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3. Anton claims that Gesser just sits in his office and doesn't understand what it's like to be out in the world, to interact with people and see the suffering. Do you think this is commentary on God?
   
   
4. Read Ephesians 6:1 How does this verse compare to Night Watch? Do you think the war between Dark and Light Others is like this supernatural reality?
   
   
5. In the epic war on the bridge, Gesser weeps and realizes "the sides were equal." In real life, are the sides of God and Satan equal? How do you know that?
   
   
6. When Yegor makes his choice at the end of the film, do you blame him? What does this scene say about evil's manipulation and deceit? About abortion?
   
   
7. What additional religious symbolism do you see in Night Watch?

Night Watch is rated R for strong violence, disturbing images and language. There's a lot of swearing, many buckets of blood and some gore, and a disturbing sequence of witchcraft. The movie is intense, gritty and graphic. There's also a brief shot of female nudity.

Photos © Copyright Fox Searchlight

© Todd Hertz 2006, subject to licensing agreement with Christianity Today International. All rights reserved. Click for reprint information.

Russia's popular special-effects-fueled fantasy adventure Night Watch has arrived, and critics are either applauding its over-the-top action or condemning its derivative storyline. Christian film critics offer some measured praise to director Timur Bekmambetov's visions of horror and mayhem, but they find something suspicious about the storytellers' portrayal of good versus evil.

What's the problem?

David DiCerto (Catholic News Service) calls it "escapist entertainment which allegorically explores questions of good and evil and the nature of free will. … From a Catholic perspective, however, the film's dualistic worldview of good and evil—competing but coequal—is incompatible with the foundational Christian truth of God's supreme goodness and sovereignty."

DiCerto concludes by criticizing the gore and the jumbled plot, but points out that "the seemingly downbeat ending … propels viewers toward part two with the hope that light will ultimately triumph over darkness. During the climax, Anton must face his past sins in a confrontation suffused with pro-life undertones. A surprisingly moral message amid such mayhem."

Night Watch has divided mainstream critics—some find it just another shallow and chaotic fantasy flick along the lines of Underworld, while others find it a cheap but enjoyable thrill ride.

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