Henna Rose

Just to throw a bit of a different perspective in there for you...

I'm an atheist, but I have NO objection to watching movies with a faith-based theme or undertone. Jacob's Ladder is one of my all-time favorites, and there's no mistaking the profound spirituality coursing through that movie. Very few specific elements will dissuade me from watching a movie. Anything that is gratuitous (whether it's sex, violence, drugs etc.) that doesn't truly serve the film will always turn me off though.

I just watched Jacob's Ladder again recently, what an amazing performance from a young Tim Robbins! I think smarter film viewers truly understand that the gratitious BS really is a turn-off and insults the audience. I struggle with some of Tarintino's films for that reason, but he's carved himself out quite a nitch as a director that controls his own scripts and definitely has a cult following ! I liked Jackie Brown the best of his films tho.

The goal of this program I am applying to is to not make "preachey films" but as you said movies that contain deeper messages and spiritual elements. Some of their Alumni have been writers for Lost, that 70's show, Pursuit of Happyness to name a few and recently The Blindside...IMO the worst way to deliver any type of spiritual message is to hit your audience over the head with it...they are taking a different approach and I like it !

Thanks for the responses, keep them coming

I am applying for a screenwriter's program that has some spiritual (not religious) foundation to it. I am doing some research and wanting to find out from any believers here of any faith, what certain elements will stop you from seeing a film? Do you seek out particular films based on avoiding certain content? The responses may vary greatly depending on your particular worldview, but there seems to be a spectrum of what lines some are willing to cross when choosing certain films. Ex: if your faith forbids fantasy and vampire themes, would you still see Twilight? I know some Christians that may miss a great film with a powerful message because it contains swearing (Ex: Gran Torino) Personally, I am more liberal in my film viewing bc of things I have been through in my life. I stay away from films filled with gratitious sex and violence, and horror films, yet I would not want to miss a deeply moving film with a powerful message just because it contains a sex scene. I also watch alot of foreign and indie films. Do you get the picture? This is what I am wanting to explore and I may include the results in my essay application.

Thanks for any feedback !

I agree with both of you !! It's like in commercials...what does the 1/2 naked woman have to do with the product being sold? but sex sells, right? M4E I am rolling my eyes right along with you on these types of scenes I think that's why I enjoy alot of foreign films that are character driven and don't rely on false sleazy shortcuts as a substitute to thinking or good writing !!

Squeaky, your little one is adorable

It was a great birthday ! I have started my new tradition of the totally free birthday The only $$$ I spent was on tip$

Here's one of the links I used and wanted to share it, Everyone should have a free birthday

Free Birthday Stuff !!

Hello MENA

I am applying for a screenwriter's program that has some spiritual (not religious) foundation to it. I am doing some research and wanting to find out from any believers here of any faith, what certain elements will stop you from seeing a film? Do you seek out particular films based on avoiding certain content? The responses may vary greatly depending on your particular worldview, but there seems to be a spectrum of what lines some are willing to cross when choosing certain films. Ex: if your faith forbids fantasy and vampire themes, would you still see Twilight? I know some Christians that may miss a great film with a powerful message because it contains swearing (Ex: Gran Torino) Personally, I am more liberal in my film viewing bc of things I have been through in my life. I stay away from films filled with gratitious sex and violence, and horror films, yet I would not want to miss a deeply moving film with a powerful message just because it contains a sex scene. I also watch alot of foreign and indie films. Do you get the picture? This is what I am wanting to explore and I may include the results in my essay application.

Please keep in MENA because I really value some of the opinions and know there are many diverse believes and religions here. I appreciate your honest feedback and am curious too how your spouses feel about this topic. Thanks !

Now let's talk movies

The pedicure was awesome, then it was movie (courtsey of Regal Cinema) and free Margarita and dessert from the restaurant next door...all these are free calories, too right

The movie Precious was hard to watch, but up for 6 Oscar nominations !! Monique's performance was astounding

Had a yummy, filling free breakfast @ Denny's where I was asked if I wanted to try their new "pancake puppies" that are like donut holes then dipped in various sauces. I replied, "oh that's a new dessert?" The waitress told me it's a breakfast appetizer...huh? Do we really need breakfast appetizers contributing the ever expanding American girth ? Next stop was Starbucks for a free full octane drink of my choice. I spent a few hours there relaxing and working on my application packet for a very competitive screenwriting program in Hollywood...deadline looming !

Now I am off for the free Pedi ! So far so good on the free birthday highway

Thanks everyone for the wishes

Thanks Jackie ! That cake looks awesome ! I am starting a new tradition of the "totally free" birthday ! This morning Denny's offers free birthday breakfasts, then I am going for a free pedi from a gift card my boss gave me for Christmas. This afternoon I am mapping out my plan for the other coupons I have for free birthday goodies. It's a free birthday roadtrip

In defense of unwed moms and to shed a little light on the hypocrisy of some of these guys..there are lots of unwed moms in Morocco. They just cannot register their kids and alot of them are the ones in orphanages. Religion doesnt stop the guys from getting women pregnant in Morocco. Its not like the US has the patent on fornicating.. Its just shoved under the blanket with back alley abortions and overflowing orphanages..

I think its ridiculous to give much creedence to any one looking down at fornicating etc....when their are plenty of brothels there by the dozens and child maids and a girl cant get married from the US just cause she has a kid..I dont care if they look down personally...there are plenty of messes there and the poor kids cannot even inherit money or get a passport half the time because of stupid cockamamy rules and twofacedness. There are over 35000 street children in Casablanca and people wanna talk morals.. whatever

As far as marrying, definitely go the k1 route. Its alot faster, you have a baby together and I am sure you will be fine through the interview. Dont wrack your brain ok? I got married in Tunisia and looking back the k1 would have worked alot better.,..even reaffirmed

I find this so ironic, but it is what it is bc there is no seperation of religion and government in Arab countries. It's so pervasive in every aspect of their daily lives and yet they seem to want to hassle the pregnant mom who wants to marry the father of the child. The judge himself is probably fornicaticing out of wedlock...this is what gets me is the irony of it all. I had my son out of wedlock 21 years ago and it was still brought up at my interview and they asked about it over and over and attempted to disgrace me. What if I had been raped and decided to keep my baby? Would that have appeased them? But as foreigners marrying in their country we have to understand and respect their beliefs and culture even as it does contradict itself in many ways.

I am glad we have such freedoms here in America where the government is not YET so involved in our private lives...I feel that changing rapidly tho and that's scarey and an entirely different discussion

A judge who doesn't like out of wedlock mothers and the men they shack up and fornicate with can make your effort to marry a living hell. Go with the K1.

I agree ! Because their religion demands it, they will be very hard on you and this is something that will never be okay there ! I loved my marriage celebration in Morocco and having all the family around and experiencing their customs ~ really beautiful and my husband's family went to alot of trouble and preparations for us The paperwork was a nightmare and took a month (that was even with some connections in the courts) I would never marry again there tho You could do a K-1 and later in Morocco have the big celebration, wear the beautiful dresses and all !!

Good Luck ~ Your baby is beautiful

Hey Rajaa ! How r u ? wow ! time sure does fly..can't believe your hubby has been here 1 year already

It's so heart warming to read all of these great love stories ! I think mine was the shortest marriage in MENA at 5 weeks Guess I am just feeling a bit lonely this New Year's Eve with noone to kiss. God willing love will find me again ~ Your stories are inspiring

Hard to believe a new century is upon us This year let's forgive those we need to and ignite our goals with passion !! Happy New Year Everyone

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I doubt that they are together....

Funny how ppl can choose not to read or post here anymore, yet still get trashed in th VJ MENA tabloids

It's Complicated is definitely a "chick flick"- There are many good laughs in it. Slow at times, but I enjoyed it!

I will be seeing that with 5 other ladies ! I like the premise of it that the grass is not always greener

Yes ! We have been doing this for so long, I can't remember a Christmas when we did not go to the movies (except when he was a baby, of course !!) It was very crowded and we had purchased our tickets for Invictus and were sitting thru the previews and Up in the air started and then we realized we were in the wrong theatre I am so glad that we have sustained this tradition over the years, and it was extra special this year bc my son had just moved out 2 weeks prior.

There are so many good movies out this time of year also due to Oscars Speaking of Oscars, I'll be seeing It's Complicated next. Alec Baldwin will be hosting this year

Wow ! 3 years I don't think she reads or posts here anymore tho

Hope everyone is having a peaceful Christmas My son and I have had a tradition since he was little of going to the movies every Christmas. Just returned from Invictus...very inspiring Anyone else see it?

Beautiful Message Henna!

I wish everyone has a wonderful day! The best gift is life and I'm celebrating that life for sure! God be with each of you! -Tamara

I went to a beautiful candlelight service tonight Celebrating my own personal Christmas miracle this year ! Preparing for the annual brunch I host ~ complete with the famous turkey wreath, omelet bar, hot-buttered rums and other goodies !!

Wishing everyone peace and happiness

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