Uplifting Films by Diana & Elliott

We look for positive role models, important messages, humor, positive woman's or children's points of view. Political films are included but we warn viewers if there is disturbing content. Occasionally we find an action adventure film that we recommend. We are not advocates of censorship, for example we have no objection to loving sexuality on screen, but we do note its presence out of respect for those who want to avoid it. We hope that by supporting positive films, more will be made and their prominence in the fabric of society expanded.

A funny movie about an obnoxious, self-centered, womanizing TV weatherman named Phil (Bill Murray) who is sent to Punxsutawney, PA to cover the yearly Groundhog Day festivities. This man's scorn and dislike for the town and festivities boomerang when he wakes up again and again to the exact same day as before. This is a brilliant film with many amusing scenes as he discovers how life teaches him to become a better person. Affection for his strong-minded female producer (Andie MacDowell) lead him to truly amend his ways as he tries to win her over. A very funny movie about redeeming oneself in a sincere way and finding one's better and loving nature.

A film about life as it really is beneath the superficiality of everyday customs, mores and values. Told about two sisters orphaned by their mother's suicide, the tale follows them as they are brought up first by their grandmother and then by two elderly aunts until at age 14 or so, Christine Lahti's character enters the picture and takes over the household. We quickly see that she is no normal person -- but it takes nearly the entire film to truly grasp what she is about. The film is about odd people who are more connected to the spirit of life than to its external artifacts. A beautiful film depicting women who are different, what their priorities are and why they have no choice but to follow their inner voices; and it shows how powerful and inspirational those voices can be.

Some may find this film disturbing as it contradicts most of the common values many of us hold dear -- organization, discipline, orderliness, a neat and secure home. During the late 40s, when this film takes place, the role of women was to achieve these standards at any cost and to be the perfect housekeeper. A free spirit had little chance to thrive within these constraints. It was sometimes necessary to break away from society as opposed to being ostracized from it. An extraordinarily deep film about the inner call of the earth, of the spirit, of courage, and knowing that one will be okay. "There is nothing to fear", Christine Lahti says to her young niece, and that is the message of this unique film. To be carefree is to be joyful and loving.

I must caution that the mother commits suicide (off-camera) in the beginning of the film and this might be disturbing to some.

This extraordinary film, especially for young girls ages 6-16, shows the importance of faith, trusting your instincts and believing in yourself. An 11 year old girl, forced to live in a boarding school while her father is fighting in World War I, creates a world of magical fantasy and love for all those around her, even while suffering at the hands of the headmistress. Every woman should see this wisdom-filled film as the young girl is an important role model for women. We found it enchanting all the way through. Based on a novel by Francis Hodgson Burnette who wrote The Secret Garden. (The 1994 version is also highly recommended on video.)

Ang Lee's first film is a wonderful story of a 70-year-old Chinese martial arts master who comes to the United States to live with his son. It is filled with wisdom, spirituality and keen social commentary on the American lifestyle. Watching the gentle Tai Chi/Kung Fu master at his work and learning something of the wisdom of Chinese culture is joyous and inspirational. It keeps you rapt with each successive scene. The minor violence in the film is done in a non-threatening way and is not objectionable. It is truly one of the better films we've seen this year. Our highest recommendation for a film about respect for the elderly and their importance in our lives.

We also highly recommend Ang Lee's other three films - Eat Drink Man Woman, The Wedding Banquet, and Sense and Sensibility.

Diana Oestreich and Elliott Landy are a husband and wife team with a lifelong passion for film and spirituality.

Diana Oestreich is a film producer. She has developed film projects for many actors, directors and studios including Warner Brothers, MGM, Paramount, HBO, CBS, Barbra Streisand, Christopher Reeve, and Goldie Hawn. She is currently developing a feature film which focuses on Zen Buddhism.

Elliott Landy is a well known photographer whose images of Woodstock, Dylan, the Band, and the sixties music scene are known worldwide. He has published several photography books, one of which, Woodstock Vision, The Spirit of A Generation, was released on CD-ROM by Panasonic Software.

© LandyVision, Inc., P.O. Box 836, Woodstock NY 12498

Uplifting Films by Diana & Elliott on the internet: http://www.upliftingfilms.com. Visit us for reviews of current films in theaters.