BETTER KNOWN: these films have familiar titles. Perhaps you have seen them, if so they are worth seeing again. If you haven’t seen them, now is the time!
 Brother Sun, Sister Moon (1973)
Franco Zeffirelli’s signature lush photography and use of real architecture and settings enhances the story of St. Frances. Francesco, the spoiled son of a wealthy merchant, renounces all his worldly possessions to live a simple life as a man of God. Much to the dismay of the local bishop, he gradually gains a large following. The cinematography, editing, and a romantic soundtrack by the Scottish singer-songwriter Donovan, reinforce the healing and influential effect St. Francis had on his followers.
 Simon Birch (1998)
Born the size of a human hand, Simon Birch was not predicted to live through the first week of his life. Then the first month. Then the first year. Twelve years later, Simon is still alive, and still incredibly undersized. He constantly reminds his best friend Joe that God has a special plan for him. Meanwhile, Joe spends his time closed off from his mother’s new suitors, preoccupied with the knowledge that he has never been told who his real father is. When fate intervenes in the form of a foul ball during a little league game, Joe understands that he will never learn the truth; unless Simon is right about there being a purpose for everything, that is. A hopeful, heartwarming tale that the whole family can enjoy.
LESSER KNOWN: these films are generally not known. I highly recommend them, and encourage you to recommend them to others:
 Saved (2004)
Set in a Christian high school, the teen comedy follows a group of students who are all at different places in their lives. The film culminates on prom night, when a series of revelations put things in their proper perspective. Dannelly and co-writer Michael Urban have produced a script that is a breezy, hilarious ride through the tricky waters of adolescence, and their all-star cast jumps into their roles with glee. Rather than merely making jabs at the Christian right movement, however, the film preaches a universal message of tolerance and acceptance.
 The Magdalene Sisters (2002)
One of the Catholic Church’s most infamous institutions is the focus of this controversial independent feature from Scottish actor and erstwhile director Peter Mullan. Set in 1964, The Magdalene Sisters hones in on the Magdalene convent, a place where purportedly wayward young women have been sent by their families for reform. Many of the girls are locked up in the institution for questionable “sins,” and the movie presents several of them as case studies.
WHAT TO DO IN THE MEANTIME is a production of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Washington, Connecticut, as part of our online outreach to parishioners and friends during this time of self-quarantine and physical distancing, made possible by support from viewers like you.
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