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"Would anyone understand if I said that the movie Groundhog Day moved me spiritually?" someone asked. "The story of a man being stuck in the same day to live over and over again, until he gets it 'right' is the essence of what we all are trying to accomplish in our lifetime. He is finally 'released' when he realizes that the only way to live life is to be loving and giving toward others."

Representing a trend that is spreading through churches across the country (including my own), one writer mentioned that he leads "a monthly discussion group at a local church where we watch movies with spiritual/religious content and then discuss them. I have recently led discussions on: The Apostle, Contact, Priest, The Rapture, Black Robe, At Play In The Fields of The Lord, The Last Temptation Of Christ, The Devil's Advocate, Monty Python's Life of Brian, Dogma, Matrix, Keeping The Faith and Pleasantville. For Easter this year we are discussing Jesus of Montreal." Leading a similar group at my own church, I've been challenged by in-depth discussions of Limbo, Picnic at Hanging Rock, The Decalogue, and The Big Kahuna.

Film Forum's primary purpose is to help you map your way through new features now playing, as well as to examine the different ways Christians view popular culture. But the Beliefnet.com survey has inspired me to start a new section of our column, highlighting past films that are rewarding inspiring, and challenging viewers. E-mail me with a description of the films that have moved you most, noting how the film inspired you. Occasionally I'll post your recommendations; I'd especially like to hear about the discussions other groups are enjoying after watching a particularly challenging film. Can't find such a group in your area? Maybe it's time to start one.

Next week: Responses to Dreamworks' new animated fantasy Shrek and other films.

Jeffrey Overstreet is on the board of Promontory Artists Association, a non-profit organization based in Seattle, which provides community, resources, and encouragement for Christian artists. He edits an artists' magazine (The Crossing), publishes frequent film and music reviews on his Web site (Looking Closer), and is at work on a series of novels.

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May (Web-only) 2001, Vol. 45