Excellent portrayal of the war between science and religion

Rating: 10/10 (4 November 2000)

To those not versed in the science/religion conflict they can easily think this is just a science fiction movie. Nothing can be further from the truth. In fact, "TRUTH" is what this movie is all about. The search for "TRUTH" -- science's way or religion's way. The theme of this movie was the vehicle to drive home this long lasting debate.
This was Carl Sagan's last stab at the hypocrisy in religion, and religion's anti-science stance. On the one hand religion wants us to believe in a god without proof, but those very same people demanded evidence of Arroway's trip. Typical.
Everywhere in the movie we see the conflict between religion and science. Once Dr. Arroway finds the evidence, what do the "believers" want to do? Militarize it! Again, a typical approach from the religious side. If they do not understand it, or it differs from their world view, destroy it! Science just wants to understand it.
Another example is who do they send to visit these aliens? The "true believer" to spread the Word! How many times has human history seen the results of these trips! One would expect these far more advanced aliens would have dispensed with such believe systems. You cannot advance to that stage still clinging to antiquated, and superstitious, views of reality.
I thoroughly enjoyed the movie and saw it at the theatre 3 times, and have watched the video many times more. I always catch another snippet of conflict.
Thank you Carl Sagan!! We miss you.
Richard Wakefield Toronto, Ontario, Canada