movies - what is your personal standard of watching and why?

[Ginger]

What is your personal standard of not watching certain movies? Is it language, violence, sex or the subject matter? Is there a certain amount you can take of former or do you not see a problem and will watch anything?

I know my parents won't watch anything with any bad language or sex or violence but I will watch stuff they won't watch and my friends will watch it seems anything. Just interested to hear opinions from Christians.
My female Christian friend came over to my house and she was to bring some movies and I thought being both Christians and I'm not very strict we would have the same editing both being Christians.
She chose a movie that was explicit with sex and nudity (before the devil knows you are dead) and it said it was on the back. She didn't seem to have a problem with it I didn't want to offend her but in retrospect, I should and could have said something. And it surprised me that they have no problem with anything.

I will make sure the movies I watch don't have nudity or sex in it as personally that stuff can stay in your head and I don't want it there,in the bible and now a lot of people had problems with sex and temptations so I don't want watch that stuff. I don't like bad language but if its not too much I can put up with it, I'm not tempted with swearing, I never have had a problem that way so I'm OK with that. Violence is the same if its not grotesque like saw etc I'm OK, I don't seek it out or like it much.
So on a forum I feel I can be free and ask others what is your personal editing button and why?

 

[Vic C.]

I personally do not go for a whole lot of cussing, unnecessary violence (yeah, that's subjective) or gratuitous sex scenes. Actually, the older I get, the more I gravitate away from R rated stuff.

 

[Carol Lowery]

Same here....I diffinately don't have patience for the Lord's name in vain crap. The g d's are not excusable/acceptable to me. And why bother watching movies that I spend half my time covering my own eyes from the sex scenes.....with something like that being so personal/private, and intimacy such as that should be behind closed doors. I have a block on my TV for myself and my grandkids. And thinking about getting a christian block box. Some language I'll tolerate about 1 or 2 times, on the third one I'll change the channel. But I try not to push my ways on the rest of the family's choice outside of the g d's, but if it becomes offensive and pretty much everyone in the family knows cause they'll all look at me, I simply get up and leave the room to do something else. It's probably one of those deep exhale sighs I give that lets them know I've had enough....hint hint LOL! My weakness is the Sci Fi Channel. My huband's is wrestling which is one of my #1 dislikes. And there's one wrestling called TNA which seems to be all it is, or male soap operas, which I HATE soap operas of any kind.

Now I have watched Saving Grace a few times, and boy she's the perfect example of a lost person in a spiritual battle, and there's been times I've had to cover my eyes on her wild escapades, but I got to say all in all I enjoy it when the angel whips out his wings on her and nails her. And I tried to keep the concept that I know I was just as rotten as her at one time, and to see that on TV once and a while I get a chuckle cause it will remind me of something the Lord taught me. And I think that I was a hard cookie? Boy she's has/had me beat. Anyone else watched "Saving Grace"? She's a cop trying to get evidence of the angel that visits her after her request to call God to help her when she hit this guy off duty while she was driving drunk. And she's kicking and screaming when it comes to God all the way from every angle she can from sleeping with a married man just to spite God, to trying in her strength to be a good cop whose unethical, to trying to give her friend whose a forensic examiner evidence that this angels she sees/talks about does exist even though their group efforts to ambush him of course always fails. Or like when she pull a feather out of his wing and due to him being in the presence of God, she couldn't withstand God's presence on him and as he opened his wings and she slid and fell to the floor trying to hide the feather in her bathrobe to give to her friend later for examination. I like it when she challenge the angel that she believed she could take him on and put a whippin on him so he takes her to the top of this flat little mountain and she wrestles him. But I'm like Vic, the older I get I just don't participate in those areas....Saving Grace is the exception due to it being about a lost person wrestling with God, so I have to constantly keep that in mind when I watch it, but I have to say there's been times it went beyond my tolerance and I've changed the channel, and I got to say something bothered me bad a few months back on the series, and it's been months since I watched it.

Kudos HIM <><
Carolpsalm91

 

[sheshisown]

Hi Ginger~

I spend amost none of my time watching TV anymore, it always leaves me emptier feeling after than the last viewing experience. I like some of the cooking channel shows, although that's probably cause Im bored and not using my time to glorify the Lord, and a bit of voyuerism is in volved. :roll:

Movies are a favorite pastime of mine when I want to relax. I am a very visual person and can easily get involved imagining more than what is portrayed~ so I go for the vintage movies mostly, and like Carol I enjoy sci-fi, but also fantasy. Therefore I have learned to be discerning.
I rate movie content in my own way. A movie may not be considered pornographic or violent to media judges, however if it contains visual or audio graphic scenes that offend decency without aesthetic justification it warrants an X rating from me personally. Also, a few movies rated R contain a profound meaning and thou realistic have been tastfully distanced from the spectator and I have watched them.

What I measure movies by are aesthetic and moral principals that are guided by two obvious marks, distance and effect. Movies are an art form so they may be measured as such. At a distance of a movie close up the kiss between a husband and wife can be pornographic. It is true as well that depersonalization of the characters and plot can cause the spectator to no longer care how the couple kissing is related, and care only that they are given over to desire, in turn the spectator is encouraged to give herself/himself over to a lust of their own.

Pornography's effect on each person's psyche is like an assault, as mild as a pinch to an open wound. It is obviously cumulative and can become an addiction as lethal to life and holiness as heroin abuse.

To remain art, a movie must be using the realism it reflects in life to arouse a profound understanding of the characters themselves ( a realistic view revealing a profound human condition which the spectator could gain no other way). The issue is not whether certain words or acts should be taboo, but what distance should be maintained between spectator and subject. We wish to draw back when we are TOO CLOSE to the mouth of a physical person who is enjoying their dinner, or one deficating, urinating, bathing, or copulating. Not to draw back is to "peep" to pervert looking so that it becomes a sexual end in itself and deprives the other person of the dignity of privacy.

Also, children and adults watch movies at a different distance. When watching a comedy about adultery the adult is at a close proximety to the content the child is further away. When watching a fairy tale, the child becomes content close while the adult is distanced.

Look for films that have no or few detailed pictures of personal acts and verbal expressions, that limit these truths by proper distance, sketching them rather than vividly portraying them. Stylising something that is real can provide correct distance as well, however it may be an evasive way to introduce disgusting thoughts into one's mind also.

I hope my thinking thru some of these issues aloud has helped your own discernment choices. bonnie

 

[Blazin Bones]

I watch based on interest, and then how bad it is. If I like what the ad is showing, but it's R, It may keep me from watching.

 

[Ginger]

Thanks great insights people. I have wondered by watching some violence (just whats in a general program even 24) if people are desensitised to violence nowadays so when they pass someone on the street getting mugged or hurt they don't want to help or young people don't think its such a big deal etc if they witness or participate in the streets or playground of hitting others etc.

Watching some of these now doesn't do anything to me (violence) which worries me, and as society has lower and lower standards of these things in movies it may be that I will have to give up watching more and I love movies and I don't watch a lot that I would like to anyway. I guess thats another sad indication of our declining morals as a society and even Christians as I hear a lot 'well we wouldn't be able to watch anything' maybe we shouldn't, sad thought but getting true.

 

[handy]

I think that as we are desensitized to violence by our 'entertainment' we are also desensitized to sexual intimacy as well. There are many shows out there with a lot of violence in them, but I also find that the sexual situations on TV and in the movies is overwhelmingly prevelent. Even movies and shows that are primarily aimed at children have a lot of sexual innuendo and situations in them. It amazes me that so many so-called 'experts' are so concerned about how children might become desensitized to violence due to TV, movies and video games, yet there is never even an attempt to co-relate the increased sexual activity at younger and younger ages, and the overt sexual situations found in almost every show out there.

 

[lianna7]

Handy,
I agree with you 100% about people becoming desensatized with all the violence. It's bad enough just watching the news each day . I am not a fan of violent shows or movies and I have a hard time with the sexual liberties taken on TV shows and movies . So for myself I stay away from both , makes it hard to find things to watch.

 

[Biblereader]

I think that as we are desensitized to violence by our 'entertainment' we are also desensitized to sexual intimacy as well. There are many shows out there with a lot of violence in them, but I also find that the sexual situations on TV and in the movies is overwhelmingly prevelent. Even movies and shows that are primarily aimed at children have a lot of sexual innuendo and situations in them. It amazes me that so many so-called 'experts' are so concerned about how children might become desensitized to violence due to TV, movies and video games, yet there is never even an attempt to co-relate the increased sexual activity at younger and younger ages, and the overt sexual situations found in almost every show out there.

I haven't gone to see a movie in a long time, not since "the notebook" was in the theatres.
It was a love story between a husband, and his wife, who had full blown alzheimer's, and how he would visit her all the time, and read to her, stories from their courtship and marriage.
Yes, we get desensitized to sin, and that's why it is so important to STAY AWAY from sin, in the movies, and otherwise. We will be held responsible for NOT doing so.
There's not much in the movies now, that doesn't have ANYTHING in it that goes against something in the bible. Movies are not worth it, anymore.

 

[Vic C.]

Good movie, even if it did have a couple of questionable "intimate" scenes. James Garner was excellent. :D Beware, it is a tearjerker. 8-)

 

[handy]

Wow, interesting that you should bring up "The Notebook". Last week, my niece, sister, and mom were all trying to figure out the name of this movie because another family member wanted to see it, but none us could remember the name. I hadn't seen it, so naturally I wasn't able to help then. I'll let my niece in law know what the name is so she can watch it.

Sometimes tear-jerkers can be good. Sometimes, when I get kind of overwhelmed, (not really with the current situation with my dad, but there have been other times in my life) a good tear-jerker book or movie can let some emotion out and yet still allow me to be rational on how to deal with things. It's times like these when I'll pop in a movie like "Fiddler On the Roof" or "Sound of Music" (both of which have me blubbering like a baby by the end of them). When I watch movies, it's usually a classic. "To Kill a Mockingbird" is one of my all-time favorites (and it brings a tear plus goosebumps everytime the pastor tells Scout to stand because her father is passing by.)

I do watch newer movies from time to time, but not often. We went to the movies once this year (Prince Caspian) and that was the first movie we had seen since "The Lion, Witch and Wardrobe". On TV, about the only fiction I watch is Monk (I love that show). Otherwise, it's a lot of History Channel or Discovery Channel. Mythbusters is an all-time favorite with everyone in the house. We can satisfy that thrill for violence all in the name of science. Like who knew that a sausage could make such a big bang or that the backwash wind from an airplane could topple a school bus.

 

[Carol Lowery]

I love Monk too Dora. He makes me bust a gut with his phobia's sometimes. And "To Kill A Mockingbird"....a classic and good read.
"And Roots" by Alex Haley....classic and a good read too. I met Mr. Haley he lives up north from me where a friend of mine lives...same town. Always see Mr. Haley in the grocery store, wonderful God fearing man. I asked him one time, Mr. Haley will you autograph my book. I carried it around in my glove compartment just in case I saw him in the store when we go visit our friend Joe. Praise God one day I hit the mark, and was able to get it. I handed him his book to sign and I was alittle embarrass cause I have literally read the cover completely off the book (I've read it that much). So I felt like he might not want to sign my book cause of the condition it was in and be offended thinking I didn't care about taking care of it. But I got the opposite reaction (sigh of relief) He looked at me in my face and said, I love seeing my books like this, it tells me you don't just like it....you loved it. I said yes sir it's one of my favorites. I said Mr. Haley what kept you going in writing this book, what kept you inspired? He told me that one time he was driving down the road in the middle of no where and something on the side of the road caught his eyes. He said he didn't know how or why but saw this box turtle sitting on top of a fence post, and for the life of him couldn't figure that one out. But he said that turtle inspired him to remind him nothing is impossible if you set your mind to it. And when it gets tough, he'll think of that determination that turtle must of had to get on top of a fence post. It's been 20 years now since I've last seen him, but when things get tough I too draw on that determination of that little turtle. Mr. Haley told me he took a picture of it and framed it, hanging on his wall to remind him as well.
Now another classic...The Color Purple...good read too. So as long as I have my box of kleenex, and my pillow to bury my face in so no one knows I'm in front of the TV bawling my eyes out and blowing my nose til I think it will fall off........but it's all good! :

Another old classic is a black and white movie called "Cabin in the Sky" with Lena Horn when she was about 19, classic black movie of spiritual battles, church, fighting the devil by fighting for your own love ones, fighting temptation, a mighty praying women fighting the devil for her husband and a devil that gets so mad everytime she gets down on her knees. Got to watch it if you guys can get the movie.....it's hard to find but might be easy on the net.

Kudos HIM,
Carolpsalm91 <><

 

[sheshisown]

Good vintage films. hmmmmm.

Well, there's:
The Inn of the Sixth Happiness (Chinese missionary story)~
It Happened One Night (Romance in the Gable style)~
Captains Courageous (an adventure with a godly story for boys)~
Meet John Doe( Stanwick and Cooper, parody of the gospel )~

So many more. . . most of these can be checked out at your local library, for FREE! :-D

Anybody got favorite safefilms to offer for discerning Christian sissies and bros? 8-)

 

[Ginger]

Wow, interesting that you should bring up "The Notebook". Last week, my niece, sister, and mom were all trying to figure out the name of this movie because another family member wanted to see it, but none us could remember the name. I hadn't seen it, so naturally I wasn't able to help then. I'll let my niece in law know what the name is so she can watch it.

Sometimes tear-jerkers can be good. Sometimes, when I get kind of overwhelmed, (not really with the current situation with my dad, but there have been other times in my life) a good tear-jerker book or movie can let some emotion out and yet still allow me to be rational on how to deal with things. It's times like these when I'll pop in a movie like "Fiddler On the Roof" or "Sound of Music" (both of which have me blubbering like a baby by the end of them). When I watch movies, it's usually a classic. "To Kill a Mockingbird" is one of my all-time favorites (and it brings a tear plus goosebumps everytime the pastor tells Scout to stand because her father is passing by.)

I do watch newer movies from time to time, but not often. We went to the movies once this year (Prince Caspian) and that was the first movie we had seen since "The Lion, Witch and Wardrobe". On TV, about the only fiction I watch is Monk (I love that show). Otherwise, it's a lot of History Channel or Discovery Channel. Mythbusters is an all-time favorite with everyone in the house. We can satisfy that thrill for violence all in the name of science. Like who knew that a sausage could make such a big bang or that the backwash wind from an airplane could topple a school bus.

the notebook is a lovely movie but as another poster pointed out it had questionable sexual scenes in it sadly which stopped me recommending it. I waited till it was on DVD to fast forward it.

generally some movies that are OK

the matrix the original not the last one but even that people may have problems with general subject matter.

the lord of the rings trilogy although if I didn't know the guy that wrote it was a Christian I'd have a problem with the movie having wizards etc personally I don't see that much different between it and harry potter. But its 'clean'

Janettes Okes' 'love' movies are lovely Christian movie 'loves enduring promise etc"

 

[Vic C.]

the notebook is a lovely movie but as another poster pointed out it had questionable sexual scenes in it sadly which stopped me recommending it. I waited till it was on DVD to fast forward it.

That would be me, the "another poster". 8-)

My guilty pleasure is science fiction/fantasy, so I did make exceptions for the movies you mentioned above. I also like the "Terminator" movies and am looking forward to the return of "Terminator; The Sarah Connors Chronicles". The "Planet of the Apes" movies were cool too.

But I do have my sappy side. 8-) I enjoy many shows found on PBS; the cooking shows, the This Old House shows, History Detectives, Globe Trekker and shows like them.

... and speaking of "Trek"... :-D

I also like the Law and Order shows, especially "SVU", the CSI shows and any of the other forensic shows like "Bones". I like "24" also.

I'm bored with the Medical shows, except for "House".

 

[Ginger]

the notebook is a lovely movie but as another poster pointed out it had questionable sexual scenes in it sadly which stopped me recommending it. I waited till it was on DVD to fast forward it.

That would be me, the "another poster". 8-)

My guilty pleasure is science fiction/fantasy, so I did make exceptions for the movies you mentioned above. I also like the "Terminator" movies and am looking forward to the return of "Terminator; The Sarah Connors Chronicles". The "Planet of the Apes" movies were cool too.

But I do have my sappy side. 8-) I enjoy many shows found on PBS; the cooking shows, the This Old House shows, History Detectives, Globe Trekker and shows like them.

... and speaking of "Trek"... :-D

I also like the Law and Order shows, especially "SVU", the CSI shows and any of the other forensic shows like "Bones". I like "24" also.

I'm bored with the Medical shows, except for "House".

I love sci-fi as well maybe cause some of them are 'clean'! :D
I did love matrix except for the last one (didn't like the analogy between it and Christianity). I did like the terminator (I didn't watch it on the cinema and watched it on TV so it was cleaned up - like the short sex scene which I discovered when renting the movie recently).
Planet of the apes were cool and clean so that was good but it was just another movie that perpetrates evolution although in the opposite way.

And I am such a trekkie but voyager is my favourite. I love 'lost' and '24' it is mostly clean and with you on medical shows and 'house' is the only one I watch, love it. I like monk and psych. Also 4400 and 'heroes'.

I did love CSI shows but I couldn't believe what they would show with sex scenes and it got to the point it was in nearly all of them (I used to look at the storyline and not tape it if it was dodgy) so I don't watch them anymore.
Just annoyed with TV producers as they allow more and more horrible stuff in, if its not sex its gay or kinky etc so annoying.

 

[Vic C.]

I only saw season one of The 4400. I cut back on TV access. I now only have the basics of "basic". Something like 35-40 video channels plus a bunch of "audio only". Heroes was ok... hard to follow, like Lost. I started catching it occasionally because I watched "Chuck" and it followed Chuck. I'm a bit of a computer nerd and that whole nerd/spy thing was sooo far out there, it was hilarious. :

Yeah, CSI: Miami can be a little racy at times, more so than CSI:NY and the first CSI . Yes, LAW and Order: SVU can also get a bit graphic, but I live near NYC and I know how tough a Special Victims Unit investigation might be. There's no real way to sugarcoat what happens to the victims of sexually related crimes. Those real investigators have my respect for sure. The cool things about that show is I've actually seen them take some very conservative stands against rape and especially abortion.

I figure what we need to decide with shows like these is; are the writers and producers just doing what they do for some shock value or is there anything redeeming value or a little bit of both? ;-)

 

[destiny]

I like documentaries, the history and discovery channels. I also like some of the travel and nature programs. Very rarely do we watch any movies.

 

[lovely]

My taste is much like yours destiny...we're getting old. :-?

I have checked some of things out at the library, because video stores are so far away anyway, and I have more time to return...besides it's cheaper. Books on tape are nice too, btw. I like things that my children can watch, and thats good for schooling them. 'The Moody Bible Science' videos are some of our favorites to watch. It's a set of videos we actually own...if we desire Christian things we usually need to buy them. The older movies, some that have been listed here, and others like 'Where the Red Fern Grows', and 'Sargent York' are nice to watch occasionally. I always liked the movie, 'The Quiet Man'...guy and girl movie all rolled in one. :D My daughter Arianna (6) loves the movies, 'The Sound of Music' and 'Fiddler On The Roof'. Thankfully I do not usually get songs stuck in my head or these would be difficult to watch so often. When we visit my dad we usually watch, 'How It's Made'...we love that show.

Most modern stuff now makes me uncomfortable, or embarrassed, at least at some point in the movie...I do not like feeling like I shouldn't have watched something afterwards. I just avoid them completely now, it's not worth it. We do not have television reception by choice, but the videos are nice once in a while. Our family reads aloud books in the evenings, or listens to sermons or books on tape. I think I am reading the Little House series books for the 10th time! :wink:

 

[destiny]

My taste is much like yours destiny...we're getting old.

Yep, but wiser because of what we watch. haha!

I've really always liked those sorts of programs along with the true crime stories that come on programs like 20/20, 60 minutes, 48 hours, etc. For some reason I have always prefered truth to fiction, even in the books I read.

I like those childrens movies too, lovely... especially the old ones.