Review(s): DVD The Magic Never Ends - The Life and Work of C.S. Lewis
Good Overview of Lewis's Life--but then there's that Groupie again
This would have been even better had they only been able to avoid interviewing Walter Hooper, an apparent literary groupie who, according to Kathryn Lindskoog in the book "The C.S. Lewis Hoax," wormed his way into a position of power over the rights to the body of work Lewis left behind, and then apparently falsified documents and history, and promote himself. After reading Lindskoog's book, and then carefully listening to all the interviews in this documentary, it was a little creepy how Hooper sounded. He seemed to positively place Lewis on an altar and be worshipful of him, rather than merely honoring the man, as had the other interviewees. It is weird to see a man literally worship another man, to listen to that. Very odd. Disturbing.
A Nice Overview of C.S. Lewis' Life and Works
This DVD works best as an introduction and/or a dialogue about C.S. Lewis' life and influence, particularly within the Christian context. C.S. Lewis experts, many of whom are from Wheaton College, discuss Lewis' relationship with Mrs. Moore, the influence of his colleagues like Tolkien, and Lewis' profound effect and affect on Christian thought through his writings and lectures.
Some of the dialogue is really of little use like speculating about his relationship with Mrs. Moore, for the relationship is a pre-occupation with sensationalism more than rigorous thought; however, many of the discussions do provide a nice framework for understanding Lewis's writings and life. I think it is interesting to see Debra Winger interviewed since she is not a Christian. In this case, it adds to the discussion since she brings a positive perspective about Lewis' approach.
It was nice to see Lewis' stepson, Douglas Gresham, who brings an eye-witness account to the discussion as well as Walter Hooper. Overall, this is a nice production and interesting hour spent discussing C.S. Lewis and his profound influence on Christian culture.
The narration by Sir Ben Kingsley properly fits this DVD.
Related DVD's The Magic Never Ends - The Life and Work of C.S. Lewis
This emotionally moving romantic drama was adapted by William Nicholson from his own acclaimed play, based upon the real-life romance (during the 1950s) between the British writer C.S. Lewis and a divorced American poet named Joy Gresham. Best known for writing The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, Lewis (Anthony Hopkins) is living comfortably as a respected Oxford don, his academic lifestyle a kind of shell protecting him from the emotional risk of love. Joy Gresham (Debra Winger) arrives at Oxford as an avid admirer of Lewis's writing, and the safety of his collegiate routine is quickly disrupted when Lewis realizes that he's fallen deeply and unexpectedly in love. Their courtship is uniquely engaging; he's shy and uncertain, she's outspoken and bold. But when Joy is diagnosed... More Info about this DVD Actor(s): Anthony Hopkins Director(s): Richard Attenborough DVD Release Date: Released the 09 January 2001 This item is currently not available.
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The Question of God: Sigmund Freud and C.S. Lewis makes an exhaustive yet stimulating case that Freud, father of psychoanalysis, and Lewis, author and Oxford scholar, are exemplary representatives of their respective secular and spiritual belief systems. This two-part PBS program grew out of a quarter-century-old Harvard course taught by Armand M. Nicholi, in which the backgrounds of Freud and Lewis (born a generation apart) are compared and contrasted for formative experiences that drove one man toward a science-based atheism (Freud's conclusion that belief in God stems from childhood fear and helplessness) and the other away from atheism toward Christianity (Lewis's assertion that one can reject religion and find a personal path toward God). Through dramatized scenes featuring... More Info about this DVD DVD Release Date: Released the 12 October 2004 Usually ships in 10 to 12 days
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These were Dietrich Bonhoeffer's last words before he was hanged, naked, on a gallows of the evil Nazi regime (sadly, only weeks before his concentration camp was liberated by the Allies in WWII).
This 90 min. 12 chapters DVD is a documentary-styled film about the life and writings of a person called Dietrich Bonhoeffer. (The other reviewers did a good job at presenting his background).
This DVD can be enjoyed by Christians and non-Christians alike.
A legacy of God's grace, Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a pastor, theologian, university professor, anti-Nazi conspirator, and martyr who detected early on the evils of a new monster rising amidst his germanic countrymen (Adolf Hitler as Fuehrer, racism as means of national liberation, the deification of state... More Info about this DVD Director(s): Martin Doblmeier DVD Release Date: Released the 20 April 2004 Usually ships in 24 hours
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this film is a monumentally better depiction of the events and faith of C.S. Lewis and his relationship with Joy. Joss Ackland is excellent as Lewis and the faith that drove and sustained lewis is never undermined by hollywood emotionalism as in the Attenburough film staring Anthony Hopkins. Hopkins is just outright boring and dull witted as Lewis.
This film is far better save the score! if you can make it through your perserverance will reward you. More Info about this DVD Actor(s): Joss Ackland DVD Release Date: Released the 23 November 2004 Usually ships in 24 hours
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