Product: Lilies of the Field [VHS] (1963)
Rating: 5.0
A BRIGHTNESS OF HOPE
In our home, on Sundays, regular television broadcasting is entirely avoided, as well as most secular movies. We generally watch only what we call "scripture movies"--those specifically designed to support gospel teaching. "Lilies of the Field", while secular does indeed support gospel principles in a wonderfully subtle, simple, yet poignant and entertaining way. The film encourages serving others, recognizing that our Heavenly Father loves all of us equally despite our differences of race, religion, etc., that we are all blessed with gifts which He intends for us to use to serve His purposes and in so doing serve our "neighbor".Sidney Portier's Oscar-winning performance is spectacular. But when has it not been? You finish watching this film and want to go out and perform some unselfish service for someone with as much grace, care and good humor as "Schmidt". Yes, initially, Homer would have liked to have been paid. As it turns out he was, just not in cash. He gained the view of himself as being of much greater worth than "mammon" and a peaceful release of a self-sabotaging pride in the of realization of at least one of his dreams. For once the chapel is complete, he carves his name in so obscure a place that no one else is ever likely to see it and give him credit for the building. But that's okay with Homer now, HE KNOWS that he may truly call himself contractor, engineer and Master Craftsman.Not only is this movie delightful for its life lessons, but for its ability to appeal to anyone, hopefully, everyone. I have three sons, ten and under. All of them are as in love with video games and gratuitously, action-packed films as any other boys I know. Still, whenever the boys have a Monday off from school ("Lilies..." is feature length unlike "scripture movies",so they are allowed to stay up late enough to watch it), the Sunday viewing line up WILL, invariably, include "Lilies of the Field" -- THEIR choice. Indeed, my oldest claims it as one of his favorites, right up there with Star Wars films. It makes me happy since it is of such high quality and has been one of my favorites since childhood, too.The HOPE I mention in my subject line refers to this film's managing to retain a full dose of it, notwithstanding the tests of time, the scarcity of respectable, humble male African American characters in film, plummeting values and standards in all forms of entertainment, fluctuating race/nation relations and the increasing frenzy to acquire money and things by any means--good or evil--necessary.We watch this film on DVD and the quality is perfectly sufficient.