If I keep renting movies off Christianity Today’s Top 10 Most Redeeming Films of 2005, I’m going to have to start buying tissues in bulk, ack. But, I must admit, Millions and Dear Frankie (another off that list) are the best films I’ve seen in ages. They both deal poignantly with painful themes, but both also leave you with abundant hope and release and celebration that comes with life’s sorrows, pain and complications.Millions is a British film about two young brothers, Damian and Anthony, who try to figure out what to do with over a quarter of a million English pounds (on the eve of the euro changeover) that literally drop out of the sky. But the story is mostly about Damian, a boy of powerful, simple, matter-of-fact faith in a world blinded to it by its own self-interest and desire to conform, among other things. This is most exquisitely emphasized by Damian’s ability to see and talk to saints with hovering, glowing halos above their heads. I’m not giving away anymore of the plot, as part of the joy of this film is watching it unfold.
Best part of the movie? Well, it might not be the best part, but I think the film is summarized by one character’s answer to Damian’s question about why his father doesn’t have faith: “The money makes it harder to see what’s what.” Ain’t that the truth. I thought it—especially in the context—a wonderful paraphrase of Jesus’ reflections on the difficulty of the rich entering into God’s kingdom.
A must-see film with themes celebrating faith, integrity and compassion that takes for granted that God exists, reveals himself to those with faith and cares deeply for us—and wants us to care for and love others, too. Don’t miss it.
(Image: Amazon)