Movies That Matter: Reading Film through the Lens of Faith

A lively, discerning guide to what’s good, beautiful, and true at the movies

“Richard Leonard, SJ, expertly guides readers through some of the most popular recent films and shows us how even the most unlikely movies can encourage us to pray and draw closer to the divine . . . fascinating, lively, and often witty.”
—James Martin, SJ, author of My Life with the Saints

This thought-provoking and inspiring work by popular film critic and Jesuit Richard Leonard explains how movies are today’s parables and why people of faith need the skills to converse about them intelligently and productively. In Movies That Matter, Leonard views fifty important movies through “a lens of faith” and offers surprising insights on the spiritual dimension of each film. From Finding Nemo to Gandhi to The Godfather, Leonard’s informed, Christian point of view guides us to a new appreciation of both the films and our own spiritual beliefs. Leonard also lists teachable moments found in each movie and provides questions for personal reflection or group dialogue.

In addition, Leonard teaches today’s religious educators, parents, and film buffs how to “read” a film with the eyes of faith, and how to meaningfully engage with others through the media of film. He offers realistic advice on such topics as: valuing our story, sex and violence in films, ratings, and how to be a critical consumer. This entertaining and reliable guide will enrich your movie-watching experience.

“Movies That Matter is a book every person in pastoral ministry will want to use as he or she seeks to be relevant and faithful in a media world.”
—Rose Pacatte, FSP, coauthor Lights, Camera, . . . Faith!