Gran Torino: No Greater Love Than This

***A Slight Spoiler Alert***

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23

All throughout the Scripture we see evidence of Man's inclination towards destruction. Sin destroys, it divides, it consumes. It fights desperately to dampen the light that we hold inside. Our choices define us, and with each decision we either slip closer towards the light or further into the dark. But God has also created us with a sense of justice. Our hearts are aware of the dichotomy sin presents to the world and we yearn for balance. But all too often, in our quest to find reconciliation we leave a wake of destruction behind in the name of "good".

For Walt Kowalski in Gran Torino sin not only can bring death in the afterlife, but also in the present. A Korean war vet, Walt lived his life plagued by the unconscionable acts of violence he made during war. It not only crippled his ability to make connections with his own children, but isolated him from any real forms of love. He alienates everyone that reaches out to him- his sons, grandchildren, and even the priest- because he cannot forgive himself for the choices he made.

Walt's soul feels unrest. But he seeks to "right his wrongs" through flawed means. When the gangs bring their violence to Walt’s front lawn, he repeatedly responds with violence. He operates under the assumption that violence will resolve the unbalance he feels all around him. It is only after the attacks made on Walt's new friends escalate that he sees that despite his good-intentions, violence cannot bring resolution to this situation.

Walt has spent most of his life believing that a man is defined by honor and respect. In his quest to teach this lesson to the younger generation he inadvertently discovers that although respect and honor are important values, it is instead love that defines a man. And love is what his life has been missing.

John 15:13 says, "Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." This example of sacrifice and redemption is also evident in the Crucifixion. It is only through the sacrifice of Jesus' life and blood that the world finds redemption and absolution for sin. It is the ultimate testament to the magnitude of God's love for mankind. In the same way, Walt seeks peace for his past mistakes by willingly sacrificing his life for those he loves.

Love takes us to great lengths. It is love that brings us healing, it is love that puts our souls at peace. Through sacrifice, Walt shows the immense capacity the human heart has for love. How breathtaking that it pales in comparison to the depth and intensity of love given to us by our God? Who loved us enough to sacrifice his only Son, to offer us reconciliation and healing for our shattered hearts.

A Christian Response to a Cinematic Culture

I've been an active participant in the cinematic culture from birth it seems. I have shelves upon shelves filled with my favorite movies- some are sorted by genre, then others by order of preference. To anyone passing by it might seem that I have an abnormal obsession, and they would probably be right. Ok, perhaps the rest of the world is slightly less obsessed than I am, but is there really anyone out there who would NOT enjoy the occasional night at the movie theater? Film is a part of the American culture and our life experience. I believe that it is absolutely imperative the Church learns to engage and respond to the conversations taking place in our culture today.

Film offers a unique glimpse into various trends and messages that are being permeated throughout society, and because of cinema's widespread appeal, it also ensures that a fairly large percentage of that society is collectively engaging in the same discussion. Sometimes, a film might be making a particular statement, or expressing one point of view. Other times, a film might be raising or asking the tough questions.

But engaging film from a Christian perspective is not simply about condoning or condemning the behavior, worldview, or opinion that is expressed on screen. Instead, it is about analyzing the messages and ideologies present in the film, and isolating the need that particular worldview is fulfilling. Why does this message resonate with culture? What question is this film asking? What collective needs are being met? What does scripture say on this topic? And how does the Church need to respond in light of this question or message to provide people the answers for which they're searching?

People are asking the big questions and they're searching for the answers. And whether we like it or not, our culture IS generating a response. Learning to decipher these messages would better prepare the Church to meet people's current needs. But first, the Church must decide to effectively participate in these dialogues and learn to truly give voice to the answers and message of the Gospel.