Fireproof, the movie Comments

[DonHudzinski]

I just watched this movie since it was available from our parish library and came here to check out the comments. I didn’t watch it to be entertained, and wasn’t bothered by the level of production or acting (which I would compare to an episode of Touched By An Angel).

The opening scenes drew me in because of the realistic view of a modern marriage. I recognized and understood the sickening place this couple was in–the confusion, the words, the blaming–all of it was very true to life. I also appreciated that it was up to the man to restore the marriage. This was the most important message of the film. The man, as head of his wife, has to be the one to lead in the marriage, to lead in sacrifice and respect for his wife. The good marriages I see, though sadly few, are those where the husband treasures his wife, and she can’t help herself but to return this to him with her love and devotion.

I have read many, many marriage books–Protestant, Catholic and otherwise. I have not see this issue of the husband’s responsibility BEFORE the wife’s ever well expressed. It is always said to be a “two-way” street and that each have to “mutally” submit to the other. This is not the biblical view of marriage which is a picture of Christ and the Church. Christ, the bridegroom, gives Himself up for His bride, and she responds by offering herself completely to him. The man gives, the woman receives. Why don’t I hear that said much?

I really liked one of the initial commentsin the movie that some may think sappy, “A woman is like a rose. If you treat her with love and care, she will bloom. If you don’t, she will wilt.”

Most marriages are of the fallen nature that is like Adam and Eve, who choose to hide from God, for God said, “Why are you hiding from Me?”. Then Adam and Eve had to leave the garden.

Some couples have found out that Christ has restored marriage, as God, Christ asks, Joseph and Mary, “Why are you looking for me?”. Then, He got up and left the temple, and went with Joseph and Mary. What a contrast?

 

[bmaj]

For the pre-screening, DH was unable to attend, I invited a friend. She did not want to go to a movie . She decided to go and actually loved the movie .
I cannot speak for your personal experience … but my first husband likked ppornography … [pre-dates the home computer … so this was movies first in the theaters, then on video plus magazines] … I can tell you that I felt exactly like the woman in this movie and had similar if not word for word conversations with him [why did he feel the need to look at women that did not resemble me at all? - What was wrong with me?] … and with family and friends … our marriage ended in divorce and there were scenes in my home that resembled the movie - shortly before the final break up …

This movie [Fireproof] was produced by a church. I have seen worse films produced by Hollywood - acting, screen play and production and any one of the three by its self IMHO… Far, far worse … Not everything that that comes out of Hollywood looks polished and some of it is just awful.

All of the Fireproof actors donated their time. Kirk Cameron was the only ‘real’ actor as I understand it and even he donated his time to the effort …

The movie recieved lots of good reviews on Fandango and a fairly high rating - this from average folks - watching a movie. Most of the reviews [and I admit I only looked after it had been in the theater a week - and not after] were very positive … the few that panned it mostly disliked it for its “preachy” tone … and I personally read that as people who prefer to have religion relegated to Sundays only and not in the public square - as it keep your religion to yourself types.

I agree, YADA, and I applaud Kirk Cameron and the volunteer actors in Fireproof for donating their time and efforts to a very worthy cause in helping marriages - especially those affected by pornography and other forms of satan’s temptations. It’s a message that desperately needs to be conveyed in our society today. I felt exactly like the wife in the movie also.
The good news is that you don’t even have to pay to see the movie at all anymore - just get it from your local library (possibly even your Church) for free!!! (I just checked and most, if not all, of the public libraries in my area have it available.) To me, it would definitely be worth renting for a few dollars, but free is even better.
A good friend lent me the DVD months ago, and I loved it, especially since my marriage has also been severely affected by my husband’s viewing of pornography. Unfortunately, my DH would not watch more than the first few minutes of the DVD - I think the message hit home too much for him - but it still helped me tremendously as a wife.
There are so many couples out there hurting in their marriages who could be helped by this movie, and the Love Dare book that’s mentioned in the movie is an excellent start, too, no matter what the pain in the marriage is coming from.
If you are a wife or girlfriend reading this and dealing with pornography use by your husband or boyfriend, you may wish to join our Woman’s Support Group here at CAF entitled, “Women Suffering from Unchastity” (due to loved ones viewing pornography).

 

[Cracker_Mom]

We have different opinions, I will not spend my very hard earned money on third rate acting just because it has a “nice message”, and I won’t get all gooey on a movie just because it has a Christian “message”. If these movies make $$, it tells those who make them that mediocre is good 'nuf.

Last move I paid to see? Narnia movies and LOTR movies. I told them that I want a good message AND quality. I rented Bella.

I’m also the sort who cringes when I hear much of the Christian music on the raido - I love the really quailty music that a few Christian artists put out.

To paraphrase either Lewis or Chesterton - the world does not need more makers of Christian movies, the world needs more good filmmakers who are Christians.

This is not a point of moral law, so, people of good faith can disagree.

Good points.
I rented “Fireproof” from Netflix & was pretty dissapointed. Nice effort, but I felt like I was back watching a not ready for prime time Sunday School feature in our church Youth Group.
Most contemporary Christian music makes me cringe, too.What’s interesting is that the old Sacred Harp hymns with all their gloom & doom imagery are becoming popular with folks who have been identified with punk/counter culture.The beautiful harmonies & deep poetry reach people who consider themselves agnostics or outside the Christian mainstream.Makes you wonder about the trend to dumb down catechism & present a version of “Catholic Lite” at RCIA. I think we are doing a disservice to our rich traditions & teachings.Folks want to be challenged & stirred.
(Where was the part about contraception in “Fireproof”??)

 

[caparisi]

good points.
I rented “fireproof” from netflix & was pretty dissapointed. Nice effort, but i felt like i was back watching a not ready for prime time sunday school feature in our church youth group.
Most contemporary christian music makes me cringe, too.what’s interesting is that the old sacred harp hymns with all their gloom & doom imagery are becoming popular with folks who have been identified with punk/counter culture.the beautiful harmonies & deep poetry reach people who consider themselves agnostics or outside the christian mainstream.makes you wonder about the trend to dumb down catechism & present a version of “catholic lite” at rcia. I think we are doing a disservice to our rich traditions & teachings.folks want to be challenged & stirred.
(where was the part about contraception in “fireproof”??)

I own the movie and I watched it about 4 times … There is no part in the movie that was about contraception…

 

[valient_Lucy]

Movies made by Christians CAN be of high quality. “The Passion” was one of the most successful films of all time, the actors were superb. “Bella” was recognized by awards, and the acting was high quality.

Just because it is made by Christians on a Christian theme does not mean it has to be amature.

This is true. Catholics and Christians can make good movies, and we should demand them.