CT’s “10 Most Redeeming Films of 2008″

Christianity Today always seems like an oasis of insight to me. They tend to have a balanced, thoughtful look on a lot of issues pertaining to faith. When it comes to media they like to avoid most of the traps we fall into: Either dismissing an entire work due to a few blemishes or dismissing the blemishes for the purpose of praising a great work.

One of their annual traditions, in addition to their Top 10 Critics Choice list is their Most Redeeming Films list. Since this sounds a little broad they provide a helpful definition.

So, what’s a “redeeming” film? The definition varies, but for our list below, we mean movies that include stories of redemption—sometimes blatantly, sometimes less so. Several of them literally have a character that represents a redeemer; all of them have characters who experience redemption to some degree—some quite clearly, some more subtly. Some are “feel-good” movies that leave a smile on your face; some are a bit more uncomfortable to watch. But the redemptive element is there in all of these films.

It’s a good list, although I’ve seen only two movies on there (and Prince Caspian from their “Honorable Mention” section). The only one that jumps out right now is Slumdog Millionaire, not only because of the plot but because I really enjoyed Boyle’s movie Millions which sounds like it has a similar theme yet slightly happier and set in Britain.

Anything else I should see on this list?