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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