Movie Magic

This past week I spent several evenings enjoying Sundance Film Festival movies and the whole festival made me wonder about this week's question.

What movie inspired you the most?

Mom: I think I would have to say "The Sound of Music".  I loved the music in the movie and the Von Trapp family.  Growing up we had a lot of music in our home.  My Dad played the piano.  My Mom played the piano a little.  They both played band instruments when they were younger. My older sister Carol played the organ, violin and piano.  In fact, Carol had taken lessons from the organist who played with the Tabernacle Choir.  I remember going with Carol to her lessons in the Assembly Hall on Temple Square in Salt Lake City.  Lola, my younger sister played the organ, violin and piano. I played the violin, piano and organ too.  My younger brothers, Mark and Lowell, played the marimba. Joan also played the piano. We were a musically talented family.  So I guess I was inspired by the beautiful songs in the movie. My two sisters and I would sing these songs around the house and even play them on the piano and organ. 

The fight for freedom in the movie was also inspiring to me. The Von Trapp family had such a strong desire to escape Hitler's power.  They wanted to keep their freedom and raise their family in a free land.  Their love of freedom made me thankful for our country and our freedom.  I am so thankful that I was raised in America and in an LDS home.  I always think about that scripture which says "For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required" Luke 12:48.  Because I was given so much, I hope that I can always give to others through service and love.

Dad:That's a tough one.  I like a lot of movies with different varieties, but from a spiritual standpoint, Joseph Smith, the Prophet which was shown at the Temple Square visitor center,  is really good.  It was hard to watch the scene where Edward Partridge is tarred and feather in front of the printing office in Independence, MO, even though the scene's presentation is not historically accurate.  The actual story is much more compelling.  I also liked the 17 Miracles movie, also because we had relatives involved in that story too.

From a Hollywood movie release, I liked the 1960s movie "The King of Kings" which is the story of Christ.  It was inspiring presentation.