Teachers at the movies

Lutheran, The, Mar 2004 by Brussat, Frederic, Brussat, Mary Ann

What we learned from animals in 2003's most spiritually literate movies

In the chapter on animals in our book Spiritual Literacy, we listed some lessons we've learned from our cats, such as: Live a rhythmic life. Stretch often. When you want something, be persistent. The night has many surprises. We recalled this exercise when we realized that some of the best films of 2003 are about animals as teachers.

All of the wisdom traditions acknowledge the important role of animals in the spiritual life. Francis of Assisi held them in such high regard that he addressed them as "brothers" and "sisters." In many stories and dreams, animals are presented as wise elders that give us insights into life's great mysteries.

Here's what we learned from animals in 2003's most spiritually literate films.

Winged Migration is a tutorial in the spiritual practice of wonder. You can't watch this documentary without feeling awestruck by the diversity, adaptability and beauty of God's creation. The filmmakers follow bird migrations through 40 countries and seven continents, using small planes, gliders, helicopters and balloons to film flocks from above, below and alongside. This is an up-close-andpersonal perspective like nothing you've ever seen. You can almost feel the breeze off the birds ' flapping wings.

The birds face many life-threatening challenges-storms, droughts, hunters, pollution-as they follow ancient flight routes to their nesting grounds. As you watch this film, you'll see what extraordinary beings they are in their own right, a view that leads to greater respect and reverence.

What are we here for? How can we make a difference? In two of our best films, animals help people discover answers to these key spiritual questions.

There are four main characters in Seabiscuit: an entrepreneur recovering from a family tragedy, an unconventional horse trainer, a too-tall jockey who is blind in one eye, and a small, knobby-kneed racehorse nobody thinks can be a champion. But the horse has heart and the will to win under pressure. Under the care of the three men, he stuns the racing world with victory after victory, becoming an inspiration to many ordinary people in Depression-era America.

Based on a true story, Seabiscuit demonstrates the exemplary and mutually rewarding bond that can form between humans and animals.

Whale Rider is set in a small Maori community in New Zealand. Twelve-year-old Pai was named after the tribe's venerated ancestor who, legend says, arrived in the village on a whale's back after his canoe capsized. Her grandfather, the chief, is disappointed that Pai's father shows no interest in succeeding him. Yet he refuses to allow a girl to learn the traditional ways of the chief.

Pai is determined, however, and gains both strength and legitimacy from her connection to the whales in the waters off the village. Here the animals provide both the impetus and reason for spiritual growth.

Finding Nemo, an animated film, uses animals to mirror some truths about family life. When Nemo, a young clownfish, exercises his independence by swimming into the deep water, he is captured by a scuba diver for a dentist's aquarium. His father, Marlin, accompanied by Dory, a blue tang, travels across the ocean looking for him. along the way, this fearful fish learns that obstacles and dangers help build character and alter bad habits.

Nemo's best spiritual teacher turns out to be a laid-back and unflappable sea turtle, who gives his children the ;�. freedom to test themselves against trouble and learn from their mistakes.

Our fifth choice, in america, does not have animals in it-unless you count some new york city pigeons that the characters find roosting in their rundown apartment. but it conveys many of the same spiritual qualities we've identified in our other favorites: reverence, resilience, determination and family love.

Paddy and sarah and their two daughters moved from ireland to new york. they are still coping emotionally with the death of the youngest child in the family. They move into a tenement, the only place they can afford, and set about making a good life despite some serious setbacks. The girls in particular demonstrate that wonder and imagination can carry us through a sea of troubles.

In America is a totally involving film that gets its emotions just right. You'll find yourself aching and hoping and celebrating with this family in almost every scene. That ability to create empathy is another mark of a spiritually literate movie.

For a complete list of the Brussels' choices of the most spiritually literate films of 2003, visit www.SpiritualityHealth.com/bestfiims2003.To discuss this article with the authors. March 23-30, see www.thelutheran.org (click discussion boards)

The Brussats are the authors o/Spiritual Rx: Prescriptions for Living a Meaningful Life, now available in paperback (Hyperion 2001). They welcome your comments on your experiences with spiritual practices.

E-mail to brussat@spiritualrx.com.