Movies/Scenes
Representing Ascension
- Gladiator (2000)
- After his death, he levitates on the ground towards a heaven-like garden that is completely white. Since in this film heaven is a lateral place it is not unlikely that his levitation was meant to symbolize an ascension. (Steve Ash, Memphis TN)
- The
Legend of Baggar Vance (2000)
- Rannulph Junah was the best golfer Savannah had ever seen, until he returned from World War I, having "lost his swing." Bagger Vance appears from out of nowhere to be his caddy and help him find it (and himself) again. As they approach the last green, Bagger tells Junah that it's time for him to leave. Junah wants him to stay, because "I still need you." Bagger hands over the clubs to a young boy and instructs him to carry on. The boy feels inadequate to the task, but Bagger assures him that he can do the job. (FUMC, Natchitoches, LA)
- The
Matrix
(1999)
- Neo and Trinity on the roof after Neo's death and resurrection. (See review at Hollywood Jesus.)
- The Phantom Menace (1999)
- As the old Jedi knight, OB1 Kenobi, mentor to young Luke Skywalker sacrificed himself at the hand of the villain, Darth Vader, he said if he was struck down he would come back more powerful than before. Sure enough, after his death, OB1 was able to guide and direct Luke through the power of the Force in ways he could not have done while alive. (Amy Parker)
- Powder (1995)
- see review at Hollywood Jesus
- Mary Poppins
(1964)
- At the end of Mary Poppins, Mary prepares to leave her charges, Jane and Michael Banks, having brought healing joy into their dysfunctional family. As the family prepares to "go fly a kite", Mary rises into the air as the wind buoys up her immense black umbrella. On the ground, the chimney sweep/angel Bert, watches her sail up and away. He winks at her and says, "Good-bye Mary Poppins! Don't stay gone too long . . ." (Karen Sapio, Portland Oregon)
