Movie Clips... The New Parable?

Jesus often used parables, stories to give the people who were listening an understandable context for what he was trying to teach.  He used familiar ideas and relationships- farming and fishing, crops, inheritance, family and even an unfriendly relationship with the Samaritans, to share his message.  The interesting thing is, what most often resulted was confusion, unease, and at times anger.  Jesus rarely explained his parables, and often if asked he responded with a question or... another parable.      

I would like to present videos, or movie clips as a way to do the same thing in a catechetical setting.  What are movies but visual stories?  Like Jesus' parables they tell their stories in familiar places and situations and in the midst of familiar relationships.  Movies can take us into history, or even beyond our own world into the most fantastical places.  They have also presented visually some of the best that fiction has to offer.  They are a rich tool particularly for many with special needs in their ability to 'illustrate' ideas and stories.  I used this one to be able to give my kids in sacramental prep a glimpse of the Last Supper, and to make some of the connections to what they see and hear at Mass.

Videos and movie clips can also be very thought provoking, particularly if preceded and/or followed by some prayer time, and a good discussion starter.  Tough issues can be more easily brought up if you are talking about a character.  Here's one to begin a conversation about salvation history, or sin and grace, and...??   
     

Also, do not underestimate the power of Disney- I would even say in particular Pixar.  Their movies have had some beautiful affirmations of community, marriage and family, and individual gifts- just to name a couple of things (come on, you probably teared up during the opening 15 minutes or so of 'UP" too)   

 
I would not suggest showing a 60 or even 30 minute segment of a movie- that does not allow for much if any lesson, or good discussion, and is not a good use of already limited time.  3-5 minutes is a good time to aim for and is usually long enough to get the point across.  

This means that any clip we show must be carefully chosen, with a few questions in mind: 

1.  Is is appropriate for the audience?

2.  Does it clearly illustrate the message or story it is intended?

3. OR, can it be used to spark/fuel discussion on the intended topic? 

A couple things to note: first, be aware that if you show a clip from a movie some may want to go and watch it all.  A great clip from a questionable movie might not be worth it.  So it is always a good idea to be aware of and follow viewer guidelines and policies for parental permission/notification. 

You can find a wealth of videos and clips on YouTube  another good place to look for movie clips is WingClips

What are some of your favorites??