Films Eligible for Extra Credit Assignment – Hist/HRS 127

Rules: about 2 pages; the film is your main text, but you may consult outside sources, if you cite them. Your essay should comment on the religious and spiritual issues treated in the film. Do not focus on telling the story. The second extra credit opportunity is due Tuesday, May 1. Make sure you let me know in your essay that you have watched the film. Do not do your EC paper on the same film if you have already done one.

‘Luther’ starring Ralph Fiennes

‘Amazing Grace’ – William Wilberforce’s campaign to abolish the slave trade in England

‘The Song of Bernadette’ – Hollywood’s (good) look at St. Bernadette of Soubirous

‘Thérèse’ – French film by Alain Cavalier about St. Theresa of Lisieux (the “Little Flower”)

Inherit the Wind – Stanley Kramer’s film about the famous Scopes Trial

‘Romero’ – film about the assassination of Archbishop Romero of El Salvador in 1980.

‘The Last Temptation of Christ’ – Martin Scorsese’s film about the humanity of Jesus.

‘Crimes and Misdemeanors’ – Woody Allen on whether God exists and justice in the universe.

‘The Passion of the Christ’ – Mel Gibson’s take on the crucifixion and death of Jesus

‘Black Robe’ – Bruce Beresford’s film about French missionaries in 17th century Canada

‘A Man for All Seasons’ – St. Thomas More loses his head because of inflexible Catholic principles.

‘Shadowlands’ – film about English theologian C.S. Lewis’ falling in love in his mature years

Monty Python’s ‘Life of Bryan’ – more satirical (hilarious) than Christian

Franco Zefirelli’s ‘Brother Sun, Sister Moon’ on St. Francis of Assisi

‘The Mission’ – about Christian (Jesuit) missions in Latin America; Jeremy Irons and Robert DeNiro

‘The Apostle’ – Robert Duvall as reformed sinner that becomes a preacher in the South

‘Babette’s Feast’ – Danish film about spirituality and ethnic reconciliation