I need suggestions for movies that "teach" good character &/or

[Kathy in MD]

Christian values for my ds's youth group to discuss. This would be middle school and high school. If you have a suggestion that is appropriate only for high school, that's fine, just note that please.

Please note that they don't need to be Christian. In fact a good film on Gahndi might be interesting for the group to discuss.

[Jean in Newcastle]

"Chariots of Fire" - perseverance, staying true to your own values despite others "The Hiding Place" - compassion, doing what is right despite dire consequences

[umarider]

"Rudy" - football movie, so the boys will be interested! I love this movie, and have always said that if/when I am teaching middle school it will be in my plans every year. It is a great example of perseverance, and overcoming a learning disability and rising to something greater than society's expectations.

Warning, I cry majorly at the end of this movie. Every time, no matter how many times I've watched it.

[Rachel]

the choice for Rudy.........wonderful movie!

Hangman's Curse by Frank Peretti is a good movie about accepting people for who they are and not judging people. A most definite Christian based movie.

[ELaurie]

it's a bit predictable, but we enjoyed it - a movie about a football team at a Christian school committed to playing for God's glory rather than playing to win, with a focus on good character and doing one's best.

[Tina]

Radio
Remember the Titans
Pay it Forward (definitely for hs only?)
To Kill a Mockingbird
Summer of the Monkeys?
Maybe not necessarily for church, but just ones I want to make sure my boys see, anyway...

My boys have seen clips of these at their youth meetings:
Lord of the Rings
Return of the King
The Patriot with Mel Gibson
the show 24


The book That's My Son has a list of recommended movies for boys, too.

[strider]

This is a *great* movie--one I intend for my children to watch when they are in their teens. There is some violence--it is not gratuitous, though. The movie is set in South Africa in the 40s. I would probably lean towards high school for this one. The over-riding message is found in the title--the power of one to effect change.

Another major movie for me is Pursuit of Happyness--this one is modern and is the story of a poor man's rise to self-sufficiency. I found it really, really inspiring. I live in a poor neighborhood, and have interacted with both the very poor and the upper middle class for many years--I found this movie to be an accurate portrayal of many elements of both worlds.

Another suggestion would be Mr. Holland's Opus.

[Jenny in Atl]

Hotel Rwanda
Schindler's List
Becket
Rabbit Proof Fence

All are high school level and not light fair but I think would make for great discussions.

[HSMom2One]

They are all great movies and get my vote too. Plus, I'd add a fun animated movie, "The Emporer's New Groove". Even though there's a villainess that uses magic, I think it has a good message about loving our enemies. Some of the kids in the group might not have thought of these things so much when they saw it originally.

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

Summer of the Monkeys?


Have you seen the movie? The characters are nothing like the book. J. Berry (Jay Berry? Anyway, the boy) was depicted to be a little SNOT, I thought. I was sooo disapointed in that movie. But the book is an absolute gem.

[Tina]

Guilty of not reading the book here. blush
I listed the movie because the boy gives his prize for his sister's medical problems. (It's been a while since I've seen this, too. :) )

Along your lines... We watched Mrs. Doubtfire last week while dd was sick. Ds had picked up the book somewhere, so I started reading it. I was turned off by the snottiness of the kids at the beginning of the book! Not that it's good literature anyway... lol

[Kathy in MD]

ones that sound interesting. I'm still open for more suggestions.

[Nissi]

God Grew Tired of Us - Documentry
The Chosen
October Sky
Captain Courageous
12 Angry Men
A Man for all Seasons
Agony and Ecstasy
Gentleman's Agreement
HTH!

[Jenny in Atl]

We just re-watched Man For All Season today. Such a good movie even after so many years. I was going to add it and then saw it was already on the list, so I will give it a second nod.

[Tarheel Heather]

Because of Winn-Dixie?

[Baseballmom]

The Ultimate Gift. Make sure you have Kleenex.

[Patty Joanna]

The Four Feathers: courage, duty, self-sacrifice, friendship, perseverence. Get the one with Ralph Richardson. Historical content. Probably OK for either "set" but will provide richer discussion with the older crowd.

[Laura K (NC)]

Sidney Portier is a footloose guy talked into building a chapel for a bunch of nuns in the desert. This would teach perseverance, faith, charity, temperance, thankfulness, humility, and diligence.

If you haven't seen Babette's Feast, that's a good one, too.