Movie night at the Ruiters...

Art...has a fundamental role to play in the evolution of community since artistic form is not simply the ornament of society but is an important measurement of the progress made in reaching the ideal. The creation of models of profound beauty have, by their very order, educative effect; art becomes in time a common experience of unity in the culture of a whole population. Otto Donald Rogers

Fifth Element
Life of Brian
Malcolm X
Good Night Good Luck
Matrix
Gattaca
Julie & Julia

Introducing our kids to films that we love, been impacted by and helped shape our understanding our the community at large is SO FUN. To watch their reactions, their laughter, their understanding of the jokes, and to come away with a new view of the world is such an experience. As my kids get older (now 10 and 13) I am struck by their view of the world. And even though they see much of it based on our world view, they are more buoyant- energetic and full of MORE potential that we ever had.

For example, my daughter sees the world through LeLu's eyes (reference to 5th element) and wants to make a change so her world can be safe than it is now, and more environmentally sound. She is dedicating her life to planet earth and aims to be a scientist/engineer to do something about it. Likewise, understanding the civil rights movement from the past shows her the origins of the breakdown of the issues facing the 21st century. It is a history that repeats itself but for hearts that want to change the world for the better.

My son notices the music behind the stories, and wants to tell his own. He is moved by the energy of the films, the impact of laughter, the development of the arc and how music in particular plays a significant part of the plot building and emotion that cannot be replicated without it. He also is convinced that the red pill is the only way to go... (reference to Matrix for those of you who haven't seen it, and fyi see it!!) He finally also realized that cooking art is a joy that can be built upon even the most mundane of meals into something beautiful, creative and fun.

We all laughed out loud with Life of Brian - which was a film I never saw. How can I refuse after my kids had the patience to see a film from 1979 without any complaints and with rapt attention. Despite not having CGI, effects, or sci fi story lines, the movie makes a great statement of group behavior rendering the lessons learned about individual critical thinking lasting and effective.

The family's impact is price less. I look forward to more.