Hubby and I enjoy movies, although our
tastes follow the stereotypical gender lines—he prefers action, shootings, and
explosions. I like romantic comedies or dramas based on true stories.
We’ve wasted many hours on mindless
stinkers that, at best, bring a chuckle or two. But often enough, the stories
we watch feel like time well spent. They pull us out of our own little worlds
and open our minds to new ideas. Or they move us emotionally as a profound
truth seeps in, dislodging a memory locked deep inside. Often, we learn things
from history we didn’t know before. Sometimes movies simply make us laugh, and
laughter is good medicine.
The best kind of movies, in my mind, are
about real life heroes. Stories like Life
of a King, Schindler’s List, and A Beautiful Mind inspire us with how
ordinary individuals can overcome horrific obstacles to become heroes. One such
movie about a modern-day hero is coming to theatres for two nights only—March 4
and 5.
The Drop Box is an
award-winning documentary about the work of Pastor Lee Jong-rak of South Korea and
his heroic efforts to embrace and protect his community’s most vulnerable
children. In 2009, Lee installed a drop box in the outer wall of his home to
provide a safe place for babies who would otherwise be left to die on the
streets. Since then, he has saved hundreds of babies and adopted as his own
many who would have perished. It’s a heart-wrenching exploration of the
physical and emotional toll associated with providing refuge to those deemed
unwanted by society. But it’s also a story of hope and a celebration of the
reality that every human life is sacred, purposeful, and worthy of love.
Official reports say over 600
babies and young children are abandoned in Seoul annually, but actual numbers
probably run much higher. Hundreds die in the street.
“The baby box should not exist,”
Pastor Lee says, “but we live with a government where inaction and lack of
concern prevail.”
Two years after the drop box was
built, American Brian Ivie came across an article in the Los Angeles Times
titled, “South Korean pastor tends an unwanted flock.” After reading the
article, Brian knew he must find a way to share Pastor Lee’s story.
“If I don’t do something, everyone
will forget,” he said.
Six months after reading the
article, Brian Ivie and his production team from Arbella Studios headed to
Seoul to live with Pastor Lee and film his story.
“Through
this movie,” Ivie says, “I’m hoping people see a type of love that spends
itself on behalf of others and doesn’t expect anything back. Because that’s
what God’s love is like. It goes to the gutters for the broken and the lost.”
In
Winnipeg, The Drop Box will play at the Cineplex Odeon at 2190 McGillivray and at Silver City
Polo Park—March 4 and 5 only.You can buy tickets for yourself or obtain
group sales for your friends, family, neighbours and small group at www.dropbox.focusonthefamily.ca.
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