G l o b a l AR t R e v i e w s
Global Sights & Sounds Todd M. Johnson We are committed to the biblical idea that all Christians should become adroit at intercultural learning as members of both the global Christian community and the human race. As such, I am not recommending “safe entertainment” for Christians. Instead, I highlight ten films and ten musicians from around the world that are likely to build our cosmopolitan capacity and empathy for other cultures.
FILMS 1. Global Baraka (1994) by Ron Fricke Shot in 70mm in 24 countries, this stunning musical and visual montage expresses the global existence of nature and man in the broadest sensory terms as people try to cope with the changes that have crowded them together and sped up daily life. Spiritual themes are sprinkled throughout. 2. Sweden Let the Right One In (2008) by Tomas Alfredson A Scandinavian minimal landscape (à la Bergman) is the backdrop for this Swedish horror film that tells an achingly beautiful love story in the context of violence and bullying. Prepare to meet one of the sweetest young vampires ever to grace the screen. 3. Japan After Life (1998) by Kore-eda Hirokazu Reflecting back on life’s memories from the vantage point of a kind of limbo after death allows the viewer to participate in the difficult choice of the protagonists: choose one moment from your life to reenact to carry with you into the afterlife to bring you joy forever.
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4. Scotland Rivers and Tides (2003) by Thomas Riedelsheimer The work of British artist Andy Goldsworthy is examined in this glacialpaced documentary that follows the artist in nature in Scotland as he tries to create fleeting and transitory constructions out of leaves, hair, wool, rocks, and icicles. A singularly beautiful soundtrack and the inclusion of a number of failed artistic endeavors add depth to the film. 5. Palestine Lemon Tree (2008) by Eran Riklis The film follows the path of a seasoned Palestinian widow (brilliantly played by Hiam Abbass) who defends her lemon grove from the political machinations of her Israeli defense minister neighbor while receiving much pressure from Palestinian friends and family. The seemingly intractable conflict is placed in the context of a deeply human encounter. 6. India Veer-Zaara (2004) by Yosh Chopra This film from Bollywood has all the elements of this classic art form: romance, dance, song, and tragedy. But this film explores the human relationships in the larger context of Indo-Pakistani relations with two leading Indian actors in the title roles.
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7. Brazil City of God (2003) by Fernando Meirelles and Katia Lund This film gives penetrating insights into the slums of Brazil through the eyes of its children, all grown up ahead of their time but sensitive youths nonetheless. Many other films and TV shows borrow from this pacesetter. 8. Silk Road In This World (2003) by Michael Winterbottom This is the ultimate road trip film with two young protagonists traveling the breadth of the Asian continent to find freedom. Border crossings and a complex web of relationships provide ample drama along the way. 9. Russia Russian Ark (2002) by Aleksandr Sokurov Filmed in one fluid shot on a highdefinition camera this film tells the modern history of Russia from the standpoint of art displayed in St. Petersburg State Hermitage Museum. Nearly one thousand actors participate in a dream-like tour in this intersection of art and history. 10. Mexico Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) by Guillermo del Toro A fantastical tale seen through the eyes of young girl examines the nature of good and evil in the context of fascism in post Civil War Spain. Perceptive viewers will discern the inextricable bonds between two realities, one seen and the other imagined or unseen.