See Grace FlyBy Ron Reed |
posted 12/03/2004
2 of 2

I'd rather see a flawed but gutsy film like See Grace Fly than the kind of plastic perfection so often served up at the multiplex. Leonard Cohen wrote about the cracks in things, "That's how the light gets in." The consumer-tested design and polished surfaces of so many commercial films render them unlikely to bring us much spiritual truth—at least, not the incarnational kind that shone through when Jesus took on flesh and lived out a dusty, sweaty life in Palestine. But where big money projects can fail, a rough and passionate project like this might just succeed. And whatever you make of the film's artistic and technical shortcomings, there is no denying its fierce integrity, and the power of Gina Chiarelli's heart-hurting performance.
For more on the film, check the
official website
.
Talk About It
Discussion starters
- There can be a thin line between holiness and madness; just look at your average Old Testament prophet, or some of the great saints of the church. What do you make of Grace's "supernatural" insights? Can they be explained away? Are they related to her mental disturbances, or might they come from a genuine spiritual gift?
- Kate has endless intellectual questions about Christianity, in contrast to the straightforward faith of Father James. What do you think of her spiritual journey? Is it convincing?
- While it's clear that Grace has mental problems, she is also a woman of real faith. Where do you see that shine out, even in her emotional pain and confusion?
The Family Corner
For parents to consider
This film is not suitable for younger viewers, particularly due to a fairly extended sexual encounter between two of the characters: while there is little nudity, it is clear that the two characters are engaged in intercourse, and the character's response to that experience might trouble some viewers. The film also contains a moderate amount of strong language, and some realistic views of street life, which are appropriate but troubling.
Copyright © 2004 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.