Robyn and I watched the movie "To End All Wars" last night on DVD. It is based on a book by Ernest Gordon in which he relates his experiences as a prisoner of war in Thailand during WWII. I had read the book last year, already knowing that a movie had been made about it. However, it took a while before the movie was available to rent (I don't think it ever made it to the theatres).
The movie is powerful. It's also gritty, with alot of violence and language. Therefore, I definitely don't recommend it for children (or for the sqeamish when it comes to movie violence, such as my wife!). The theme is basically this: the power of Christian self-sacrifice and forgiveness to give dignity and hope to those living in the most debased and terrible of circumstances. Mercy is greater than self-inflicted justice, forgiveness greater than revenge, self-sacrifice greater than self-preservation, love greater than hate.
My recommendation would be to read the book first. The movie does differ from the book quite a bit. I think the book actually deals with evangelical themes more forthrightly, though they are certainly present in the movie as well.
Ernest Gordon, who is Scottish, went on to serve as a chaplain at Princeton for many years. There is no doubt that his time as a POW gave him a profound understanding of the heart of the gospel message.
Did you see it? What did you think?
Posted by Pastor Scott at July 30, 2004 2:48 PM
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