Related articles and links |  1 of 6

First, an addendum: A couple of weeks ago, Film Forum readers debated whether they like the idea of software that allows viewers to edit out—or transform—offensive elements of the films they watch on DVD. The rise of movie rental services that offer pre-edited tapes has intensified the issue.

This week the plot thickened. The New York Times quotes Warner Brothers president Alan Horn, who points out what might occur if MovieMask and CleanFlicks get their way. "It doesn't sit well with me, frankly, because these people could go the other way, too, with more sex and more violence."

The Times article brings to light yet another detail—something that might dampen the supporters' enthusiasm. It seems MovieMask has more up its sleeve than just sanitizing movies: "If the directors are upset about what they have seen so far, they probably will not like to hear that MovieMask just signed a contract with a product-placement company to insert products into existing films, perhaps even region by region."

What could the effects be of commercials added into movies? Maybe Babette will serve Coke at her feast. Maybe Eric Liddell will run with the help of Nike … or, in the alternate version, Adidas. Perhaps Jesus will go to the wedding and turn water into "all the best" of Ernest and Julio Gallo. Stay tuned.

To End All Wars, a new movie from director David Cunningham, is causing a stir among critics with its powerful wartime tale. It made a splash at the 2001 Cannes Film Festival and was later nominated for Best Feature Film at the Hawaii Film Festival.

Nevertheless, it may cause a different stir in religious communities. Cunningham, son of Youth With a Mission founders Loren and Darlene Cunningham, is an outspoken Christian. So is Brian Godawa, author of the script. But the film differs from others identified with Christian filmmakers. Whereas the Left Behind/Omega Code-type films avoid foul language, sexuality, and graphic violence as they deliver their apocalyptic tales, this movie is rated R.

Could it be anything else? It's a World War II epic about four POWs enduring harsh treatment in a Japanese camp. In a plot that recalls the classic Bridge Over the River Kwai, the main characters—portrayed by a talented cast that includes Kiefer Sutherland (TV's 24) and Robert Carlyle (The Full Monty)—are forced to construct "the Death Railway" through jungles in Thailand. To endure their trials, the men get involved in philosophical conversations. Christian faith proves a source of strength and inspiration in a dark place.

Cunningham explains that the film is "not a Christian movie, and we don't want it portrayed as one." In an interview with The Oregonian, he elaborated: "The rating is an R and my frustration [with conservative Christians] is this: that over the last few years, all the great movies—Schindler's List, Dead Man Walking, The Shawshank Redemption and Amistad—are all R-rated pictures, and everybody should be seeing them. They'll accept PG-13 in The Fast and the Furious but not the R of Schindler's List. The church should not be basing its decisions on that system, which covers such a range."

When asked why he doesn't follow the route of films like Left Behind and The Omega Code, Cunningham explains, "They almost seem to me like fear-motivated messages—'turn or burn' kind of things. I don't think they're related to modern life. It may be well meaning, but none of these people are filmmakers; they're all evangelists trying to use film. My heart and desire has been to make a film that causes you to think. It's not based on fear, but on the struggles that we have inside us."

next page... |  1 of 6

September (Web-only) 2002, Vol. 46