Review of Friendly Persuasion (1956) by Lee A — 10 Sep 2009

This is a very nice, easy-going movie. To some it might be a little slow, but I enjoyed the time I was given to enjoy each scene completely without being jerked from one place to the next as some frenzied directors like to do. I felt very good after watching this movie. It provoked a very good conversation between Carr and me as to what truth is and when or whether or not it's relative.

Jess Birdwell and his neighbor, Mr. Jordan, were of different religions that were quite opposite of each other, but both men were able to not let those views get in the way of their friendship. It's often too easy to judge someone based the values we're taught in our own church and look past the simple truth that we are all children of God trying to return back to his presence.

I think Eliza tried too hard to play her role as preacher and had a hard time balancing her authority in the church with that of the home. Jess portrayed a very loving and understanding husband and complemented (not complimented) his wife very well. Jess displayed the best way to use authority: sharp when necessary, but always showing love afterward (this is evidenced in the scene where Jess goes out to check on his son after a battle and confronts a confederate soldier).

The most contemplative question I came out with was, when is killing someone O.K.? Several characters reacted out of anger, others out of fear, others out of love. Josh realized how hard it is to kill another man. Jess went out prepared to fight if he needed to, but if he could avoid it, he did. Jess's mercy on the life of the Confederate soldier who had shot at him was very Christ-like and has inspired me to try to learn to be as merciful.