The Banshees of Inisherin: Friendship, rejection and a donkey
Those with an ear for a great voice will recognise today's reader, Jamie Davidson. What a talent!
He's reading an article written by Tim Lucier which starts..
He's reading an article written by Tim Lucier which starts..
I love cinema. I love being lost in a visual story that takes you on a journey with the characters. I've found that many films made of late have left me underwhelmed. There's less thought put into good character development and storylines and more into over-used CGI and pushing agendas (i.e. anything new on Disney+).
Hope was restored, however, after seeing the recent Martin McDonagh film, 'The Banshees of Inisherin'. I will avoid giving away spoilers, as I recommend it to any adult who doesn't mind regular bad language. 'The Banshees of Inisherin' was a simple tale of two small-town friends, Colm and Pádraic, off the coast of a civil war-stricken Ireland in 1923 (which makes for a subtle but powerful setting for the theme of conflict). Its stunning cinematography, endearing protagonist and humourous undertones lay the grounds for a truly thought-provoking film.
Films that leave you thinking the next week have done something right. I have been pondering the lessons that we can learn from 'The Banshees of Inisherin', and thought I'd share them with you.
1 - Do we value our friendships?
2 - How do we handle pain?
3 - Do we value greatness over kindness?
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but instead, consider others better than yourself."
Philippians 2v3
4 - The ripple effect of selfishness
The choices we make will build or destroy. Every day we face these choices, and they often involve those closest to us. Just know, when we choose to destroy, the consequences can be long-lasting, unexpected, and catastrophic. When you're discontent with your friend, or spouse, or the things you have; when you want to chase worldly greatness rather than kindness, or return evil with evil, just remember - your actions will have consequences. So be grateful, nurture relationships (even the dull ones), and consider others more important than yourself.
The choices we make will build or destroy. Every day we face these choices, and they often involve those closest to us. Just know, when we choose to destroy, the consequences can be long-lasting, unexpected, and catastrophic. When you're discontent with your friend, or spouse, or the things you have; when you want to chase worldly greatness rather than kindness, or return evil with evil, just remember - your actions will have consequences. So be grateful, nurture relationships (even the dull ones), and consider others more important than yourself.
And if you haven't, go see this film!
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