Faith and Film Series
Wednesdays in August
6:00 p.m. in Hansen Hall

August 4th - 2009, PG-13 for one scene of brief violence, drug and sexual references, 129 minutes

This movie depicts the story of Michael Oher, a homeless African-American youngster from a broken home, taken in by the Touhys, a well-to-do white family who help him fulfill his potential. At the same time, Oher’s presence in the Touhys’ lives leads them to some insightful self-discoveries of their own. Living in his new environment, the teen faces a completely different set of challenges to overcome. As a football player and student, Oher works hard and, with the help of his coaches and adopted family, becomes an All-American offensive left tackle.

Sandra Bullock won an Academy Award for best actress in 2010 for her role as Leigh Anne Touhy.

August 11th - 2009, PG-13 for brief strong language. 104 minutes

Walter Vale is a widower who teaches economics at a Connecticut University. No longer motivated by his work, he lives alone, struggling to find passion and meaning in his life. In New York to present a paper at a conference, he goes to the apartment that he has kept since his wife was alive (but hasn’t visited for some time) only to discover a young couple living there, having been duped by an acquaintance who "rented" it to them. Despite their great cultural difference, Walter befriends Tarek, a Syrian citizen and drummer, and gradually builds a friendship with Esi, his girlfriend from Senegal. The police discover that Tarek does not have legal papers and transfer him to an immigrant detention center. The film examines immigration policies and the power of friendship, kindness and reaching out to others.

Richard Jenkins was nominated for an Academy Award in 2009 for his performance as Walter Vale. Writer and Director Thomas McCarthy won the Interfaith Award at the Brisbane International Film Festival.

August 18th - 2009, PG, 105 minutes

Dominated from childhood by a possessive mother, the young Queen Victoria, shows that she does not want to be anyone’s puppet. However, she must spend much of her life navigating through many who want to control her. The Kings of England and Belgium have picked mates for her and she prefers Albert, a Saxon Prince, Belgium’s choice. She’s also in the thrall of Lord Melbourne, who was the Prime Minister when at 18 she takes the throne. Her stubbornness in political and personal affairs nearly undoes her authority and marriage, but she finally seeks balance and social purpose.

Emily Blunt was nominated for several best actress awards for her role as Queen Victoria.

August 25th - 2009, PG-13 for brief strong language, 134 minutes

This film tells the inspiring true story of how Nelson Mandela joined forces with the captain of South Africa’s rugby team to help unite their country. Newly elected President Mandela knows his nation remains racially and economically divided in the wake of apartheid. Believing he can bring his people together through the universal language of sport, Mandela rallies South Africa’s rugby team as they make their historic run to the 1995 Rugby World Cup Championship match.

Morgan Freeman (playing Nelson Mandela) was nominated for best actor at the 2010 Academy Awards and Matt Damon (playing the rugby team captain, Francois Pienaar) was nominated for best supporting actor at the 2010 Academy Awards.