Movie Review

Neerja (2016): 120 Minutes

Director: Ram Madhvani

Cast: Sonam Kapoor, Shekhar Ravjiani, Shabana Azmi, Yogendra Tiku, Kavi Shastri & Jim Sarbh

Neerja is a powerful portrayal of Neerja Bhanot, the brave flight purser who gave her life to save 359 of the 380 passengers aboard Pan Am Flight 73 when it was hijacked by the Abu Nidal Organization in Pakistan in 1986. Her selfless courage earned her posthumous honours from India, Pakistan, and the U.S.

The film delves into Neerja’s personal life, highlighting her career as a flight attendant, a decision made against her mother’s wishes, and her failed marriage to a controlling husband. On September 5, 1986, Neerja boards Pan Am Flight 73, flying from Mumbai to New York via Karachi and Frankfurt. The hijackers, posing as security officers, infiltrate the plane at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport. Neerja quickly informs the crew, enabling the pilots to escape through the cockpit hatch, foiling the terrorists’ plan.

The terrorists, seeking to identify American passengers, demand passports, but Neerja hides several American passports, preventing more targeted attacks. Tensions escalate when an Indian-American passenger is shot, and the radio engineer Ali is forced to negotiate on behalf of the hijackers.

After 17 gruelling hours, a power failure plunges the plane into darkness, causing panic among the terrorists. Seizing the opportunity, Neerja opens the emergency exits, guiding passengers to safety. In a final act of heroism, she shields three children from gunfire, sacrificing her own life to save theirs. The Pakistani Special Service ultimately storms the plane, capturing the terrorists.

Neerja is a poignant tribute to a real-life heroine, capturing her remarkable courage and selflessness in the face of terror, making it a moving and emotional watch.

A Little Princess (1995): 97 minutes

Director: Alfonso Cuarón

Cast: Liesel Matthews, Eleanor Bron, Liam Cunningham, Rusty Schwimmer, Arthur Malet, Vanessa Chester, Errol Sitahal

Alfonso Cuarón’s A Little Princess, adapted from Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic story, is a touching children’s fantasy about resilience, love, and kindness amidst adversity. Set in early 20th century London, the film follows young Sara Crewe, the daughter of Captain Crewe of the Indian colonial army. When World War I breaks out, Sara is sent to a strict private school run by the cold and snobbish headmistress, Miss Minchin, who showers Sara with false affection, hoping to benefit from her father’s wealth.

At the school, Sara experiences class and racial discrimination but forms deep friendships with Becky, a Black servant girl, and Ermengarde, a fellow student mistreated due to her social status. Known for her storytelling, Sara captivates her peers with tales of Indian mythology, earning their admiration. However, her world collapses when, during her birthday celebration, she learns her father is presumed dead in battle.

With no money left, Miss Minchin strips Sara of her privileges and forces her to live in the attic with Becky. Despite her hardships, Sara remains kind-hearted, befriending those in the market and earning the nickname ‘Princess’ from a local vendor. She also meets Randolph, a grieving old man, and his Indian servant, Ram Dass, who helps her in times of need.

The story reaches its heartwarming conclusion when Sara discovers her father is alive and recovering from war wounds in Randolph’s home. The film ends on a joyful note as Sara, Becky, and Captain Crewe prepare to return to India, celebrating the triumph of hope and love over adversity.

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Mending the Line (2022): 122 minutes

Director: Joshua Caldwell

Cast: Brian Cox, Sinqua Walls, Patricia Heaton, Perry Mattfeld, Wes Studi, Irene Bedard, Tristan Thompson.

The movie explores the struggles of Colter, an American Marine dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after returning from the Afghan war. The film opens with a poignant statement: “There’s more great literature written about fly fishing than any other sport,” setting up fly fishing as a central motif. This traditional Western hobby, involving the use of artificial lures to catch fish like Salmon and Trout, becomes a crucial element of Colter’s healing journey.

Haunted by the guilt of losing his comrades and grappling with alcoholism, Colter is eager to return to the battlefield. At a veteran’s rehabilitation center, he meets Dr. Burke, who encourages him to confront his condition with a realistic perspective. Although Colter initially resists and reacts angrily to Dr. Burke’s guidance, he eventually begins to open up through his interactions with Ike, a senior veteran who frequents the center. Ike, an avid fly fisherman, becomes a mentor to Colter, introducing him to the therapeutic practice of fly fishing.

As Colter learns the art of fly fishing from Ike, he also befriends Harrison, the owner of a local tackle shop. Despite some initial friction, their bond strengthens through their shared passion.

The film also introduces Lucy, a local librarian who volunteers at the rehab center by bringing and reading books to the patients. She, too, is a wounded soul, this creates a shared understanding between her, Colter, and Ike. Each character struggles with their past traumas, but they find ways to cope with their realities. Through their collective experiences, Colter, Ike, and Lucy find ways to manage their traumas and rebuild their lives. The film ultimately highlights fly fishing as more than just a pastime; it serves as a powerful tool for rehabilitation and emotional recovery among American war veterans.

Amistad (1997): 145 minutes

Director: Steven Spielberg

Cast : Morgan Freeman, Nigel Hawthorne, Anthony Hopkins, Djimon Hounsou, Matthew McConaughey, David Paymer, Pete Postlethwaite, Anna Paquin.

Spielberg’s celebrated film is based on a historical event that happened against the background of the heinous practice of slavery in the United States in the early 19^th century. It is a spectacular and dramatic story that brings to focus the horrors of human slavery and also the heroic struggles put up by conscientious individuals against it. The story opens on board the slave ship Amistad in August 1839, which was carrying hundreds of Africans from Sierra Leone captured by Portuguese slave hunters and illegally transported them to the Spanish colony of Cuba. Despite the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade in the U.S., Britain, and other European countries, it continued, with Havana as a central hub. On board were 53 Africans, including women, girls, and babies, bought by Spanish plantation owners. One of the captives, Joseph Cinque, led a revolt, killing the ship’s captain and cook. The surviving slave owners were spared under the promise of returning them to Africa. Instead, they deceived the Africans, sailing to New York where the ship was seized by American naval officers. This led to a complex legal battle in New England over the captives’ status. The case hinged on whether the Africans were descendants of slaves (and thus could be punished for murder) or were illegally brought from Africa (and thus could claim self-defense). President Martin Van Buren sought to extradite the Africans to Cuba, but Northern abolitionists, led by Lewis Tappan, defended the captives, recognizing the immorality of their situation. They enlisted an Afro-American interpreter to present the captives’ story in court. The case ultimately reached the Supreme Court, where former President John Quincy Adams, a staunch anti-slavery advocate, successfully argued on behalf of the Africans. Cinque and the remaining survivors were eventually returned to their homeland by Christian missionaries, marking a significant moment in the struggle against slavery and the fight for justice.

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Sound of Freedom (2023): 121 mts

Director – Alejandro Monteverde

Cast: Jim Caviezel, Mira Sorvino, Bill Camp, Eduardo Verástegui, Javier Godino, José Zúñiga, Kurt Fuller, Gary Basaraba.

This movie is loosely based on the experiences of Tim Ballard, the founder and CEO of Operation Underground Railroad, an organization combating human trafficking. In 2013, Rocío and Miguel Aguilar, two poor children from Honduras, are kidnapped by Giselle, a beauty queen who deceives their father, Roberto, with false promises of a modeling career. During the first photo shoot, the children are abducted. Tim Ballard, working with Homeland Security Investigations in Calexico, California, is appalled by the increasing child pornography and trafficking cases that cross US borders. Determined to fight, Ballard befriends suspect Ernst Oshinsky by posing as a pedophile. This leads to the arrest of Earl Buchanan and the rescue of Miguel, who gifts Ballard with his sister’s Saint Timothy necklace before reuniting him with his father. Ballard’s search for Rocío takes him to Cartagena, Colombia, where he learns about Giselle’s sex trade connections in Thailand. With the help of a Colombian police officer and a wealthy man named Delgado, Ballard plans a sting operation but is ordered to return home as it cannot be executed in a foreign country. Ballard resigns and continues his search for Rocío. His sympathetic superior secretly supports his mission through the US Embassy in Colombia. Ballard traps Giselle in a sting operation, rescuing 54 children and arresting her. However, Rocío has been sold to FARC, a rebel militia in the Amazon jungle, beyond Colombian government reach. Using fake documents to pose as doctors, Ballard and his companion, Vampiro, infiltrate the rebel camp, but only Ballard is allowed entry. Rocío is held as a sex slave by El Alacrán and is forced to make cocaine. Ballard shoots El Alacrán to rescue Rocío and successfully returns her to her family, giving her the necklace gifted by Miguel. Ballard’s testimony leads to new international laws against sex trafficking. The epilogue starkly reminds viewers that more people are enslaved today than when slavery was legal.

The Chess Players (Shathrunj Ke Khiladi ) 1977: 130 mts

Director: Satyajit Ray.

Cast: Sanjeev Kumar, Saeed Jaffrey, Amjad Khan, Shabana Azmi, Farida Jalal, Richard Attenborough, Tom Alter, David Abraham, Victor Banerjee, Farooq Shaikh

This classic Hindi movie by the Indian maestro, Satyajit Ray, draws its story from a famous historical fiction by Munshi Premchand that depicts the story of British colonialism in India and shows how the debauchery, escapism and apathy of the ruling monarchs of India paved way for British colonization. The story centers on Wajid Ali Shah, the Nawab of Avadh, a pleasure-seeking patron of the arts, who surrenders his kingdom to the British East India Company in 1856. General James Outram of the Company exploits the Nawab’s failure to honour their agreement to justify the takeover. Parallel to this is the story of two nobles, Mirza Sajjad Ali and Mir Roshan Ali, obsessed with chess and indifferent to the political turmoil. They neglect their duties and their households, escaping to a remote village to continue playing. Their obsession leads to quarrels, even as they witness the British army marching towards their capital without concern. Ultimately, Wajid Ali Shah abdicates without resistance, highlighting the indolence of the nobility. The chess players’ argument culminates in a shooting, but they quickly reconcile and return to their game. Ray’s film poignantly illustrates how indulgence, hedonism, and irresponsibility contribute to the decline of civilizations, with the game’s continuation symbolizing the inevitable loss of power and privilege under foreign rule.

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Noah (2014): 138 minutes

Director: Darren Aronofsky

Cast: Russell Crowe, Dakota Goyo, Jennifer Connelly, Ray Winstone, Finn Wittrock, Emma Watson, Skylar Burke, Logan Lerman, Nolan Gross, Anthony Hopkins

The film Noah, presents the biblical Genesis story with a blend of spectacle and narrative additions while staying true to the spirit of the original text. The story follows Noah, a descendant of the righteous Seth, who witnesses the murder of his father Lamech by a descendant of Cain, resulting in the loss of his birthright. As an adult, Noah lives with his wife Naameh and their three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. They also care for Ila, a girl they adopt after she survives a massacre. Noah experiences visions of a catastrophic flood meant to cleanse the world of its wickedness and seeks counsel from his grandfather Methuselah, who confirms the divine message. Noah is instructed to build an ark to save his family and pairs of every animal species. Noah and his family receive unexpected aid from the Watchers, fallen angels now encrusted in stone, who initially doubt but later support Noah’s mission after witnessing a miracle. Family tensions arise as Ila and Shem fall in love, and Noah’s search for wives for his other sons in a refugee camp ends in disillusionment due to the camp’s immorality. Ila, believed to be infertile due to a childhood wound, is miraculously healed by Methuselah. Tubal-cain, the antagonist and a blacksmith, learns of the coming deluge and plans to take over Noah’s ark with his army. As the flood begins, a battle ensues between Tubal-cain’s forces and Noah’s family, with Shem and Ham playing pivotal roles despite their conflicts with Noah. The ark eventually lands on a mountain as the floodwaters recede. In the aftermath, Noah, overwhelmed by guilt, succumbs to drunkenness but finds redemption through the love of his family and the birth of his grandchildren. The film enriches the biblical narrative with imaginative elements and striking visual effects, offering a unique retelling of the classic story.

Saul: The Journey to Damascus (2014).  Runtime: 86 minutes.

Director: Mario Azzopardi

Cast: Kyle Schmid, John Rhys-Davies • Emmanuelle Vaugier, Callum Blue; • Kris Holden-Ried, Dan Cade as Stephen, Brittany Bristow

Saul: The Journey to Damascus dramatizes the profound conversion of Saul of Tarsus, a staunch persecutor of early Christians who transforms into Paul, one of Christianity’s most revered apostles. Set five years after the crucifixion of Jesus, the movie opens with Saul, a powerful Pharisee and Roman citizen, aggressively opposing the rapidly growing Christian movement. Supported by High Priest Caiaphas, Saul oversees the brutal persecution of Christians, including the stoning of Stephen. Despite facing death, Stephen forgives Saul with his final words, praying for Saul’s forgiveness. These words deeply haunt Saul, planting the first seeds of doubt and guilt in his mind. Determined to crush the fledgling faith, Saul travels to Damascus with Roman soldiers to arrest fleeing Christians. En route, they disrupt a wedding, leading to the bride’s death, and Saul experiences a divine vision during a sudden dust storm. Struck blind, he is taken to Damascus, where he meets Ananias, a persecuted Christian who miraculously heals him. Saul’s vision and subsequent healing lead to a dramatic change of heart. He releases the Christian captives and uses his Roman privilege to protect them from the Roman captain. Saul publicly confesses his past life and his change of heart before the very people he had persecuted, who listen in disbelief and fear due to their prior experiences with him. Despite their initial skepticism, Saul’s transformation sets the stage for his future mission as Paul the Apostle, a pivotal figure in the spread of Christianity. The film captures the intense struggle and ultimate redemption of Saul, illustrating his pivotal role in the spread of Christianity and highlighting the powerful themes of forgiveness and personal transformation.

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The Robe (1953): 135mts

Directed by    Henry Koster

Cast: Richard Burton, Jean Simmons, Victor Mature, Michael Rennie, Jay Robinson, Dean Jagger, Torin Thatcher Richard Boone.

Adapted from Lloyd C. Douglas’s 1942 novel, this 1950s Hollywood Bible epic tells the faith affirming story of Roman centurion Marcellus Gallio, who crucified Jesus and gradually converts to Christianity, ultimately becoming one of the early martyrs along with his lover, Diana. Marcellus, a disenchanted and drunken Roman tribune, recaptures an escaped Greek slave named Demetrius at an auction. In Rome, Demetrius reunites with his childhood sweetheart, Diana, now ward of Emperor Tiberius and betrothed to the notorious Caligula, Marcellus’s rival. Marcellus bids for Demetrius, saving him from Caligula, earning Demetrius’s loyalty. Vengeful Caligula transfers Marcellus to Jerusalem. Before departing, Marcellus promises marriage to Diana, who pledges to intercede with Tiberius. In Jerusalem, as Jesus is hailed as the Messiah and plotted against by his enemies, Demetrius becomes a devoted follower and tries to save Jesus. Despite his efforts, Jesus is condemned, and Marcellus leads the soldiers who crucify him.

Marcellus wins Jesus’s seamless garment after the crucifixion but treats it trivially, using it during a thunderstorm and experiencing severe pain. Demetrius grabs the robe, condemns Marcellus and Rome, and escapes. Haunted by nightmares and guilt, Marcellus believes the robe is cursed. Emperor Tiberius’s soothsayer confirms this, and Tiberius commissions Marcellus to destroy the robe and find Jesus’s followers, promising Diana’s hand in marriage upon completion. In Cana, Marcellus encounters Christians proclaiming the Resurrection. He meets Demetrius, experiences miraculous healing from the robe, and is converted. Marcellus joins the apostle Peter and travels to Rome under Caligula. Demetrius is captured, but Marcellus, with Diana’s help, rescues him. While fleeing, they are captured, and Marcellus surrenders to save Demetrius. Before Caligula, they refuse to renounce Jesus. Before their execution, Diana entrusts the robe to Marcipor, a secret Christian, to deliver to Peter.

Jeremiah (1998): 90 mts

Director: Harry Winer

Cast:  Patrick Dempsey, Oliver Reed, Klaus Maria Brandauer, Hitcham Ibrahimi, Leonor Varela, Mohamed Majd, Vincent Regan.

This film dramatizes the life of Jeremiah, one of the most important Old Testament prophets, who lived during ancient Israel’s most crisis-ridden times. His prophetic life spans from King Josiah’s rule to the Babylonian destruction of Solomon’s Temple and Israel’s enslavement. Jeremiah, the son of Temple priest Hilkiah, is called to prophesy while young. He preaches repentance and warns Israel against idol worship, resulting in brutal persecution, but his prophecies come true. As a boy, Jeremiah visits Jerusalem, sees the sanctuary with the Ark of the Covenant, and has a vision in which an angel calls him to be God’s prophet. Though he feels that he is very young, God assures him of his calling. Jeremiah falls in love with Judith and promises to marry her. During the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar’s quest to conquer Jerusalem, Jeremiah performs his first priestly duties. Despite Israel’s compromise with Nebuchadnezzar and idol worship, Jeremiah’s visions demand repentance to avoid Babylonian enslavement. Ignoring his warnings, the king seeks an alliance with Egypt. Jeremiah prophesies invasion and promises divine protection if the people repent, but faces persecution from the king’s advisors and false prophets. God commands Jeremiah to remain single and sends Ezra as his scribe. Nebuchadnezzar makes Zedekiah king, who listens to but wavers on Jeremiah’s advice. Safan, the king’s adviser, plots against Jeremiah, resulting in his torture and imprisonment. Judith is murdered, and her family enslaved. Nebuchadnezzar conquers Judah and makes Zedekiah his vassal. After his release, Jeremiah continues his mission, predicting Jerusalem’s fall, which comes true. He also speaks of Israel’s restoration and the future arrival of God’s Kingdom, including other nations.

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Cabrini (2024) runtime: 145 minutes.

Director: Alejandro Gómez Monteverde

Cast: Cristiana Dell’Anna, David Morse Romana Maggiora Vergano Federico Ielapi Virginia Bocelli Rolando Villazón Giancarlo Giannini John Lithgow

This biopic celebrates the incredible life of Saint Frances Cabrini, the first Catholic saint of the USA. Born Maria Francesca Cabrini in 1850 in Lombardy, she was the youngest of thirteen children in a peasant family. Despite facing discouragement due to poor health, Francesca pursued her dream of missionary work. She founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and met Pope Leo XIII, expressing her desire to serve in China. Instead, she was directed to New York to aid Italian immigrants living in dire poverty.  Despite her own health struggles, she established hospitals and over 67 institutions to serve the needy, becoming a beacon of hope. She passed away in 1917 and was canonized in 1946.  The film vividly portrays the harsh realities faced by Italian immigrants in late 19th-century New York City and the discrimination they endured. We meet Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini, battling lung disease but unwavering in her determination to establish a missionary community. Despite societal norms barring women from such missions, Frances holds onto her childhood dream of serving in China. Rebuffed by a Cardinal in Rome, she appeals directly to the Pope, expressing her desire to aid the poor in China. Recognizing her fervor, the Pope grants her an exception, redirecting her to New York. Struggling to find housing, Frances finds herself sheltered in a brothel, facing harassment. Despite the Archbishop’s discouragement, she secures his support with a recommendation from the Pope. Immersed in a hospital establishment, her health deteriorates, yet she perseveres. Confronting the city’s sleazy underworld and bureaucratic indifference, Frances triumphs. She lived to 67, witnessing America’s recognition of her work. Her mission later expanded to the Far East, leaving an enduring legacy of compassion.

The Story of Ruth (1960): Runtime: 132 minutes

Director: Henry Koster

Cast: Elana Eden, Stuart Whitman, Tom Tryon, Peggy Wood, Viveca Lindfors, Jeff Morrow

A modern retelling of the Book of Ruth, this poignant tale delves into themes of love and family bonds. Ruth and her sister Orpha, married to brothers Mahlon and Chilion, find themselves in Moab as Judean immigrants during the time of the Judges. Ruth, initially destined for sacrifice as a priestess of the Moabite deity Chemos, is spared due to a blemish. Despite her role, she forms a bond with a sacrificial pupil named Tebah. Mahlon, an artisan, is tasked with adorning Tebah’s ritual crown, leading to debates that challenge Ruth’s faith. Horrified by the practice of child sacrifice, Ruth flees but faces punishment. Meanwhile, Naomi’s family suffers imprisonment and enslavement. Ruth helps Mahlon escape, and they marry before his death. When Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem, Ruth vows to stay by her side. In Bethlehem, Boaz, a kinsman, offers assistance, setting the stage for a tale of redemption and enduring loyalty. Moab and Israel were traditional enemies. Ruth is wary of Boaz’s support because she is from Moab. Boaz sends provisions to the two widows through Tob, one of his kinsmen. However, Tob develops feelings for Ruth, causing tension. Boaz extends his hospitality to the women, impressing Ruth with his nobility. As their relationship deepens, Tob becomes Boaz’s rival, claiming Ruth as his right according to custom. Ruth faces further challenge when two Moabite men arrive to trap her, accusing her of idol worship. Boaz, secretly judging the case, witnesses Ruth’s admission of her past idolatry and exposes the men’s ignorance of Israel and its laws. With Naomi’s help, Ruth persuades Tob to renounce his claim, and Boaz marries her, setting the stage for her eventual role as the great-grandmother of King David.

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The Awakening of a Giant (2017): 95 minutes

Director: John Ziberna, Valeria Baldan

Cast: Diana Hobel, Abigail Pintar, Stella

The movie is a powerful meditative narration of the amazing life of St Veronica Giuliani, the17th century Franciscan mystic and doctor of the Church whom Pope Pius IX described as a “giant of saintliness.” Born in 1660 in the aristocratic family of Francesco and Benedetta Mancini Giuliani in Urbino, Italy, Veronica was baptized Ursula, the youngest of seven sisters, three of whom chose the monastic life. From infancy she exhibited a profound connection to Jesus and Mary, often experiencing visions and conversing with them.  Veronica Giuliani, from a young age, prioritized helping the poor over her own comforts. At 16, she had a vision that strengthened her resolve.  Veronica’s diary shows her struggle to let go of material desires when her father’s promotion elevated their social standing, and he introduced her to high society in hopes of finding a suitable marriage partner. Despite her family’s expectations for a conventional life, Ursula became a Franciscan at the age of 17, choosing the name Veronica in honour of Christ’s Passion. The bishop who officiated predicted that Veronica would one day be a great saint. The movie delves into Veronica’s inner struggles and spiritual journey, marked by intense encounters with the supernatural and her unwavering commitment to emulate Christ’s suffering out of love for Him. Despite facing skepticism and scrutiny, including the receiving of stigmata, Veronica remained resolute in her faith until her passing in 1727, leaving behind a journal chronicling her heroic journey. Beatified in 1804 and canonized in 1839, St. Veronica Giuliani’s legacy endures as a testament to unwavering faith and devotion.

Io Capitano (2023): 122 minutes

Director: Matteo Garrone

Cast: Seydou Sarr, Moustapha Fall, Issaka Sawagodo, Hichem Yacoubi, Doodou Sagna.

This internationally acclaimed movie tells of the Immigrant/ refugee crisis that is of much political and social concern today. Drawn from the experiences of several such immigrants who have found better life in Europe, away from their Afro- Asian backgrounds it provides the point of view of African immigrants fleeing from poverty and oppression in their native lands in search of better life in the West. Apart from presenting the sufferings of refugees it is also the story of two African teenagers being initiated into the trials of life, outgrowing their innocence and naiveté, into maturity through sufferings, holding on to hope and determination. “Io Capitano” is a gripping tale that follows the journey of Seydou and Mousa, two African teenagers, as they bravely navigate the perilous path from Senegal to Sicily in search of a better life. Determined to escape poverty and oppression in their homeland, they embark on a clandestine odyssey fraught with danger and uncertainty. Their quest takes them through Mali, Libya, and the unforgiving terrain of the Sahara Desert, where they confront various obstacles, from border patrols and bribery to imprisonment and exploitation. Seydou’s unwavering resolve is tested as he grapples with the brutality of detention centers and the challenges of forced labor, all while striving to protect himself and his injured cousin, Mousa. Despite the odds stacked against them, Seydou and Mousa persevere, fueled by their dreams of a brighter future. With the help of a human trafficker, they embark on a treacherous sea voyage across the Mediterranean, with Seydou assuming the role of an unlikely captain. Their journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity.

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Cloaked in Faith and Humility: The Life of St Gabriel the Fool for Christ

Runtime: 64 minutes

Director: Efstratios Papageorgiou.

Narrator: Ioannis Seraskeris.

This documentary presents the life story of the Russian Orthodox saint and monk known as the Holy Confessor Gabriel (Goderdzi Urgebadze). Born in 1929 in Soviet Georgia, during the oppressive Stalinist era, to atheist parents in a regime that actively suppressed religion, young Goderdzi developed a remarkable sense of the divine. Despite the atheistic environment, he first heard about Christ when he witnessed two neighbours quarreling and one of them said to the other “You have crucified me like Christ.” Mystified by the mention of Christ and his crucifixion, Goderdzi enquired about this and a church warden advised him to read the Gospel. Under miraculous circumstances he got a New Testament from a stranger and within a few years learned it by heart. Against his mother’s discouragement, Goderdzi rebelled, running away to join a monastery and became a wanderer. Eventually, his mother followed suit, embracing monastic life. At the age of 26, he became a monk named Gabriel, inspired by the Greek saint associated with a miraculous icon of the Mother of God. In 1962, defying the atheist government, Gabriel single-handedly built a church in Tbilisi, salvaging sacred objects discarded during persecution. Openly defying authorities, he burned a portrait of Lenin and endured imprisonment, torture, and was declared a psychopath. Despite being banned from religious ceremonies, Gabriel practiced extreme austerities, living in a broken hen pen and going barefoot in winter. His mother joined him in the monastery, and he passed away in 1995. The documentary includes eyewitness accounts of his miracles, showcasing a life marked by unwavering faith and defiance against oppression.

The Reluctant Saint (1962) (Runtime: 105 minutes)

Director: Edward Dmytryk

Cast: Maximilian Schell, Ricardo Montalbán, Lea Padovani, Akim Tamiroff, Harold Goldblatt.

This film portrays the life of Joseph of Cupertino, a legendary saint of the Franciscan order and patron saint of aviators, astronauts, the mentally handicapped, and students. The movie blends humor and compassion in recounting Giuseppe’s life story. Born Giuseppe Desa in Cupertino during the 17th century, he faced challenges due to his simplicity and dull wit. Subject to practical jokes and cruelty, his mother tried various avenues for him, but it was his uncle, a Franciscan monk, who brought him to their friary. Giuseppe found solace tending to the animal farm there. Bishop Durso, impressed by Giuseppe’s humility, ordered him to train for priesthood. Despite struggles in his studies, Giuseppe miraculously passed his examinations, leading to his ordination. His life took a mystical turn when, during a quarrel, he displayed the power of levitation, marking the beginning of miracles. As word spread, Giuseppe’s levitation during Mass brought both popularity and trouble. Skepticism arose, and Father Raspi accused him of demonic possession. Despite an inconclusive investigation by the bishop, a dramatic climax during an exorcism revealed the true nature of Giuseppe’s miraculous abilities.

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The Fourth Wise Man (1985) Runtime 72 mts

Director: Michael Ray Rhodes.

Cast:  Martin Sheen, Alan Arkin, Eileen Brennan, Ralph Bellamy, Money Penny.

“The Fourth Wise Man,” (1985) directed by Michael Ray Rhodes, explores the lesser-known legend of Artaban, a fourth Magi, based on Henry van Dyke’s novel, “The Other Wise Man.” Grieving the loss of his family, Artaban, a wealthy Medianite, embarks on a journey to find the newborn King of the Jews, inspired by the Star of Bethlehem. Despite discouragement from friends, Artaban sacrifices his wealth for gifts – a sapphire, a ruby, and a “pearl of great price.” Along the way, he encounters obstacles, such as caring for a dying wayfarer and organizing his own caravan. Artaban learns of the birthplace in Bethlehem but arrives to find the Holy Family has fled to Egypt. His acts of charity and encounters with those in need delay his quest for thirty-three years. Accompanied by his loyal servant Orontes, Artaban witnesses the trial and crucifixion in Jerusalem, where he meets Peter and aids an enslaved girl with his precious pearl. Despite an accident preventing a close encounter with Christ, Artaban finds solace in Christ’s voice in his dying moments, realizing that his acts of kindness were accepted: “Verily I say unto thee, Inasmuch as thou hast done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, thou hast done it unto me.” The gift had already been accepted.

Face of the Faceless (2023) Runtime: 136 mts

Director: Shison P Ouseph

Cast: Vinshy Aloshious, Jeet Matharu, Sonali Mohanty, Jackson Varghese, Ajeesh Joseph, Anjaly Sathyanath, Fr Stanly Kozhichira., Poonam Ingale et al

Currently in Indian theaters, this biopic recalls the life of Sr. Rani Maria, a Franciscan Clarist nun martyred in 1995 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Born in Kerala, she dedicated herself to empowering the rural poor in Indore, particularly the marginalized tribal communities. Despite facing opposition and hatred from the powerful and wealthy, Sr. Rani Maria, affectionately known as “Indore Ki Rani,” tirelessly worked to uplift the impoverished, focusing on women empowerment. The film portrays her four years in Bhopal and Indore (1990-1994), depicting the challenges she encountered from moneylenders and the feudal system. The narrative culminates in her tragic martyrdom at the hands of an ignorant hireling named Samunder Singh, sent by moneylenders to halt her mission. The movie also highlights the villagers’ resilience and dignity amidst adversity. It underscores principles of non-violence, forgiveness, and compassion, echoing national ideals. The narrative takes a poignant turn as Sr. Rani Maria’s Congregation and family reconnect with Samunder Singh in an act of forgiveness. The film concludes with Sr. Rani Maria being beatified on November 4, 2017, emphasizing the enduring values of non-violence and compassion encapsulated in India’s cultural ethos.

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The Gift of Love: A Christmas Story (1983)

Director: Delbert Mann

Cast: Lee Remick, Polly Holliday, Angela Lansbury, Michael Higgins Joe Warren, Michael Pearlman, Mart Hulswit.

“The Gift of Love: A Christmas Story” (1983), directed by Delbert Mann, is a heartwarming Christmas drama adapted from Bess Streeter Aldrich’s short story ‘The Silent Stars Go By.’ It centers on the life of Janet Broderick and her family in Ohio facing financial crisis during the Christmas season. As the store faces bankruptcy and Janet’s marriage with Neil strains, a series of events, including the sudden death of her mother, push her to the brink of a nervous breakdown. Janet is put to bed, and enters into a long sleep lasting two days.  In this state she  experiences a magical time travel to her childhood home in Vermont, rediscovering the warmth of her family and the true meaning of Christmas. The narrative weaves in Janet’s relationship with Neil, her Aunt Minerva’s lost love, and the mysterious visits of a ‘Christmas ghost’ linked to the children’s adventures. The climax unfolds on the night before Christmas eve when Michael goes missing in the snow, leading to a desperate search. Janet learns from her mother about the true ‘secret place’ – a space within the heart where love resides and miracles happen. This revelation transforms Janet, bringing about a heartwarming reunion and a joyful ending with carolers singing at their door. The film emphasizes the enduring power of love and faith.

A Hidden Life (2019)

Directed by    Terrence Malick

Cast: August Diehl, Valerie Pachner, and Matthias Schoenaerts, with Michael Nyqvist and Bruno Ganz

The movie presents to us the inspiring life story of Franz Jägerstätter, the hero and martyr of the German church who became a symbol of resistance against the Nazi war machine during World War II. The film draws its title from St. Paul’s Epistle to the Colossians 3:3, reflecting on the notion that one’s life is hidden with Christ in God after death. Franz Jägerstätter, initially a simple farmer, undergoes a profound transformation into a devout and committed Catholic. He was part of a vibrant rural parish set in the mountain village of St. Radegund, where he and his wife Franziska (Fani), raised three daughters. Soon Austria is annexed by Hitler’s Third Reich. Their happy life is disrupted when Franz is drafted into the German army separating them for months. When France is annexed and the war seems to be ending, Franz returns home.  However, when the war intensifies, Hans along with the other young men of his village are ordered back to the field. Hans despised the Nazi ideology on grounds of his strong faith and refused to take the required oath of allegiance to Hitler and his regime. Facing ostracism from his community and the disapproval of the local bishop, Franz remains steadfast in his refusal, knowing it means almost certain execution as a traitor. Throughout his imprisonment, Franz engages in an active correspondence with Fani, finding strength in his unwavering faith. Meanwhile, his family endures criticism and victimization from their village due to Franz’s bold decision. Despite months of torture, threats, and temptations, Franz refuses to declare loyalty to Hitler. On August 9, 1943, Franz Jägerstätter was executed by the Third Reich. His family, including Fani, survives him, and his legacy endures. In recognition of his unwavering commitment to his principles, Franz was beatified by the Church in October 2007.

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