Life-Changing Films: To End All Wars
When was the last time a movie had such an impact that you decided you were going to watch it monthly?
Jennie Dern, ChristianCinema.com’s Marketing Analyst, watched To End All Wars last weekend. Over lunch the other day, she shared her response…
It’s the most powerful movie I’ve ever seen. I’m re-thinking who I am as a person.
“I’m re-thinking who I am as a person. It’s the most powerful movie I’ve ever seen. And I don’t really like war movies! I usually watch romances and comedies. This was amazing!
It’s based on a true story of POWs in a Japanese prison camp during WWII. They’re deprived, beaten, starved, and even killed by their captors. And yet they are willing to sacrifice for one another.
One of the main themes is the power of forgiveness. If you don’t forgive, it can eat you alive and hinder your ability to to interact with other people. We’re all carrying a backpack full of junk, and until we get rid of all that, we’re totally influenced by that. But then when forgiveness does happen, it’s so contagious. One act of kindness leads to another and others see it and follow.
What got me most was one scene where a soldier accuses the prisoners of stealing tools. He tells them that until someone steps forward and takes responsibility for it, all will suffer. No one moves until Kiefer Sutherland’s character steps out and says he did. Soldiers immediately begin beating him - horribly. The other prisoners watch in amazement as the first soldier who made the accusation realizes he made a mistake in his counting.
it makes me wonder: would I do that for people I hardly knew? It’s doubtful. I’m a really selfish person. It made me ask myself the really deep questions that I shove to the back of my mind and don’t want to ask or answer.
This definitely isn’t a movie for kids (Rated R for strong war violence and some language) - it’s very real and incredibly intense. But I also think that every adult should watch it and be reminded of the power of sacrifice and the importance of forgiveness.”
Thanks Jenny for reviewing a great film! Get one for yourself and let us know what you think!
