Right Words

I’m all over the place in this post, but I hope that one or more of these films are inspiring to you.

The Nun’s Story (1959). I tried this one on a whim while scrolling through YouTube’s “4000 Free Movies,” and I’m very glad that I stopped. I learned later that it was nominated for numerous Academy Awards but was eclipsed by Ben-Hur (just like Master and Commander was by Return of the King). Audrey Hepburn does a remarkable job as “Sister Luke,” and Peter Finch is an excellent foil in the latter part of the film. The first part is heavy on cloister life, but stay with it, because it’s really four movies in one: cloister, European .assignment, foreign assignment, wartime assignment (sorry for the spoilers).

Excalibur (1981). One of my favorite fantasy movies, despite some content issues (R-rating). The visuals and music (esp. Siegfried’s Burial March) are stunning, and Nicol Williamson arguably steals the show as Merlin, but I liked all of the cast choices, even if the critics weren’t hip on the acting itself. This movie could’ve been PG-13 (violence) but for 3-4 scenes. There was a PG version at one time, but I can’t find it anymore. For those who care, skip the Uther-Igraine conjugation, Percival viewing cadavers with young Mordred, Mordred killing Morgana, and Arthur killing Mordred. Other than that, it’s an amazing film in my view.

The Winslow Boy (2000). Based on a true story, this is an absorbing legal drama with superb acting from some familiar period actors and other talent (Rebecca and Matthew Pidgeon, e.g.). Directed by David Mamet, I also recommend his The Spanish Prisoner (see an earlier movie batch for more details).

Michael (2026). My kids were eager to see this, if I wasn’t, but I’m glad that I did. It was a nice tribute to a great entertainer that focused on his music, though it shed some light on his upbringing and family life, which I knew nothing about growing up in the 70’s and 80’s. Should’ve been PG but for some gratuitous swearing. And it stops at 1988, around the peak of his career, which may be appropriate, since both his marriages had issues, and he had legal problems. Notwithstanding, my kids loved it, and so did I.