Chapter 6 reflections

1. Is it okay to watch movies that tell stories about evil? If not, why are so many stories about evil recorded in Scripture? If so, what are the dangers in watching such stories for entertainment?

It is definitely okay to watch movies that tell stories about evil as long as we can filter and discern what is right or wrong. Even in the beginning of the Bible, in Genesis, evil is part of it. The serpent was evil, and it tempted Adam and Eve. However, a lot of movies nowaday glorifies such evils to a certain extent. Movies depict people who drink, party, and insult people as the "cool kids". This could be very dangerous if we allow those information to get into our heads and act like them subconsciously. 

2. Is it legitimate to read spiritual messages into a movie that go against what the movie actually communicates?

I feel that movies don't actually work that way, which is why a lot of people will read/watch the director's commentary after watching a movie. A lot of movies do contain very deep messages, however, they are not necessarily spiritual messages. Secondly, there are always two sides to anything. There could be a movie that glorifies a serial killer and is intended to encourage murder, but some may still argue that it is shown in this way so we know how terrible these crimes are and not commit them. It is very easy for us to twist the truth and make it sound like something very legitimate. 

3. Is the gospel story a comedy or a tragedy (in their classic sense)? If it is a tragedy? Did Jesus fail to overcome the challenge? If it is a comedy, how did Jesus overcome the challenge?

To me, the comedy seems to mean a movie that is contains humor, but for the purpose of this question, I'm not going to define it that way. Jesus sacrificed himself and saved us all. He overcame death and rose. The gospel means the good news, and I would say it could be the good news that Jesus has overcome death, and it is something to always remember.

Chapter 5 reflections

1. How can a movie that takes place in a made- up world still tell a true story?
Fictional movies are often based on the writer's own experience, some movies are based on a real event. However, in order to be entertaining and appealing to the audience, details are often changed and modified.
2. Is the real world the only world in which biblical morality matters?
Just because we are writing stories, it doesn't mean that biblical morality doesn't matters. Many movies deal with morality although the Bible or Christianity is not explicitly mentioned
3. Which movie genres can most effectively communicate biblical moral themes? Why?
I think movies that often end with a moral or a sad ending would be most effective because we get to see what happens after we make a mistake or a certain decision. We learn from mistakes, and being able to watch someone's mistakes on screen would have the same effect.

What world would you like to live in?

Would you rather live…in a world characterized by the movies theme: Rules stand in the way of compassion or a world characterized by biblical morality?

Personally, I believe there is nothing such as a perfect world. Humans, with or without rules, will still end up making mistakes, no matter what. In such cases, rules can be used as preventive measures to keep us from sinning as much.
Personally, I would choose to live in a world characterized by biblical morality. Although this may sound incredibly cliche, I think God knows what's best for us. He would've set up rules that would give the human race most freedom as possible, but at the same time

Chapter 4 Reflections

1) MPAA ratings don't necessarily rate the morals of the movie, or the message of the movie. Some rated R movies might depict accurate historical events, although with much violence or even nudity. The seemingly "safe" cartoon might bear horrible messages.
2) I think something we can do is to stop watching it, and not let it influence us in any way. Sometimes, we think we may be able to filter out the messages, it might not be true.
3) I think we have to guide them, and help them with the knowledge we have. There is no reason we should make it any harder for them

Chapter 2 Reflection Questions

1) No, including a religious message in a movie does not immediately make it a propaganda. A lot of movies nowadays have hidden messages, as well a religious ones but are not considered to be propaganda.
2) The Bible did describe a lot of horrible events, such as adultery, killings and so on. However, the Bible did not seek to promote such actions. Instead, the Bible only states these as historical events that had happened.
3) Like many other media means, movies might be wrongly interpreted, or interpreted in a way the original creator did not mean it to be. Directors of films do not have control over it.

Chapter 1 Reflection Questions

1) If we look at movies from Plato's point of view, we would be critical of movies and different forms of art, and we would not be influenced by movies. However if we follow Aristotle's believe, we would most likely appreciate all art, and we would be less likely to filter out any wrong messages presented by the media

2) Paul would use arguments of Greek philosophers to explain Christianity to pagans and non-Christians. It was the way he conveyed the message of Christ that convinced the people to convert, instead of of stating the facts and hoping the people would be convinced.

3) Although a lot of movies are considered to be "good", a lot of these good movies might send out bad messages. Before watching a movie, I think it would be best to look up reviews, or a synopsis of the movie, to understand what values would be presented in the movie. If we already know that it might contains offensive content, then we should not watch it

2 Different Scenarios

Scenario 1:You and your friends are hanging out on a Friday night. One person suggests that everyone go to her house because her parents aren’t home. She also suggests that she has recently watched a movie and loves it so much that she’s already watched it five times. The movie is rated R. 

I would ask her what the movie is about, and perhaps look it up online. However, I don't think I would watch the movie as there has to be a reason that the movie was rated R. The authorities must have believed that the movie is not suitable for individuals under the age of 18. I would kindly reject her offer, and ask whether it would be okay to watch something else that is more suitable.

Scenario 2:
Beyonce (or pick your favorite secular artist) has decided to come back to Hong Kong for another series of concert performances. This time, her new album and concert will feature more sex-related content and some partial nudity. In the cafeteria, your friends are discussing whether or not to buy tickets. 

I would most definitely not go to the concert. The reason I would like an artist is because of his/her music, as well as the content of it. If her new album contains vulgar content, I would not like to hear about it. Also, I would not pay to go to her concert especially if it is of such inappropriate content.

Cultural Glutton or Anorexic?

I believe I am more like a cultural glutton instead of an anorexic.
I don't think that I really filter what I get from movies or the media. Instead, I just watch them and feel like I don't have to take them seriously because it won't get to me and that I wouldn't be affected.
I guess this is because I've always been told not to take movies seriously as a kid. I would get really scared when a killing scene comes up and my parents would tell me that they're all fictional and doesn't happen in real life.
It might not be the best thing to be a Cultural Glutton, since I am worried that the media will slowly get to me, which I have noticed a bit recently.

Movies on Redemption

I believe most movies like to show a villain, or that something bad happens, and the character would eventually do good and redeems himself/herself.

Example 1: Avatar
Jake Sully entered into a native Nav'i's body, in order to convince the indigenous tribe on Pandora to move away so that humans can exploit the minerals that lay underneath their homes. At first, he lied and hid his identity to gain the people's trust, and when it was found out, he was unwelcomed and hated on. He later realize that he has fallen in love with the leader's daughter, as well as the planet. He did everything he could to fight against the humans and save the planet of Pandora.

Example 2: A Cinderella Story
The movie is basically a modern twist of the fairytale. Sam lives with her two stepsisters and stepmom. Her dream is to attend Princeton as her dad once told her that it is where princes and princesses attend college. She meets a guy on the internet and fell in love with him, even though she has never seen him. They decided to meet during prom, but she covered her face with a mask, but found out that the guy she liked was the quarterback in the school's football team and was bound to go to Standford for football. Sam ultimately went to Princeton with Austin and found her dad's will in a book, and became the rightful owner of her dad's diner and house.