fbpx

Feel-good non-religious movies for Holy Week

by Christina Indon

Recently updated on April 3, 2023 02:10 pm

Warning: Spoilers ahead

In the Philippines, Catholics often observe Holy Week by going to seven churches, participating in processions at dawn, and attending mass.

As the years passed, Holy Week has not only become a religious holiday but also a vacation time for everyone. Some people probably won’t observe religious practices this Holy Week, but that doesn’t mean they can’t do anything else during their break. They can spend more time with their families or go through self-reflection.

For stress relievers, watching movies can be a good addition to your activity list!

These movies don’t scream “Amen, praise the Lord!” but make you reflect on yourself and your relationships with others.

For a gloomy, serious week, here are some feel-good movies to lighten up your mood:

The Chronicles of Narnia trilogy

The films follow the story of the Pevensie siblings: Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy. Set in World War II, the siblings were forced to be deployed to the province away from the warzone in London. When they stumble on a magical wardrobe, their journey in the world of Narnia begins. A prophecy of two kings and queens is going to save Narnia from evil queens, invaders, and an evil mist.

The fantasy movies show the bond between the four siblings as they mature throughout their journey in the magical world. With the help of a lion named Aslan, they defeat these evil creatures and save the kingdom.

Fun fact: Aslan is based on Jesus, but the films don’t overly emphasize religious themes. He portrays himself, though, as a savior and guardian to the siblings.

Stream The Chronicles of Narnia trilogy on Disney+

The Blind Side

Michael is an orphan teenager who begins going to school and is offered a spot on the football team. Growing up with a traumatic past, he struggles to bond with people until he meets the Tuohy family. He develops a mother-son connection with Leigh Anne and learns that a family is not defined by blood ties.

Though the film had religious themes, it focused more on the familial bond between Michael and Leigh Anne. Michael has a troubled past after losing his biological mother and struggles to bond with people. However, Leigh Anne gave him love and care, welcoming him as part of the family.

Stream The Blind Side on Netflix.

Instant Family

Married couple Pete and Ellie enter a foster care program and meet the three siblings: Lizzie, Juan, and Lita. Being parents for the first time, Pete and Ellie try their best to take care of the siblings despite their temper. Lizzie struggles to accept that she has a new family and pushes her foster parents away. In the end, the Wagners formally adopt the siblings, and they become a family.

SUGGESTED STORIES:

Gov’t Enforce Price Freeze on Essentials in Flooded Regions

A 15-day price freeze is now in effect in over.

Here’s what’s inside a DSWD family food pack

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is continuously.

Gov’t Bolsters Relief, Rescue Efforts Amid Typhoon

AS typhoons and intensified southwest monsoon rains continue to bring.

If you’re looking for a light, comedic film, this is it. Ellie, Pete, and Lizzie don’t see eye to eye but eventually warm up to each other. Despite their differences and arguments, they loved and accepted each other as family.

Stream Instant Family on Netflix.

Inside Out

Imagine feelings having human feelings.

Inside Out is a story about the happiness, sadness, fear, disgust, and anger of a girl named Riley. Riley’s life changes when her family suddenly moves to San Francisco, leaving her friends and hockey team behind. The emotions try to cope with Riley’s surroundings, but things get worse when Happiness and Sadness are accidentally transported to the far part of Riley’s mind. The two emotions don’t see eye to eye, but in the end, both of them helped Riley feel emotions again.

Stream Inside Out on Disney+.

Soul

Aspiring jazz musician Joe accidentally falls into a manhole, then suddenly becomes a soul, heading to the “Great Beyond.” Desperate to return to Earth, Joe escapes with another soul named 22. Throughout the film, 22 and Joe realize that to live is to enjoy the little and mundane things in life.

Joe’s character has one goal: to perform in a jazz club with his idol. However, when he successfully reached his goal, he felt empty. During his time with 22, he enjoyed it because he felt like he had a friend and enjoyed the little things. Soul could be a good film for those who are currently in crisis but need a gentle reminder to let themselves live and enjoy the little things.

Stream Soul on Disney+.

Four Sisters and a Wedding

The Salazar sisters: Teddy, Bobby, Alex, and Gabbie, received the news that their brother, CJ, is getting married. Not happy with the news, they find ways to sabotage the wedding. Things don’t go exactly as planned when the four of them end up arguing due to their secrets and unresolved feelings.

This movie might show a typical Filipino family where there is favoritism towards siblings. Teddy feels the pressure as the eldest daughter, Bobby is the second child seeking affection, Alex is the middle child who tries to gain her mother’s approval, and Gabbie’s efforts to keep the sisters together are not appreciated. In the end, the four sisters mend their relationship.

Stream Four Sisters and a Wedding on Netflix.

Seven Sundays

Manuel Bonifacio is a retired barangay captain with four children: Allan, Bryan, Cha, and Dex. On his birthday, he receives the news that he is dying of cancer. Manuel’s wish is to spend seven Sundays with his family before he passes. Conflicts will arise when the siblings try their best to get along but end up fighting. But the four siblings are willing to set aside their differences to give their father the last days they have with him.

Like the previous film, this one is about family. The four siblings haven’t been together for a long time and have unresolved feelings. Manuel also feels disheartened when his children don’t get along. However, like any other family, they all listened to each other’s feelings and forgave each other.

Stream Seven Sundays on Netflix.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

As you found this post useful...

Follow us on social media!

We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

Dive deeper into the issues that affect your community. Follow republicasia on FacebookTwitter and Instagram for in-depth analysis, fresh perspectives, and the stories that shape your daily life.