punitivedamages

I came into Mother Teresa - No Greater Love expecting to see a traditional linear documentary covering the life story of Mother Teresa, itself a worthy subject and I suspect would be a good movie. But as is pointed out near the start of the film, it has been 25 years since her death. Maybe that movie would be good but now incomplete.

So what this movie does is show that her life - in terms of her impact upon the world - has not ended at all. The film travels to many locations to show the poverty that still exists in Calcutta where it all started, but far beyond also. We see that the Sisters of Charity are seemingly everywhere, ministering to the sick, the poor and in some cases just wiping the tears of the weeping souls. Always with the smiling Mother looking down, but now from her portrait hanging on the wall.

It is impossible to walk out of the film without a newer and even deeper appreciation of the life of this Saint. The linear biography that I expected is still there and is done well. Her youth in Albania is shown as a staging point for the life of worldwide travel which followed. She leaves behind her own beloved mother to mother so many others and is not permitted to return until after her mother's death. We witness through the film the blessedness of her sacrifice and selflessness. She lived out the Beatitudes.

The film is excellent for both those who are very familiar with Mother Teresa and those who know little. Inspiring.

The BFG began as an imaginative book by Roald Dahl about a giant that captures and saves dreams so that he can bring happiness to sleeping children and adults as well. The movie begins as the BFG is seen by the cute-as-a-button insomniac orphan Sophie. The BFG takes the terrified Sophie gently from her orphanage bed and spends the rest of the movie bonding with her, precious soul to precious soul.

My family (one teen, one "tween") loved the movie. The story is about trying to live a kind and gentle life in a world that is not always so kind or so gentle. The BFG has his tormentors, and Sophie becomes his little supporter, encouraging him to deal rightly with his problem. Likewise, the BFG looks out for Sophie who needs all the love she can get.

The movie tells a most unique tale that will keep you involved until the end. There are some giants that might be a bit much for preschoolers. I did see a two year old crying when they appeared.

The BFG is a fun and warm movie with laughs and a fine message. Great fun!