The Apostle Robert Duvall is electrifying as the flawed but passionate Sonny Dewey in this film about the complexities of faith in a fallen humanity. Though he has some deeply troubling traits, Duvall's character is not the Hollywood stereotype of a hypocritical preacher. Rather, he is a true believer who is torn with shame and tries to earn God's affection.
Dead Man Walking An unlikely relationship between a nun (Susan Sarandon) and a convicted killer (Sean Penn) is the center of this heartbreaking and morally complex drama. Sarandon's Sister Helen Prejean shows compassion and grace for Matthew Poncelet (Penn)Ña man sentenced to death rowÑwhile never excusing the heinousness of his crimes.
The Straight Story Director David Lynch isn't generally known for straightforward, heart-warming storytelling, but he triumphs in this film about the true story of 73-year-old Alvin Straight (Richard Farnsworth), who rode a lawn mower from Iowa to Wisconsin to mend his relationship with his ailing brother. It's a powerful story of forgiveness and redemption.
The Truman Show This off-beat story of a man raised as the unwitting center of a reality show points a finger at American consumerism and obsession with celebrity.
Signs M. Night Shymalan's alien thriller holds a deeper story about life's tragedies stripping us of our faith, and having the courage to find it again.
