Uplifting Films is a spiritual but non-religious evaluation of both mainstream and independent films. It can be thought of as a guide to mind nutrition for film viewers. We recommend movies that have a positive vision of life, leave you feeling good and contain little or no gratuitous violence, exploitative sex or other types of negative imagery. We talk about films that delight, inspire, educate and enlighten. We are primarily for positive films, not against negative ones. Our reviews come from the heart as well as the intellect; our criteria are compassion and love.
We look for positive role models, important messages, humor, positive women'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 of them will be made and their prominence in the fabric of society expanded.
This month we are focusing on films by independent filmmakers. Some of these films do not do well at the theater box offices and so get overlooked at the video store. But these are real gems that should not be missed. All of these films, with the exception of Before Sunrise are great for the whole family, with a proviso on Frankie Starlight regarding young children.
Before Sunrise (1994); directed by Richard Linkletter w/Julie Delphy and Ethan Hawke
The moment before sunrise has a magical quality. A time for something wonderful. Using a deceptively simple cinema verite style, Before Sunrise takes a breathtaking look at a poetically written, deeply philosophical and yet very romantic encounter between two twenty-three-year-olds who meet on an overnight train ride through Europe. French actress Julie Delphy is superbly expressive and natural in her role as a student of the prestigious Sorbonne School. She can change from a bedraggled young schoolgirl to Botticelli's Venus at any time. Her character is extremely intelligent, and also sweet and sensuous. We find these to be refreshing qualities for women to see in films. Ethan Hawke is excellent in the role of the awkward American, "searching for himself." Their relationship unfolds through a meandering conversation reminiscent of Woody Allen at his best. At the threshold of adulthood they discuss the concerns of their generation, including parents, the war in Bosnia, careers, love, God and the meaning of life. It is beautiful to see the two connect romantically and intellectually at such a young age. The dialogue is honest, positive and intimate.
The visuals are beautiful. Leaving the train at Vienna we follow the couple as they wander through the city and visit the sites. As the camera catches the changes in light one feels the sensation of time passing. Vienna provides an evocative backdrop for this extraordinary film. It is great to see such wisdom and subtlety from Richard Linkletter, a very promising young director. Highly recommended.
Frankie Starlight (1996); directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg w/Anne Parillaud, Matt Dillon, Gabriel Byrne
This film is an ode to life and love. Although the movie contains some tragic scenes, the joyous moments increase throughout. Overall, it is a very touching depiction of love and understanding.
Wartime trauma brings a young French woman to Ireland where she gives birth to a dwarfed son she names Frankie. This mother's absolute and unconditional love for her son helps Frankie to accept his appearance. She tells him, "We are all small in the universe." The film is not about Frankie's physical condition, it is about people and how we treat one another.
The adult male characters in the story treat Frankie like a son. They respect him, love him and share their knowledge of life. One man (Gabriel Byrne) shares his love of astronomy. Frankie becomes so impassioned by the stars and zealous in his learning they call him "Frankie Starlight." His fervor lets us share his childlike wonderment and fascination with the beauty he sees. Most of the women in this story are also exceptional. Their strong and virtuous nature triumphs over pain and hardship. They are able to forgive and be forgiven.
The depth and beauty of Frankie's character is evident as he grows up to become a writer. To his credit, Frankie is able to mature with wisdom and awareness. Physical differences never hinder his ability to give and receive love, and in this movie we find an amazing love story. Frankie Starlight is a unique, fulfilling movie with superb acting.
Proviso: Some traumatic scenes make this unsuitable for young children.
Three Wishes (1995); directed by Martha Coolidge w/Patrick Swayze, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
In Three Wishes, a mother and her two young sons experience magic while trying to cope with the death of their husband/father during the Korean War. Although this film deals with illness, death and hard times, it joyously demonstrates how negatives can turn into positives.
The kindly mother (Mastrantonio) feels compelled to offer an injured drifter (Swayze) and his dog a place to stay. This causes quite a stir in this conservative suburban environment of the 1950s. Family and friends urge the mother to re-marry quickly while neighborhood children lack compassion for the sons' loss of their father. Their outlook is bleak -- until the drifter arrives in town.
A mysticism surrounds the drifter. His kind, gentle manner is so unlike the other men in the neighborhood that they dismiss him as odd and distasteful. However, the mother and her sons begin experiencing magical events with the arrival of this man and his dog. For example, he teaches the older son and his entire baseball team a non-aggressive approach through meditation that greatly improves their game. Baseball becomes a metaphor for learning about life. The younger son befriends the dog and soon learns that it, too, has magical powers.
Both the mother's and the drifter's patience and non-judgmental attitudes make them terrific role models. The mother is strong, loving and wants the best for her children but not at the expense of her self respect. She must choose between marrying someone she may not love so her sons have a father to support them or continuing alone and pursuing a business venture she feels has good potential.
This film is about learning to be yourself, appreciating all you have and the rewards of daring to be different. The end is amazingly uplifting. You will believe in the power of hope, magic and guardian angels after seeing this film!
This is a movie for the whole family. Children from age 6 or 7 can enjoy this as much as adults.
Secret of Roan Inish (1994); directed by John Sayles w/Jeni Courtney, Richard Sheridan
This remarkable and mysterious film is intriguing for adults and children alike. The acting, story line and cinematography are wonderful. This mythological story takes us on a captivating adventure that the whole family can enjoy.
Our heroine is an enchanting ten-year-old girl living with her grandparents in a remote fishing village on the Irish Coast. The local people tell fabulous tales about seals. These hauntingly beautiful stories and accompanying music are mesmerizing. The characters are wise and loving and give us insight into the past and fishermen's lives and love of the sea. They help us feel their connection to the Earth and nature.
The young girl's courage and relentlessness as she uncovers a legend surrounding her family is spellbinding. She undertakes and accomplishes incredible tasks with the help of her cousin. This film is about following your dreams and making the world a better place for those around you. Young girls and boys will especially enjoy this film. It is a joyous film that will elevate your mind and heart!
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, will be released on CD-ROM by Panasonic Software in October.
© Landy Vision, Inc., POB 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.