Save Me!
Jesus is a pretty big guy in the Western world - known as one of the head honchos in a common religion, a nice chap of good moral fibre, or at least a keen facial-hair enthusiast. Whoever you believe this historical figure to be, you will most likely know of him and the main 'plot points' of his story (immaculate conception through self-sacrifice) and recognise that christian or not, filmmakers have often used these personal traits and events in their work. The films in this collection all incorporate (obviously and less so) this character and/or story arc, and show an interesting range of uses for them in a culture saturated with this particular religion.
Pictured: 'The Buddy Christ' - Kevin Smith brings Jesus to the kids in "Dogma".
Donnie Darko: The Director's Cut (Blu-ray) (2001)
7.6/10
Director: Richard Kelly
Starring: Drew Barrymore, Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Katharine Ross, Mary McDonnell, No...
During the presidential election of 1988, a teenager named Donnie Darko (Jake Gyllenhaal) sleepwalks out of his house one night, and sees a giant, dem... Read more
Yellow Submarine (1968)
7.4/10
Director: George Dunning
Starring: The Beatles, Blue Meanies
Join the greatest band of all time for this mind-blowing voyage into the unearthly paradise of Pepperland and save it from the Blue Meanies, with humo... Read more
The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)
6.7/10
Director: Scott Derrickson
Starring: Laura Linney, Tom Wilkinson, Campbell Scott, Jennifer Carpenter, Colm Feore
Inspired by real events, this is as much courtroom drama as supernatural chiller. It tells in flashback the tragic story of 'Emily Rose' (Jennifer Ca... Read more
The Sin Eater ( aka The Order ) (2003)
7/10
Director: Brian Helgeland
Starring: Heath Ledger, Shannyn Sossamon, Mark Addy, Benno Furmann, Peter Weller
AKA 'The Order' Oscar-winning screenwriter Brian Helgeland writes and directs the compelling religious thriller - renegade Catholic priest Heath Ledg... Read more
Hell House (2001)
6.9/10
Director: George Ratliff
Every year, in Dallas, Texas, the Trinity Church holds an event called 'Hell House', a new evangelical slant on the traditional haunted house - only i... Read more
The Exorcism of Emily Rose (Blu-ray) (2005)
6.7/10
Director: Scott Derrickson
Starring: Laura Linney, Tom Wilkinson, Campbell Scott, Jennifer Carpenter, Colm Feore
Inspired by real events, this is as much courtroom drama as supernatural chiller. It tells in flashback the tragic story of 'Emily Rose' (Jennifer Ca... Read more
Henry Poole is Here (2008)
6.5/10
Director: Mark Pellington
Starring: Luke Wilson, Radha Mitchell, Adriana Barraza, George Lopez, Cheryl Hines, Richar...
Henry Poole (Luke Wilson) has a great life, a beautiful fiancee and he's just found out he's going to die. Hoping to drop out and live his final days... Read more
The Ruling Class (1972)
7.6/10
Director: Peter Medak
Starring: Peter O'Toole, Alastair Sim, Arthur Lowe
Outrageously funny satire features an Oscar-nominated performance by Peter O'Toole as a British earl who thinks he's Jesus Christ. Wicked barbs are th... Read more
Silent Light (2007)
7.3/10
Director: Carlos Reygadas
Starring: Cornelio Wall Fehr, Maria Pankratz, Miriam Toews, Peter Wall, Jacobo Klassen, El...
A transcendent meditation on love and religion, filmed in Northern Mexico by native auteur Carlos Reygadas ('Battle in Heaven'). The story revolves ar... Read more
Mandy (Blu-Ray) (2018)
6.7/10
Director: Panos Cosmatos
Starring: Bill Duke, Linus Roache, Nicolas Cage, Andrea Riseborough, Richard Brake, Ned De...
In the Pacific Northwest in 1983, outsiders Red Miller and Mandy Bloom lead a loving and peaceful existence. When their pine-scented haven is savagely... Read more