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Christian trust recommends Lovely Bones for Lenten discussions


"The film's sheer intensity makes it a tough watch - but if your church is looking for a highly-charged discussion starter for Lent then The Lovely Bones (12A) fits the bill exceptionally well."

That's the view of Nick Pollard who sees Peter Jackson's latest film as an ideal means of reflecting on tough moral issues.

"Jackson is best known for the Lord of the Rings trilogy where good finally triumphs over evil," explains Pollard, founder of Christian educational trust Damaris. 'The Lovely Bones is different. Based on the best-selling novel by Alice Sebold, it raises but doesn’t seek to answer profound questions about justice, redemption, restitution and restoration."

Film-makers Paramount Pictures UK have provided clips from the film, downloadable free of charge by churches and educational establishments from the Damaris site: www.damaris.org/lovelybones.

Other resources for use by groups are also to be made available - particularly the very popular Pollard on Film and Movie Moments videos.

In The Lovely Bones, Susie Salmon, an ordinary 14-year-old girl with everything to live for, is confronted by the destructive lust of an older man. He lures and traps Susie, brutally raping and murdering her. Intriguingly, the story is told by Susie from beyond the grave - in a disembodied state referred to as 'the in-between'.

"The nature of heaven is not the film's central focus,'" explains Pollard. "However, we watch the story unfold from Susie's point of view in eternity as the Salmon family is driven apart by shock, grief and anger. Susie's father's dogged determination to find the killer is echoed by Susie herself - ''I waited for justice but justice did not come'''.

Pollard is reminded of Hannah Foster, the 17-year-old from Southampton who was brutally raped and murdered by her neighbour.

"When someone has done something so appalling, do you want justice or revenge? Are they different?" he asks. "The ending, in particular, leaves you reflecting on some tough questions."

The Lovely Bones is released in the UK and Ireland on 19th Feb - the first week of Lent.

"There is no better time to reflect on justice and redemption," suggests Pollard. "This film doesn't provide easy answers but will cause people to ask some very profound questions."

For more information and downloadable resources see: www.damaris.org/lovelybones




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