At the Movies: High School Graduate Edition

Home Culture At the Movies: High School Graduate Edition

Graduating high school seniors don’t ask me for advice very often. Those that I meet at summer camp or who serve on our Regional Youth Council receive the same words from year to year. “If you are going to attend college, choose a school that is at least six hours from home. If a phone call to parents can’t solve a problem, you figure out what kind of adult you are going to be. College or not, move out of your parent’s home if possible. If not, offer to pay rent.” This is particularly tough advice for youth, especially those whose parents are very, very involved in every aspect of their lives. Yes, it is also hard on parents who expect to be involved in their adult child’s “everyday” life. Yet, I think it is a solid jumping off point into adult life for the sheltered, helicoptered, and free range youth alike. Of course, in the time of Covid-19, those choices are harder, maybe limited, and a bit more frightening, to make.

I often suggest a movie or two they should see as newly minted adults. Why after graduation? Well, though cultural norms have changed, film and TV standards (ratings) with them, I’m still not comfortable suggesting a high school junior or senior see a “Rated-R” movie, without parental approval, even when a film illuminates issues or topics that are relevant no matter the historical context. During congregational ministry I took high school youth groups to “Rated-R” movies or showed them at youth group with parental permission and participation. The “adult” rating is not the sole factor. Not all of the films I suggest are “Rated-R.” Rather, they require the ability to wrestle with the nuance and complexity of human relationships and human systems at the macro and micro level. How does humanity do what is right because it is right no matter who may be watching or consequences of that choice – or not. How do I do what is right because it is right no matter who may be watching or consequences of that choice – or not. Or, as Anna discerns in Frozen II, “do the next right thing.”

This list has changed over the years. It is in no order of preference. This is what I’m suggesting to the class of 2020. Enough previews. Now, on with the show.

“I’m trying to free your mind.” (The Matrix, 1999)

“Everything decent has been done. All the great themes have been used up. Turned into theme parks.” (Pump Up the Volume, 1990)

The Mission, 1986

The Enemy Below, 1957

“I put no stock in religion. By the word religion I have seen the lunacy of fanatics of every denomination be called the will of God. Holiness is in right action and courage on behalf of those who cannot defend themselves, and goodness. What God desires is here [points to head] and here [points to heart] and what you decide to do every day, you will be a good man – or not.”
(Kingdom of Heaven, 2005)

Blazing Saddles, 1974

“My dear Ricky, I suspect that under that cynical shell, you’re at heart a sentimentalist…Oh, laugh if you will, but I happen to be familiar with your record. Let me point out just two items. In 1935, you ran guns to Ethiopia. In 1936, you fought in Spain on the Loyalists’ side.”
Rick: And got well paid for it on both occasions.
Captain Renault: The winning side would have paid you much better.
(Casablanca, 1942)