"What Christian Movies are Missing" ｜UNCUT GEM

Why are Christian movies sermons first and story second, and what is the key to avoiding this?

[@EnterTranscend]

What is your favorite "non-faith" faith based movie? (i.e. LOTR, Star Wars, etc.)

[@ManFromThePits]

Wonder Woman.

[@EnterTranscend]

@@ManFromThePits What would you say the message is?

[@ManFromThePits]

@@EnterTranscend The only way to defeat war is love. At least that's the big line; it seems to me she defeated war with violence. But aside from the stated message, the film's interpretation of pagan figures has a strong Christian bent, with the films equivalent of Zeus being more akin to Yahweh, Ares resembling the devil (his helmet is eerily similar to a Satanic pentagram), and Wonder Woman herself acting as a sort of Christ-like figure. The comparison isn't perfect, but the similarities are too close to ignore. I think this is mostly down to Christian values having become so universal that people take them for granted, and project them onto non-Christian subjects. But even so, I believe the Bible stated that "God's truth is written on your heart", and so it flares up in the most unexpected of places. With that said, if someone could take that stated message and do something with it... that could be a powerful story.

[@zaiah9252]

A lot of Spielberg pictures. I also love movies like No Country For Old Men, Get Out, and Collateral. The proving and fighting against nihilism

[@EnterTranscend]

I love the theme of war being in human nature.

[@TodaysDante]

ALL movies are supposed to be that way. In screenwriting, you make all story and character decisions based on the theme (the message you want to deliver). The problem isn't the message being the priority. The problem is Christian writers force their characters into a supposedly Christian mold that's, in reality, a false standard. The result often comes off as unrealistic, and something the audience can't relate to.

[@rubemartur8239]

If you see the Dialogue of the Carmelites, a white and black movie form the 1960, states a real based history of a religious order of carmelites centred in nuns, during the French Revolution. The protagonist feels like she is having the happiest moment of her life, to dedicate herself totally for Jesus, than having a life as a "busy life at home". But she is frequently exposed to her desilusional expectations: the fear of death. We tend to have a life in God, but only when its during spring, within the joyfull moments... but what if the time comes? what if you are near death's door? What if someone else is near life-death, how would we react? If someone is going to die because of faith, and you have oportunity to do the same, would you accept it without hesitation? We tend to forget we are humans after all, we have emotions, explained by feelings (rationalized into words), we tend to look back and ask God to not suffer, at least not in gruesome way... Did our comprehention of faith limits only to live happyly without suffering? Is death and suffering really an inevitable fact you should avoid talking about? Those could be the inner thoughts of the protagonist that entered as novice during the atheistic moviment that exploded at 1789. How should be our resolution during times of tribulation like those? ITs hard to not spoil.

[@EnterTranscend]

I can't say I completely understood all that, but that movie sounds fascinating! Here's a link to the full film if anyone's interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKrXhqFphbKFfLssi=uS0WAUa8MbYjb9NV

[@RachelNichols-writer]

It's a Wonderful Life is faith based.

[@ManFromThePits]

So basically, Christian Movies have the same problem as Woke-Lefty movies: message first, story second.

[@EnterTranscend]

Yeah, you're not wrong. Very good point! If your message isn't dramatized through story form it doesn't belong in your movie. And if you find a character having to give a speech to sell the point you're trying to get across, something has gone horribly wrong!

[@TodaysDante]

Actually, ALL movies are supposed to be that way. In screenwriting, you make all story and character decisions based on the theme (or the message you want to deliver).

[@ManFromThePits]

@@TodaysDante Agree to disagree. Theme is generally something that takes shape as you work, and the message evolves as trends develop. Setting out to preach right from the beginning is what ruins a story, or a movie for that matter. People want an adventure, not a sermon.

[@TodaysDante]

@@ManFromThePits - I didn't say to preach from the beginning. I said theme is the root of the story. And it is. Pick one of your favorite movies and look at the moral of the story. The moral (or theme) is the sole purpose of the story. The story just acts as a vehicle to get you there. The characters are personifications of certain aspects of the story. And the theme doesn't preach it like a club over your head. It's typically stated very subtlety and in the subplot. But, I DO agree with you. Many Christian-based movies hit you over the head with the theme. That's the problem, not the fact that there is a message, but how it's presented.

[@ManFromThePits]

@@TodaysDante And once again, I'll have to agree to disagree. The purpose of a story should be the characters involved, although I think we can agree that a good message can enhance and elevate a story. We can also agree that a poorly-presented message is the bane of any story. I'll certainly entertain the thought that the majority of "favorite movies" have a moral; that kind of depth, I will agree, elevates a movie from just a movie into a work of art. But I would argue that well-written characters, with or without a message behind them, are just as much a work of art with or without a theme. Same for plot. I won't argue that your approach isn't valid, because it has obviously worked in the past. But I think we've reached a point in entertainment where, Christian or not, the obsession with themes and messages has gotten out of hand. For this reason, I would argue for an approach where theme is secondary to story. Sorry for the wall of text! TL;DR: You have certainly made some good points which I do agree with, but I still disagree with your conclusions.

[@bunnysd]

I can tell how passionate you are about this topic just by this video, fantastic

[@EnterTranscend]

I am indeed! I actually have a couple ideas for faith-based movies, one of which being a Christ film. Though it might be a while till I can make something on that scale. The other one is called 'Cast Your Bread' and the inciting incident is sparked by a Ronald Reagan quote.

[@seesmann638]

A Harry Potter style movie or a series where there are differrent denominations. One of them is like Slytherin and they are heretical gnostics or something in that direction. The setting doesnt necessarily have to be a school for kids it could be set in the enlightenment era, middle ages or even 19th century america. Also some stuff in Lord of the Rings and Star Wars is downright heretical. Like the force having to be in a balance or the whole ending of the lord of the rings.

[@EnterTranscend]

Yeah, I've never understood the "balance" thing. Why are we balancing good and evil George?

[@paolamaria1992]

@@EnterTranscend That's not a Christian message but rather a Taoist one. Star Wars draws heavily from the Eastern philosophy

[@EnterTranscend]

@@paolamaria1992 I wouldn't say Taoist even. Taoist doesn't measure good and evil like that. It's not primarily concerned with good and evil. It's more about the natural balance of nature. As best as I've heard they define evil as opaque like a muddy pond. You can't see what you're doing.

[@paolamaria1992]

@@EnterTranscend I was only talking about the balance, not for the whole story

[@joshuanathan358]

Have you ever seen the Chosen? I watch it solely for entertainment so I like it, I don't watch it in a way that encourages me to see things the same way as the show itself (because being a show they have to add plots, storylines and that slowly deviates it from real scripture). It's pretty interesting though, it may be about the 12 disciples in the time of Jesus, but they use experiences we may go through now (in those characters) to best draw people in and create relatability.

[@EnterTranscend]

Yeah, I've seen a few episodes. I should have seen more though. I think it's really good! I think they definitely take a story first approach. In fact I might address's it in a follow up video (If I have time to watch it first).

[@joshuanathan358]

@@EnterTranscend Yeah! 3 seasons are out with 8 episodes each, each episode is roughly an hour long (most shorter, some longer). They're also releasing season 4 soon (finished it's theatre run but had legal issues, should be out in next few months) which contains the raising of Lazarus and the healing of the Centurion's son/servant. And probably one of the coolest things is that they have like filming days where they have fans on set to take a part in filming. I think that's really cool.

[@joshuanathan358]

I think it would be really cool for you to make a video on, their story first approach is really cool and even though they are filming season 5 right now, they already have seasons 6 and 7 (last two of the show) roughly planned out.

[@EnterTranscend]

@@joshuanathan358 I'll have to watch it. It may not be the focus of the next video, but if it plays into my next point, I'll definitely include it!

[@joshuanathan358]

@@EnterTranscend Hey no worries! Take your time and watch it, obviously with at least 24 hours of content I wouldn't expect it to be your next video, Also dropping a sub because I think your channel is pretty cool.

[@JayPalOfficial]

I remember what James Gunn said in a DCU announcement video over a year ago. He said towards the end that "Storytelling is KING!" and that's a priority for DC movies and shows. Hopefully we get more Christian movies that prioritise storytelling FIRST and message SECOND.

[@EnterTranscend]

We can only hope! I'm so excited for James Gunn's Superman BTW! Superman is a great allegory for Christ when used well.

[@JayPalOfficial]

@@EnterTranscend Me too! I am really excited for James Gunn's vision for Superman and the DCU as a whole.

[@EnterTranscend]

@@JayPalOfficial He proved his skills for storytelling and style on the GotG movies. It'll be interesting to see how his unique style meshes with Superman.

[@JayPalOfficial]

@@EnterTranscend Totally! His style would be good. 👍

[@KnuttyEntertainment]

The Book of Mormon has tons of movie worthy stories that are virtually untapped potential.

[@EnterTranscend]

That's for sure! But just as with biblical stories such as Exodus, they need to be adapted Story first such as with the spectacular example of 'The Prince of Egypt'. Dramatizing the message, actually playing it out through the Story is a must! I'll have a video on Dramatizing out next month.

[@KnuttyEntertainment]

@@EnterTranscend Definitely. Love the Prince of Egypt, it's a gold standard for religious movies. Another great one is Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, but that's on the musical theater side of things.

[@EnterTranscend]

@@KnuttyEntertainment Hey, storytelling is storytelling. I have yet to see Technicolor Dreamcoat though. Another one that I really liked when it came out is 'Courageous' though I'm a bit afraid to revisit it because I don't know if it follows Story first.

[@niarobinson9757]

1. Story first, 2. Sermon second --> Leave it open.

[@EnterTranscend]

@@niarobinson9757 Very well put! Why'd we need that whole video? LOL.

[@niarobinson9757]

@@EnterTranscend Thank you!!! Hahahaha!! Thanks for this video too. Very helpful for reflection. I do think faith-based movies are a great way to use your spiritual gifts (evangelism, teaching, pastoring, faith, mercy, encouragement, prophesying, etc.). I think the heart should be telling a story like Jesus did where you tell a story, and allow people to reflect. But alas, God is the best storyteller. Seeking Him and asking for His wisdom is key (James 1:5). I am a big fan of praying to God about what stories He wants me to make. He has been teaching me a lot of knowledge on this topic recently. The Chosen is a great example of faith-based storytelling that is real and authentic to people. You have to make realistic characters too, they need to feel human. Humanity wants to see humanity. The lessons will shine through as people dig, reflect, and ask questions.

[@EnterTranscend]

@niarobinson9757 I love your reference to Jesus' parables. Even he taught through story before resorting to a sermon. I also like how you said you pray for which stories you tell. I find myself drifting closer to what would be considered faith-based stories as I go along. One I'm developing right now is about taking leaps of faith, and so it's literally about "faith" LOL. The theme is basically "investment".

[@niarobinson9757]

@@EnterTranscend yessss!! i think faith-based stories are coming back again! I'm excited to see what the Lord does 😄 Have you watched The Chosen?

[@EnterTranscend]

@niarobinson9757 Some, but not as much as I'd like. It's on my watchlist.

[@dennishena1399]

I couldn’t agree more.

[@EnterTranscend]

Glad you liked it! What's your favorite "non-faith" faith movie?

[@fosterduncan7]

I know what they’re missing… God

[@michaelconner4841]

Have you tried Ben-Hur (1959)? I think that’s a powerful tale that I could have seen go a completely different direction for its ending: Was it going to end as a Shakespearean tragedy or not?! The director left it open until the end. Revenge was his macguffin was it not?

[@EnterTranscend]

I think you may have commented on the wrong video. Maybe you meant to comment on the MacGuffin video? But I would consider Revenge less of a MacGuffin and more of a motivation. A Macguffin is usually a physical thing.

[@michaelconner4841]

What great content you make?! Thank you for the correction. What you said makes sense. I think Ben-Hur is an interesting old film that is from Hollywood yet tells the story of God’s grace and forgiveness. That revenge vs forgiveness was so beautiful. I don’t mind the Deus ex machina

[@GuyTheArtist]

You should look up the book. No compromise about Keith Green. It would give you a flawed person on the search for truth story that you’re looking for.

[@EnterTranscend]

I'll have to give it a look. Thanks!

[@EnterTranscend]

and. . .Just ordered!

[@GuyTheArtist]

@@EnterTranscend there is a documentary called “Your love broke through,” available on KZbin but it leaves a lot out. I’d also suggest deep diving on Larry Norman and Randy Stonehill. All this takes place around the events of the Jesus Revolution time period.

[@jackwimmer2249]

I actually personally kind of disagree with you about Chronicles of Narnia. Even though the symbolism is indeed quite obvious, it doesn’t come across as preaching a sermon or lecturing you. Rather, it’s a fantasy epic that shows you, rather than tells you, Biblical truth. It’s not focused on telling you what to believe or “this equals that.” I can’t explain it, but C.S. Lewis’ Narnia series doesn’t fall into the trap that most Christian fiction falls into today.

[@EnterTranscend]

Oh, I completely agree with you! Sorry, my metaphor got kind of mixed. There at 3 camps: 1.) Tolkien 2.) C.S. Lewis, which I would love to do but can't and 3.) Preachy Christian Films. Actually C.S. Lewis will be the main topic of my follow up video where I'll talk about how I would love to be a C.S. Lewis!

[@ProphetRay]

I already have a movie idea and I need just to write it out but I'd still need a bunch of money to make it

[@EnterTranscend]

If you need help getting your idea onto paper check out my storytelling series 'Facets of Story': kzbin.info/aero/PLZmRyr00RZzlVQUUq1nKpXfth9No81zge&si=AbPKL1A_gPerreqJ (Start watching at THEME: 101)

[@ProphetRay]

I get it but even if you have a written script and movie you'll still need a lot of money

[@EnterTranscend]

That's the hard part: getting your script picked up by a producer. To be honest, I've never done that. The only things I've made, I've produced myself on a small budget.

[@BlackMan890]

Yeeeeeeah, but that's the whole point though. What you are describing is making movies, for the masses, for your own glory. Which is fine, we all have free will to do what we want. But it's been stated time and time in faith in Christianity, that we don't seek the glory of the masses, for they only bring emptyness and often distract us or separate us from God. These faith movies as you described them, are sermons for Christians. They are a whisper among the masses. They don't come with a bang, they don't drive in billions in revenue, they don't focus on bringing glory to the director or the actors, they focus on God. And for the people who watch them, they often are the medicine that a few people needed, to reach back into faith. Faith is like a whisper, that brings glory to God through us, as opposed to bringing glory for us. God's glory happens all around us, all over the world. People are still being healed, miracles are happening left and right and miraculous things that can only come from God happen to this day. But we don't use media to advertise it or yell it for all the world to see. That's never really been how things worked, heck, even Jesus would often tell them to keep quiet or bring glory to God. Because what almost always happens in these cases, is the focus does not revolve around Jesus, it revolves about the man... or the people behind it. And that's what people who don't follow God do, they make it about them. To me it sounds like you're trying to justify to yourself that you want to make movies for yourself and there's a little voice whispering to you that's annoying you about it. And I will never understand human emotion of wanting to justify or make excuses to justify their own actions **to themselves**. Just do the things and live with the consequences, but this self-hypnosis of made-up excuses or made up reasoning, just to convince once-self has always bothered me lol Just do the things you wanna do mate, and if there is a voice whisper you to do things differently, maybe try leaning into it and see where it leads. For the path of man leads to glory among men and fame. But the path of God leads to completely unknown territory whose results are unpredictable and often don't make life comfortable for us on Earth and whose harvest we never see until we die. But that's faith. Faith has and always will be intangible until the day we die ;) Good luck on your life journey mate, seems like you're still young in it o7

[@EnterTranscend]

You seem to be referring to the Holy Spirit, or "still small voice". There are few places I feel the spirit stronger than the burning bush scene in 'Prince of Egypt' or when Obi-Wan says "The Force will be with you, always" in Star Wars. I admit like most filmmakers I have a desire for an audience, but it's more about wanting my story to have an effect on the most amount of individuals. Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol' is one of the most successful and popular tales of all time. It isn't at all preachy and yet tells the tale of the most Christian thing of all: Redemption & Salvation. I do have a genuine desire to make faith-based Christian films as I said in the video, but it's just not my natural style. My themes are more buried like a Tolkien. I have a great desire to be able to tell more direct Christian stories like a C.S. Lewis, it's just something I have to grow into. And I'm right on the cusp of it: I have an idea for a Christ film, as well as an original film called 'Cast Your Bread' which is a story about taking a step of Faith and continuing to take that step as times get hard. This desire to grow into a C.S. Lewis will be the subject of the followup video. I think this struggle of what you actually are and what you want to be (your potential, I guess) is something that everyone can relate to. Thanks for the comment! I appreciate the in depth conversation, especially from a Christian perspective.

[@ascalon132]

these aren't faith based movies though, you might say they have morals that you have BECAUSE of your faith, but that doesn't make them faith based. All humans typically have a sense of right and wrong aka- Empathy. That's why all people can enjoy LoTR because it aligns with a vast majority of what people want to see. Now YOU might see that as coming from a Christian source, but then you can say that of anything (This film has beautiful nature in it, isn't that just proof of God's existence?? BOOM faith based movie...) You've got the right idea, just make good movies with good stories, that's what's important. If it teaches values that we all like and you got them from your faith, great, do that, but don't think it's a "faith based" movie. When every movie with "good vs evil'' is faith based, then the term has no meaning because of how broad that is. Anyhoot, just my .02

[@EnterTranscend]

I would argue that modern morality is founded on the 10 commandments, but I'm not here to argue. The beautiful thing about telling stories this way is that they have universal appeal regardless of the faith background of the audience. Also, I'd say the Force is about as on-the-nose faith-based as you can get. (Though again I love the universal Eastern/Western appeal)