- News: Views
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20 Dec
[06-10-08] The Ten Commandments
This term we are looking at the Ten Commandments - barely 300 words long in English, yet they form the basis of our legal system, the foundations of our parliament and lie at the core of western civilisation.[01-10-08] Open Heaven at 15 Years Old: Growing Up
This summer, Open Heaven turned 15 years old.[26-09-08] Welcome to Loughborough
If you're a fresher (or even someone who's just thinking of coming along to Open Heaven for the first time) we'd like to give you a warm welcome.[15-09-08] To be Loved, to Love and to Serve
Here is a short account of what my last year has been like my aim is to encourage, motivate, and challenge us all, as we seek to be continually transformed into the likeness of our king, Jesus.[10-09-08] The Hidden Beauty of the Church
While walking around inside an old but still well used church building, I found myself in a kind of gatehouse with a dusty old staircase leading down from one end.[28-05-08] I Am the True Grapevine
Looking at a tree outside my office window the other day I realised how strong the trunk was and that the branches did little to support it.[12-02-08] Responding to the Call
We are embarking on a journey of adventure, into the unknown; a little nervous, anticipating many challenges but determined to position ourselves to be ever more used by God in establishing the Kingdom in every area of our personal and corporate lives.[27-11-07] Getting Closer...Part 2
For a while it's been everywhere.[08-11-07] What on Earth is Daniel on about?
So you've finished reading the story of the lion's den and you fancy reading on to find out what happens to Daniel next.[18-10-07] Student Discipleship
If you hang around anyone from Open Heaven for long enough you are bound to hear them talk about discipleship.
- See also...
10 Fave Films of 2004
Whilst 2004 hasn't produced any really special films, its still been quite a good year, with a range of good films. So here are my ten favourites (which are not necessarily the best films of the year just my favourites).
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The Story of the Weeping Camel. Forget adrenaline charged action movies, this is a film that totally relaxes you as it absorbs you into the tranquility of its family life in the Mongolian desert. A totally new cinematic experience for me, and one that won't easily be forgotten |
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The Incredibles Exciting, funny, touching and smart, The Incredibles will be a favourite of many for years to come (Go to Review) |
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Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Combining the visual brilliance of director Michel Gondry, the bizarre imagination of writer Charlie Kauffman, and Carrey and Winslet playing superbly against type Eternal Sunshine was arguably the year's best film. (Go to Review) |
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The Passion of the Christ After all the hype and anti-hype Gibson's 'Jesus film' redeemed its uneven realism with the occasional compelling glint of how great the life of Christ could have been if he choose to show that. Undoubtedly a stunning piece of visual art, but spoilt by its over indulgence. (Go to Review) |
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Open Range Say what you want about Kevin Costner, but he sure knows how to make a good western. Picking Robert Duvall is certainly a smart move on his part, but he also captures the feel of the wild west, stripping away some of the romance and the myth of the 50s westerns, but still producing gripping action scenes. |
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Ladykillers Neither the best Coen Brothers film, nor as good as the priginal (apparantly) and really too crude in places, Ladykillers is still a great film. Hanks, somewhat surprisingly, steals the show as the thesauraus-spewing "Professor", but the rest of the cast gives great support, the dialogue is brilliant and the gospel music is top notch. "I shall see to the matter as only a highly educated classicist could." |
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Pieces of April OK - Thanksgiving is an American thing, but this is a great US independent film which shows a family split by years of hurt attempting to come together for what could be their last chance to share thanksgiving. |
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Hero Easily the most visually stunning film of the year, and although it's not as deep thematically as Zhang's other work it deserves every cinematography award it gets. (Go to Review) |
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Spiderman 2 It's rare a sequel surpasses the original, particulaly when the original was so good, but somehow S2 managed it, providing a thrilling and entertaining film whilst raising questions of identity, comittment and responsibility. |
Films I saw that didn't make it: Troy, Bararian Invasions, Shrek 2, Cold Mountain, House of Sand and Fog, I Heart Huckabees, Ae Fond Kiss, 50 First Dates, King Arthur, Home on the Range, Day After , and ...ahem...Scary Movie 3
My Five Favourite Films Finds (on video)
1 - Donnie Darko Weird and Wonderful and for some reason I seem to want to keep watching it. I watched it first in June and I've watched it about 3 times since
2 - Italian for Beginners "Better than it sounds" (Rich Wilson) A great unknown ensemble cast give real deoth to their interesting range of characters, although the show's stolen by the most rounded positive, yet realistic portrayal of a Christian leader for decades.
3 - Whale Rider It's obvious how this will end up, but that's not really the point of Whale Rider. A beautiful snapshot of life in the South Pacific, that finds empathy for both its leading characters despite their opposing views. Amazing.
4 - Rope Hitchcocks experimental murder mystery revolves not around the age-old whodunnit, but will they get away with it, and how will they get caught if they don't. The film is made up of a just 11 takes, each about 7-8 minutes long, and given that some of the timing and camerawork is incredible.
5 - The Seventh Seal Bergman's most famous film is a strange film first time around, but the second time I saw it was able to enjoy it and get it a whole lot more. The atmosphere and photography are brilliant.
Posted by: Matt Page on Monday Dec 20th, 2004
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