torn background unforgettable characters meet and collide. Its emotionally gripping story centers around Edna Spalding and her unending struggle against extraordinary hardships. Starring Sally Field, Lindsay Crouse, Ed Harris; written and directed by Robert Benton. Rated PG.

The Preacher's Wife (1996)

Dudley is an angel who is sent to earth to help a young minister and his beautiful wife revive their marriage. But things take a twist when Dudley accidentally falls in love with the preacher's wife. Starring Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston, Courtney B. Vance; directed by Penny Marshall. A re-make of The Bishop's Wife (1947). Rated PG.

The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry (2009)

Best buddies Dustin, Albert, and Mark are twelve-year-old boys looking forward to a summer of fun in 1970. When Dustin mows the lawn of 75-year-old Jonathan Sperry, a man he has seen at church, a unique friendship develops, setting the stage for a summer the three boys will never forget! Starring Gavin MacLeod, Robert Guillaume, Jansen Panettiere; written by Rich Christiano and Dave Christiano ; directed by Rich Christiano. Rated PG.

Shadowlands (1993) [VHS only] [Available through CWMARS)

Based on the true story of C.S. Lewis, a world-renowned writer and professor who remains untouched by any great passion until he meets and falls in love with Joy Gresham, a feisty, abrasive New York divorcee. Starring Anthony Hopkins, Debra Winger, Joseph Mazzello; directed by Richard Attenborough. Rated PG.

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Two convicts, one white and one black, never give up the dream of freedom, and together they turn hope and friendship into an uplifting bond no prison can ever take away. Based on the short novel Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King. Starring Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton; directed by Frank Darabont. Rated R.

The Shoes of the Fisherman (1968) [Available through CWMARS]

A Russian Pope attempts to avert a conflict between Russia and Red China by declaring that the Church's total wealth should alleviate the world's starving and challenges other institutions to do the same. By this gesture to achieve world peace he wants to give religion a new role in the modern world. Noted for its meticulous description of the papal election process. Starring Anthony Quinn, Sir Laurence Olivier, Oskar Werner; directed by Michael Anderson. Rated G.

Tender Mercies (1982) [VHS only]

Mac Sledge is a down-and-out country singer battling alcohol and depression. His ex-wife will not allow him to see their daughter, Sue Ann, and she is making popular the songs that Mac had written and sung. Mac's new family will not let his heartbreaks bring him down again. Starring Robert Duvall, Tess Harper, Betty Buckley; directed by Bruce Beresford. Rated PG.

Waterproof (1998) [Available through CWMARS]

Eli, a Washington, D.C. storeowner, is inadvertently shot by the young son of a taxi cab driver. In a panic, his mom kidnaps the wounded Eli and flees to her hometown of Waterproof, Louisiana. Arriving at the home of her estranged family, it's not long before a dark childhood secret is revealed. An emotionally-charged, faith-based story that focuses on the interaction of a stranger and a family torn apart by a long-buried secret. Starring Burt Reynolds, April Grace, Whitman Mayo; directed by Barry Berman. Rated PG-13.

APOCALYPTIC AND ‘HORROR' FILMS

Apocalypse: Caught in the Eye of the Storm (1998) [Available through CWMARS]

The male and female co-anchors of a news network are caught in the middle as armies descend into the Valley of Armageddon, millions of people vanish, and a charismatic leader arises. Starring Richard Nester, Leigh Lewis, Jack Van Impe; directed by Peter Gerretsen. Rated PG. Sequels: Revelation, Tribulation and Judgment.

Hangman's Curse (2003) [Available through CWMARS]

Within the shadowed corridors of Rogers High School, the students are claimed by a deadly power. Nate and Sarah and their two teenage children race to protect the students from the mysterious forces around them...and from their own prejudices. Based on the novel by Frank Peretti. Starring David Keith, Mel Harris, Leighton Meester; directed by Rafal Zielinski. Rated PG-13.

Left Behind (2000) [Available through CWMARS]

On an overseas flight to London a journalist, Buck Williams, and a pilot, Rayford Steele, are caught in the middle of the most incredible event in history. Suddenly, without warning, dozens of passengers simply vanish into thin air. As chaos and anarchy engulf the world, both men set out on vastly different paths in a desperate search for answers. Based on the best-selling novels by Tim F. LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins. Starring Kirk Cameron, Brad Johnson, Chelsea Noble; directed by Vic Sarin. Rated PG-13. Followed by Left Behind II: Tribulation Force and Left Behind III: World at War.

The Omega Code (1999) (VHS)

The Omega Code is a suspense thriller about just such an event - discovery of the Bible's intangible secrets and hidden messages, and the fight to control the world before the end of days. Starring Casper Van Dien; Michael York; Catherine Oxenberg; directed by Rob Marcarelli. Rated PG-13. Sequel: Meggido: The Omega Code 2 (2001).

Signs (2002)

In Bucks County, Pennsylvania, a five-hundred-foot crop circle is found on the farm of Graham Hess, the town's reverend. The circles cause a media frenzy and test Hess's faith as he journeys to find out the truth behind the crop circles. Starring Mel Gibson, Joaquin Phoenix, Cherry Jones; written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan. Rated PG-13.

Time Changer (2002) [Available through CWMARS]

A Bible professor from 1890 comes forward in time to the present via a time machine and cannot believe the things that he sees! Starring D. David Morin, Gavin MacLedo, Hall Linden; written and directed by Rich Christiano. Rated PG.

CONTROVERSIAL FILMS

Agnes of God (1985) [DVD available through CWMARS]

When, at an isolated convent, the infant of a young nun is found strangled, a court-appointed psychiatrist must decide if the devout but troubled girl is fit to stand trial. Starring Jane Fonda, Anne Bancroft, Meg Tilly; directed by Norman Jewison. Rated PG-13.

Black Narcissus (1947)

Majesty gives way to mystery, and marks a harrowing descent into madness, when a young British nun is ordered to establish a convent in the remote Himalayan mountains. Starring Deborah Kerr, Sabu, David Farrar; written, produced and directed by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. Not rated.

The Color Purple (1985)

An uneducated woman living in the rural American south who was raped by her father, deprived of the children she bore him and forced to marry a brutal man she calls "Mister" is transformed by the friendship of two remarkable women, acquiring self-worth and the strength to forgive. Based on the novel by Alice Walker. Starring Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, Adolph Caesar; directed by Stephen Spielberg. Rated PG-13.

Dead Man Walking (1995)

Matthew Poncelet is the convicted killer of two teenage lovers, preparing to end his life on death row. In response to a letter, Sister Helen Prejean visits Matthew and finds herself face-to-face with a killer who still pleads his innocence. When the date is set for his execution death by lethal injection, Poncelet asks Sister Helen to be his spiritual advisor and she agrees, little knowing the outrage that will follow her decision. Based on the book Dead Man Walking by Sister Helen Prejean. Starring Susan Sarandon, Sean Penn, Robert Prosky; written and directed by Tim Robbins. Rated R.

The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)

In an extremely rare decision, the Catholic Church officially recognized the demonic possession of a 19 year-old college freshman. Told in terrifying flashbacks, it chronicles the haunting trial of the priest accused of negligence resulting in the death of the young girl believed to be possessed. A middle-aged single lawyer defends Father Moore, a priest on trial for the negligent homicide of a young girl named Emily Rose. Loosely based on events which occurred in Germany. Starring Laura Linney, Tom Wilkinson, Campbell Scott; directed by Scott Derrickson. Rated PG-13.

Jesus of Montreal (Jésus de Montréal) (1989) [DVD available through CWMARS]

A Montreal shrine seeks to inspire its congregants by modernizing its staging of the Passion play. A promising cast of vibrant young actors are signed on - one fresh from perfume commercials, another from the pornographic film industry, and another who had an affair with the basilica's priest - quickly drive the production on to become a smash hit. But as the play enjoys the success, the actors become more and more challenged to separate their real lives from their lives onstage. French dialogue, English subtitles. Starring Lothaire Bluteau, Catherine Wilkening, Johanne-Marie Tremblay; directed by Denys Arcand. Rated R.

The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)

In this controversial movie, Jesus, as both fully human and fully divine, is viewed as free of sin but subject to all temptations, including sexual ones. Based on the novel by Nikos Kazantzakis. Starring Willem Dafoe, Harvey Keitel, Barbara Hershey; directed by Martin Scorsese. Rated R.

The Passion of the Christ (2004)

Controversial film detailing the final hours and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Aramaic, Latin and Hebrew dialogue, English or Spanish subtitles. Starring Jim Caviezel, Monica Bellucci, Claudia Gerini; directed by Mel Gibson. Rated R.

Woman Thou Art Loosed (2004)

An adaptation of Bishop T.D. Jakes' self-help novel, chronicling a woman's struggle to come to terms with her legacy of abuse, addiction and poverty. Starring Kimberly Elise, Loretta Devine, Debbi Morgan; directed by Michael Schultz. Rated R.

FILMS FOR CHILDREN

Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005)

When Lucy Pevenise, her older brothers Edmund and Peter, and her older sister Susan are sent to the country for safer keeping during the initial bombing raids of WW II, they decide to play hide-and-seek in the strange house of the mysterious professor.During the game Lucy discovers a mysterious wardrobe and discovers an entirely different world. The place is called Narnia, and it's been locked in winter for over 100 years by someone known as "The White Witch." Based on the book by C.S. Lewis. Starring Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, William Moseley; directed by Andrew Adamson. Rated PG.

Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie (2002)

Animated feature. Archibald Asparagus stars as Jonah, who is chosen by God to help spread his message to the world. Unfortunately, his first stop on his evangelical tour is the city of Nineveh, where the residents while away their days bingeing on cheese snacks and arguing. Circumstances force Jonah to set sail across the ocean, where he's assisted by Khalil, and pirates who are led by the well-meaning but lethargic Mr. Lunt, Pa Grape, and Larry the Cucumber. However, Jonah's mission gets a bit of a setback when a mammoth whale changes his plans. Featuring the voices of Phil Vischer, Mike Nawrocki, Tim Hodge; written and directed by Phil Vischer, Mike Nawrocki. Rated G.

The Prince of Egypt (1998) [DVD available through CWMARS]

Animated feature. A tale of two brothers, one born of royal blood, one an orphan with a secret past. Growing up the best of friends, they share a strong bond of free-spirited youth and good-natured rivalry. But the truth will ultimately set them apart, as one becomes the ruler of a powerful empire, the other is the chosen leader of his people. Featuring the voices of Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, Michelle Pfeiffer. Rated PG.

6/10

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