Culture
Documentary shows the horror of China’s forced-abortion policy
The documentary "One Child Nation" (Amazon) is not, in any Catholic sense, a pro-life film, yet there's a great deal in it, some of it explicit, to show the horror of not government-sanctioned -- but government-mandated -- abortions and forced sterilizations.
Anglophiles rejoice at arrival of ‘Downton Abbey’ on big screen
The sweeping spectacle of the manor, its lordly family and their hard-working staff return from the hiatus of the PBS series to a full-length film feature that promises all the visuals and personal intrigues -- and visit by the king and queen.
‘Ad Astra’ lifts eyes, and minds, to the stars
As an astronaut searching space for his lost father, Brad Pitt shines in a thoughtful sci-fi drama whose religious undertones will send faith-filled fans over the moon.
‘Bennett’s War’ deploys a hero we can cheer for
Viewers can root for the plucky veteran injured in Afghanistan who once again mounts his motorcycle in a risky race for his ailing father, to the dismay of his wife. Even if the film is predictable, its heart is in the right place.
Author reflects on clerical celibacy as spiritual fatherhood
A book on celibacy has its reviewer, Philadelphia priest Msgr. Brian Bransfield, thinking of his late father. That's an apt reminder of the necessity for forming priests emotionally as well as intellectually.
‘It: Chapter Two’: Almost 3 hours of creepy horror
The bloodletting of this sequel to the film based on the Steven King novel is kept within reasonable limits, but the ethics underlying its story are bankrupt.
‘The Goldfinch’ paints good ends as justifying immoral means
In this intriguing though overly long story, which revolves around a purloined Dutch masterpiece painting, characters yearn to make up for past mistakes while their complex friendships deepen.
At Washington exhibit, the toll of the immigrant journey becomes art
"The Warmth of other Suns: Stories of Global Displacement" exhibit, on display until Sept. 22, 2019, focuses on people forced to leave their homelands.
Book explores ‘a vision of the good’ beyond right-left politics
Fordham theologian Charles Camosy outlines "a revitalized consistent life ethic" that seeks to overcome Catholic tensions between pro-life and social justice issues and oppose the "throwaway culture."
For gamers, ‘Sea of Solitude’ a beautiful if disturbing play
While not intended to be a pleasant gaming experience, this is a journey of catharsis for a young woman, which is important for all who have struggled with pain and suffering in their past.