Movies/Scenes Representing
Authority or
Clashes between Human Authority and Higher Authority
- Instinct (1999)
- Dr. Powell helps Dr. Calder to see the illusions we base our lives on and that come between us and God. This movie also contrasts our society's understanding of authority with Jesus' authority as demonstrated in Mark 1. (submitted by Shirley R. Frazier)
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Patch Adams (1998)
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Patch's practice of medicine is based on a higher authority than those who try to stop him.
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At the River I Stand (1993)
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"Memphis's 1300 sanitation workers formed the lowest caste of a deeply racist society, earning so little they qualified for welfare. In the film, retired workers recall the fear as they took on the entire white power structure when they struck for higher wages and union recognition...At the River I Stand succeeds in showing that the causes (and possibly the solutions) to our present racial quandary may well be found in what happened in Memphis. Its riveting portrait of the grit and determination of ordinary people will inspire viewers to rededicate themselves to racial and economic justice." (California Newsreel Official Site)
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Strictly Ballroom (1992)
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The intrinsic authority of the art itself is more important (and more life-giving) than the authorities who supply consequences for betrayal of their rules. "There are no new steps."
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Dead Poet's Society (1989)
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Prof Keating influences the boys' lives as he teaches under a higher authority than the one attempting to keep order the school.
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Children of a Lesser God (1986)
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James teaches the deaf students to enter the world of the hearing, though the authorities at the school want him to teach signing.
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Chariots of Fire (1981)
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Eric must choose between his loyalty to God and to country. He must choose which is the higher authority - the prince/Olympic chairperson or God. He chooses not to run on Sunday, proclaiming his faith in a powerful way. (Jesus before Pilate?)
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Star Wars (1977)
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In the Heat of the Night (1967)
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The Sheriff has visible authority granted to him by his office. Mr. Tibbs ( Sidney Portier) has to earn the authority he rightly claims as a man with a badge - the authority is denied him by virtue of his color. He has to prove his integrity to be respected by the townspeople. This reminds us that we can imbue bigots (the Sheriff) with authority they don't deserve ( read the Pharisees and scribes) and yet deny to those who deserve it but are different ( Jesus??) (submitted by Marie Loewen)
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