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TechnoratiTo Kill a Mockingbird predates ratings, but it would probably earn a PG rating today for the use of a racial epithet and thematic material.
The One Who Will Not Give Up
In stark contrast to the film dads who don't know what to do when their kids get into trouble, or are too out of touch to even know that trouble is brewing, some film dads get it right. No matter how hard the task, these dads never give up. Like the cavalry over the hill, they will do whatever it takes to ride to the rescue. The most beautiful recent example comes from Pixar in the form of a fish named Marlin, and his son, Nemo.
As Finding Nemo begins, we see that Nemo is a rebellious little fish. Warned by his father to avoid humans, Nemo (like so many of us) decides to disobey and put one little fin over the line. The next thing he knows, Nemo is trapped, hauled off to a dentist's office where he will be the latest colorful addition to a saltwater aquarium. Nemo once was free, but his disobedience has made him captive.
Marlin, devastated at the loss of his son, is determined to rescue him. Joined by a forgetful angelfish named Dory, Marlin braves hungry sharks, overcomes a stealthy fish with sharp teeth that nearly lures him to his death, and swims through a perilous jellyfish forest. Even though Marlin would not be considered the swashbuckling type, when his son is in danger, he does everything in his power to bring him home.
As Nemo languishes in the tank, a friendly pelican lands on the window sill. When the pelican discovers Nemo's name, he tells Nemo about his father's fearless fight to rescue him. He says that Nemo's father is probably out in the harbor right now, coming for him. Believing in his father's perseverance is all that Nemo needs to redouble his own courage. G-rated, Finding Nemo demonstrates that a father's love overcomes all obstacles.
A Wiser Choice
Fathers need to break free from the damaging images that many Hollywood films push, identifying men as immature dolts, or hapless losers. An easy answer might seem to be to quit watching television and movies - that way you can avoid the negative stereotyping. But trying to escape the influence of film in this visually-oriented culture is nearly impossible, and the fact is that the vast majority of Americans watch movies as a form of entertainment. But when it comes to selection, we need to vote for what we want with our wallets.
By selecting films and shows (such as The Andy Griffith Show, for example) that contain strong and moral father figures, we can reinforce the idea that fatherhood is valuable, needed, and good. Being a good father is not something to avoid, it is a target at which to aim. These films are excellent examples of aspects of fatherhood that are worthy of emulation. Best of all, after the film, they can serve as discussion starters about the virtues of fatherhood that can lead to opening God's word. There, fathers (and fathers-to-be) can discover all of the lessons that were attractive to them in these films - being a good husband, a sacrificing father, a defender, a leader, and a wise guide back to the right path - are validated by God, who, as our Heavenly Father, embodies all these traits, and so much more.
Marc T. Newman, Ph.D., is the president of MovieMinistry.com, an organization that provides sermon and teaching illustrations, Bible studies and discussion cards, drawn from popular film, and helps the Church use movies to reach out to others and connect with people. Dr. Newman is an associate professor in the School of Communication and the Arts at Regent University. Requests for media interviews, or reprints of this article, can be made to marc@movieministry.com
