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Introduction
Groundhog Day is an American film shot by Ramis and Rubin in 1993. It was directed by Harold, Bill, and Andie. The movie is based on the character of Phil Connors who is a television weather presenter in Pittsburgh. The story shows the arrogant and selfish behavior of the character. He is engaged in excessive and immoral activities that make him frustrated. After several suicidal attempts, Phil finally begins to evaluate his life. In the end, he finds peace when Rita joins him. According to the US National Film Registry, the film has spiritual significance. For instance, its views have been adopted by the Christian faith. It is reported to be, “the most spiritual film of our time” (Jekelek 66).
The Groundhog Film
Phil is in the company of colleagues on their way to cover an annual Groundhog festival in Pennsylvania. However, the actor seems to be unhappy with the assignment; he attempts to withdraw but fails. He ends up spending time in the town where his character begins to manifest. The play reveals his evil actions like seduction of women, stealing of money, and reckless driving among others that makes him get into prison. Situation worsens further when he resorts to drastic behaviors after failing to get Rita. Phil Connors gives offensive reports; he abuses citizens and kidnaps a woman. He attempts to commit suicide but does not succeed. According to Schindler, his further attempts from him are useless as he continues to wake up at six o'clock in the morning. He finds Rita who gives him an advice to improve on his character. Phil takes time to reflect on his arrogant and selfish life and becomes a new man. He begins to get closer to Rita. Besides, Phil uses his meteorological know-how to save the lives and help the citizens. Most importantly, he gives the best report on Groundhog for the celebration. He eventually wins Rita to her room (Kuczynski 20).
The Christian Faith
Christian faith is centered on the person and teachings of Jesus Christ. Christianity has several principles of faith upon which it is built. The religion teaches about trinity, that is God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Love is highly valued by the Christians. This teaching encourages people to love each other and treat each other well all the time. The Bible says in the book of 1st Corinthians that love is vital for humanity. There is also the forgiveness and reconciliation through Jesus Christ. In this regard, Christians believe that Jesus died for their sins in order to forgive them and reconcile them back with the Father.
Moral life is regarded as the standard for man. Christianity teaches that people should not engage in immoral actions like sexual immorality, murder, selfishness, and betrayal among others. Instead, they are taught to live holy lives in order to please their God. Bible is regarded as the holy book inspired by God. The religion believes that the word has power to change not only people but situations surrounding them. Christians believe that God has the ability to change a bad situation into a better one if you believe in him. This implies that people who are suffering today may not suffer tomorrow, because God is able to reverse the situation (Schindler 50).
Value of Groundhog Film on the Christian Faith
Discussions on the film and the Christian faith have shown some of the principles which are upheld in both cases. It is now vital to analyze the value of the film in terms of the Christian faith. This is achieved through the evaluation of the characters in the movie led by Phil hand in hand with the principles of Christianity. In other words, the analysis aims to justify the fact that the views presented in Groundhog film can be adopted by Christians.
Unity in the film is a key principle of the Christian Faith. It begins showing the three workers who try to perform a specific mission. Phil, Rita, and Larry combine their efforts to cover a report about Groundhog Day festival. According to Buncombe, their union in the duty is a key factor to religious faiths like Christianity. This has been adopted in Christianity. Christians believe in the trinity of God. The three personalities of God work together to achieve the same goal just like the three television laborers in the movie.
Love is depicted in Groundhog movie, a fact that makes it to be described as a self-improvement play. Reformation of Phil in the play enables him to show love to his neighbors and friends. He starts saving the lives of citizens and helps them using his experience as a television weather presenter. Moreover, he also falls in love with Rita after a long time of hatred. Love is a fundamental teaching of Christian faith. According to the Bible, Jesus teaches Christians to love their enemies. Another teaching of Christianity on the same topic reveals that if people would love each other, then there would be no sin on earth. Hence the play is very instrumental in developing the faith of Christians (Mackenzie, 2007).
Movie has reference we can read and watch through films and books. It was also written and directed by people who are experts in drama. This means that in order to understand the play, you must consult the authors. Similarly, the Bible for Christians is the reference book. The religion believes that the words written in this book were inspired by God to teach them. In the book of John, Jesus teaches that those who believe in the word will be blessed. He further emphasizes the need for Christians to walk in the word of God in order for him to guide and protect them (Kuczynski 103).
The issue of morality is also addressed in the movie. It is all about character. Phil is described as immoral from the onset of the movie. He is engaged in sexual immorality and arrogance. The idea is very instrumental in the religion of Christianity. Most of the teachings of Jesus touch on morality, because it is about how people relate in the society. He requires all his followers to walk in integrity both in action and word. According to the Bible, Christ urges the Christians to be holy, because he is holy. In fact, without morals, Christianity as religion is dead.
The renewal of Phil in the play is a significant idea for discussion. The movie begins showing him being selfish and brutal. His actions at this time make him frustrated, and he tries to kill himself. After he has been renewed, we witness a different person who loves others. Christianity as a religion believes in newness. Christians believe that when one becomes a believer, his life changes. Such people experience a new life in Christ. The religion renews the lives of people such that if your character was weird, you become better as you grow in faith (Schindler 54).
In conclusion, Groundhog is a very significant play in terms of religion. Most importantly, it is very valuable to the Christian faith. The essay has described the play as well as the principles of Christianity as a religion. An elaborate analysis has been done to show how the movie is instrumental in the teaching of Christians. Sufficient evidence has been cited for the entire essay on the play.
