Religion and Film 2024

 "The Iliad" by Homer is infused with religious elements and perspectives that offer insights into the beliefs and practices of ancient Greek religion. Here are some ways in which "The Iliad" can be viewed through a religious lens: The role of the gods: In "The Iliad," the Greek gods play a central role in the lives of mortals, intervening in human affairs and influencing the outcome of the Trojan War. The gods are depicted as powerful, capricious beings who possess supernatural abilities and are subject to their own desires and conflicts. For example, Zeus, the king of the gods, wields authority over the other deities and determines the fate of mortals through his divine will. The gods' involvement in the war reflects the ancient Greek belief in a world governed by divine forces, where human actions are subject to the whims of the gods. Rituals and sacrifices: Throughout "The Iliad," characters engage in religious rituals and make offerings ...

  Bunny : I really enjoyed this short film. I thought it was a very interesting way to explain how short life is and how a family's bond is really strong. At the beginning of the short film it was really dark but as time went on in the movie it got brighter. I really enjoyed all of the music and how it helped make each scene more dramatic in a sense. By doing these things it helped bring the story to life even though some of the music that was played was eerie. Since there wasn’t any talking in this short film the music really helped to convey what was going on. In the beginning of the film I was a bit confused about what was going on but towards the end it all made sense. The bunny was making a cake and the moth wouldn’t leave her alone. She then puts the moth outside and puts the cake in the oven. The timer then goes off signaling the cake was done. But the oven then opened and there was a bright light and the moth and bunny followed it in. This was an interesting way of saying t...

In Blade Runner, powerful artificial intelligence (AI) is used to examine the delicate connection between humans and technology through the deployment of replicants. The nature of awareness and identity are also questioned, and the movie examines accepted ideas about what it is to be human. It also looks at how technology can change the way we see the world, causing us to feel lost and alone in the futuristic cityscape with its neon lights and tall towers.  Symbols are used extensively in the film to convey deeper themes and ideas. The protagonists' depressing and dismal society is symbolized by the unceasing rain, and control and monitoring are represented by the frequent usage of eyeballs as a motif. Deckard's true identity is hinted at by the cryptic clues left by Gaff, while the unicorn represents imagination and aspirations. In a world where artificial intelligence rules, creatures like snakes and owls represent nature's tenacity.  When examining issues of identificati...

While "8 Mile" primarily focuses on themes related to urban life, hip-hop culture, and personal struggles, it's possible to interpret certain elements of the film through a religious lens, though these are not overtly religious themes. One potential interpretation could be the idea of redemption and self-discovery. The protagonist, Jimmy "B-Rabbit" Smith Jr., undergoes a journey of self-exploration and growth throughout the film, facing various challenges and setbacks. His eventual triumph in the rap battle at the end of the movie could be seen as a form of redemption, where he overcomes his own insecurities and external obstacles to assert his identity and find success. Additionally, there are moments in the film where characters confront moral dilemmas and grapple with questions of right and wrong. While these may not be explicitly religious in nature, they touch on universal themes of morality and ethical decision-making that are often central to religious te...