In addition to Andrei Rublev, The Passion of Joan of Arc, and Nazarin, which have been said and which are excellent choices, I would add, for less obvious reasons -
Veronika Voss
The Merchant of Four Seasons
Jaspar, fascinating choices — I feel a little dense this morning — can you explain The Poseidon Adventure as religious allegory to me please?
I concur on Veronika Voss…what a GREAT movie!
Haxan
Poseidon Adventure:
Reverend (Hackman) is the Christ figure, Mrs. Rogo (Stella Stevens) is Mary Magdelene, Shelley WInters is St. Veronica (she wiped Christ’s brow, Winters saves Hackman’s life), Mr. Rogo (E. Borgnine) is a combo Roman Centurian/John the Baptist…it’s Borginine who dives into the water when Roddy McDowell falls to his death…the theme song…The Morning After..
Ultimately Hackman is (self) crucified.
I would also add Vertigo as a religious movie.
I just wanted to put in a good word for Leo McCarey’s going my way. McCarey is out of fashion these days and even his supporters don’t hail Going My Way as one of his best but it is a special film for me. With a sure hand and limited sentiment, McCarey moves me near to tears. He makes it seem easy and isn’t flashy but you can see a clear vision in his works.
Religulous, best religious movie created.
Monsieur Ibrahim et les fleurs du Coran
The Trouble With Angels. It came as a surprise when feisty Hayley Mills decides to become a nun at the
end, thanks in no samall part to penguiin Roz Russell.
Diary of a Country Priest & Winter Light. Similar themes yet from opposite perspectives.
Amanda, how funny I was just going to recommend Bergman’s Trilogy of Faith films (Winter Light being my favorite) and Diary of a Country Priest. I saw Bresson’s film after Bergman’s, and I was reminded of Winter Light right away..
Hercules Conquers Atlantis
Satyajt Ray’s DEVI.
Pasolini’s TEOREMA
Bergman’s THE SILENCE
Second Teorema. Laura Betti is beyond brilliant in that.
I liked Terence Stamp too in his brief cameo(:
Beetlejuice
transformers
dark night
although, i’m happy to admit that i slept during those films =)
transformers
dark night
although, i’m happy to admit that i slept during those films =)
Okay, I’m pretty shocked that Breaking the Waves hasn’t been mentioned. Perhaps the most potent film questioning what it means to believe in something and the extent of a person’s faith.
Obvious reiterations: Diary of a Country Priest, The Last Temptation of Christ, The Seventh Seal
Also, I haven’t really seen an explicitly “religious movie” by this director, but I’ve always really loved Bunuel’s criticisms of religion and specifically the Catholic Church in his films. The ending in The Exterminating Angel? YES.
Bunuel’s “The Milky Way” is all about religion and heresy. A beautifully shot film that carries a very difficult argument through very entertainingly; Jean-Claude Carriere’s script is a marvel. And there are great cameos by many of Bunuel’s regular players: Jules Bertheau, Delphine Seyrig, and the marvelous Muni.
While Mr. Gibson’s wild ramblings have unquestionably overshadowed his work, make no mistake, The Passion of the Christ was as bold a step into auteur-driven cinema as we are likely to see from a major player in the modern industry. Regardless of your feelings on the material (or the filmmaker), this film embodies the very spirit of what we all claim to champion, here.
After all, Ty Cobb may have been an insufferable bigot, but damn… boy could tear the cover off a ball.
Sorry, but I have a hard time seeing Gibson’s pornfest as “a step into auteur-driven cinema.” It’s Hollywood shlock down to the hole where its soul should be. It’s poorly conceived and manipulative and is already being forgotten—except by you it seems. What is it about it, Samuryan, that gives it “the very spirit of what we all claim to champion?” I can’t think of a single aspect of that movie that I champion—regardless of Mr. Gibson’s public bigotry.
Haxan
The Passion of Joan of Arc
The Silence
You’re obviously a very objective judge, Mr. Harris, with absolutely no signs of personal bias. I concede to your dispassionate appraisal.
Well, I was hoping you’d defend your position, but—okay. Thanks.
There aren’t many films I’d shred like that, honestly. You just picked the one.
Been down that road many times and it always ends in tears, Greg. I think I’ll just take the lame “agree to disagree” route this trip. However, I wholeheartedly embrace, and second, your Milky Way nomination. That blind men finale was exhaustively clever.
I’m really surprised no one has send “The Seventh Seal” yet!
@Francisco J. Torres – If Stanley Kubrick and Aurthur C. Clark were alive, and saw you list 2001 on this thread, they would go crazy.
Jaspar Lamar Crabb
My top religious allegories (in no particular order)
The Posiedon Adventure
Viridiana
Being There
Altered States
Stardust Memories
McCabe & Mrs. Miller
Mademoiselle