.: When Can Being Killed by a Bus be a Good Thing?
By:Bob Kish
First off, when the bus doesn't hit you! Secondly, when it does collide with one Daniel Miller, a character in a spiritual movie that is not only motivational but very funny as well.
Albert Brooks plays Daniel Miller, the man hit by a bus. The fatal accident lands him in Judgement City. There he is put on trial to see if he is worthy to advance to the next level or if he must return to earth for another incarnation.
While there he meets and falls for the wonderful Julia (Meryl Streep) who is also on trial. Julia has lived an exemplary life and her good deeds are replayed showcasing her altruism. Brooks character, meanwhile, is subjected to watching his many shortcomings come to life on a big screen video as the lawyers for and against watch and comment.
Rip Torn does a great job as Brooks' defense lawyer Bob Diamond and Lee Grant plays the prosecutor Lena Foster. But it is Brooks and Streep who carry this film. Brooks is at his best as his usual hyperchondriacish self. And, Streep is very sweet as his love-interest. Streep's almost saint-like life is bolstered by her humble attitude and makes her all the more attractive. Brooks, on the other hand, in reviewing his less than stellar stint on planet earth is able to make it a memorable one by injecting it with big doses of self-deprecating humor. Witness the following exchange between Brooks and the lawyers:
Bob Diamond: Did we ever stop to think that this young boy had a bond with his father? I don't think it had anything to do with the friend. I just think Daniel couldn't lie to his dad. That's all.
Lena Foster: You're nodding, Mr. Miller. Does that mean you agree with Mr. Diamond?
Daniel Miller: Oh, yes. I had a bond with my father. I pretty much never lied to him.
Lena Foster: You never lied to your father? Would you like me to show you at least 500 examples?
Daniel Miller: I said "pretty much" never lied. I didn't say I never, ever lied. You have to lie sometimes... in an emergency. But, ah, it doesn't mean the bond is affected. If you've got the bond the bond is always there, and if you have to lie occasionally you're not going to interfere with the bond. You know, the bond can wait for a little lie and... in the end it's there for you. You know, sometimes in the middle of a lie I found that the bond would kick in... maybe squeeze a little truth out.
Bob Diamond: Psst, wrap it up.
Daniel Miller: I'm through.
Through, indeed...
As this motivational movie progresses and the relationship develops between Streeps and Brooks, the question becomes – will they be through? Will they get to stay together or will they be sent to different places following their life reviews and possibly never be together again.
It is interesting to see what criteria Brooks is ultimately judged on in his quest for salvation. For a spiritual journey with a lot of laughs and to find the answer to his salvation watch Defending Your Life.
What is spiritual about this movie? I like the notion that redemption is just around the corner if you are only willing to take a chance at it - in the case of this movie that payoff comes at the very end - a lesson well-learned by Brooks' character. There is also the uncommon spiritual notion that life doesn't have to be some solemn austere enterprise but should be for the living. To that end, Brooks is given kudos for upgrading his ticket on a long flight to first class – pampering himself in essense at the expense of expense!
Essentially, life is for the living, so live it - cause, hey, like Daniel Miller, you could get hit by a bus tomorrow. Along the way though you may want to help some folks, do some charity work, and love others cause if you end up landing in Judgement City watching a movie review of your life you'll want to be able to enjoy it...
Defending Your Life makes getting hit by a bus a pleasurable
experience – provided you're not the one taking the hit.
Article keywords: movies, spiritual movies, spiritual cinema, spiritual cinema circle, motivational movies, films
Article Source: http://www.articles32.com
Free ebook reviews and lists top motivational movies. This spiritual movies site reviews the best spiritual movies and the Spiritual Cinema Circle.
.: New Others Articles
1). Psychic Ability - Fraud Or Gift?
A psychic has some special powers that ordinary people don’t have. Some psychics are able to predict the future, others can communicate with the recently deceased. Some psychics are telepathic, others have the ability to exorcise ghosts.
The police use psychics to help solve crimes, preferably without the media getting to know! The newspapers would have a field day mocking the police investigator who had to resort to a “fortune teller”
Many people secretly believe that ...
2). Native Speakers?
In a recent poll, I asked readers if they thought English language teachers should be native speakers. The result was interesting, as the vote from those with an opinion was close with 48% believing they should be native speakers and 41% saying no. I don’t know what you think about this but I’ve always had mixed feelings.
The first question I would raise with those who believe being a native speaker is an essential prerequisite for an English language teacher is, which nat...
3). Don't Hesitate To Cry A Tear
Growing up, my siblings and I were never aloud to cry even just one tear. No matter how sad, mad or hurt we were, tears were never allowed. We were told that truly tough people didn't shed a tear no matter how bad life got. Tears, our parents said, were for wimps and people who weren't strong enough to handle life.
As I grew into my teenage years, I found it nearly impossible to make it through week after week without crying a single tear. Since I knew my parents would not...
4). I Heard About A Shark Attack
Ever since my children were little, my husband and I have been taking them on beach vacations. So my kids have grown up with an honest love of the ocean. Even my youngest child loves to run by the side of the ocean and to wake up to the sound of the waves. My own childhood was filled with various beach vacations and cruises on the ocean. I have never given safety much of a thought on our family's beach vacations, but last year we heard a story about a shark attack that had ha...
5). What Is Narcissistic Personality Disorder And How To Deal With It Now
Narcissistic personality disorder is a personality disorder that is shown by having a grandiose state of mind in young adults. The number of people with this disorder is highly disputed with some theories stating that it can be as high as one percent of
6). Are You Compassionate To Yourself?
We talk of physical abuse. We also talk of emotional abuse. Let us now talk about self-abuse. What is self-abuse?
7). Quiz - Can Money Buy Happiness?
Can riches buy happiness? Wealth can buy many luxuries, but not happiness. Money cannot buy contentment.
.: Top Others Articles
1). CZ Redhead Product Review
CZ redheads are new newest of low cost over under shotguns on the market have higher quality standards than most top of the line brands.
2). Treadmill Vs Elliptical
Should you buy an elliptical trainer or a treadmill? Discover the unique benefits of both elliptical trainers and treadmills to help decide which one is best for you.
3). What Is Narcissistic Personality Disorder And How To Deal With It Now
Narcissistic personality disorder is a personality disorder that is shown by having a grandiose state of mind in young adults. The number of people with this disorder is highly disputed with some theories stating that it can be as high as one percent of
4). Build The Knife You Carry - Choose a Great Blank for Your Blade
It's important to choose suitable material for your new blade. There are many choices - select wisely with these tips.
5). Clay Pot Crafts: Make a Bell for the Porch
Clay pot crafts are a cute way to make home decorations. In clay pot crafts, clay flower pots can be crafted into a variety of decorative things that appeal to gardeners. Usually, the crafter begins with new pots.
6). We Teach Others How to Treat Us
Treat yourself with respect and others will follow suit. It is never okay to treat yourself disrespectfully or to allow others to get away with it.
7). Chicago’s Magnificent Miracle Mile – The Hottest Commercial Real Estate in the MidWest
Have you considered doing business on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile? The real estate is expensive, but if you have the right kind of business, you can make a fortune and easily pay those real estate fees.