One of the things I remember about the Easter season growing up were the religious movies we watched. My first recollection of a spiritual movie was “The Robe”. Even as a child I was moved by it and the message of ultimate sacrifice and unconditional love the lead characters (Richard Burton and Jean Simmons) displayed in the final scene of the movie. (I won’t give away the ending if you’ve never seen it.) It is still one of my favorite Easter movies. “The Ten Commandments” with Charlton Heston was also a family favorite.

In 2004, Mel Gibson produced “The Passion of the Christ” taking spiritual movies to a new level. It was violent and highly controversial. It was incredibly gripping and painful to watch. I left the theater emotionally raw after watching the realistic depiction of Jesus crucifixion. At the same time I remember thinking it would be something I should see every year as a reminder of what Jesus endured for the sake of my soul. Nine years later and I still haven’t been able to watch it. The visual images are that powerful in my mind.

This year I have a new favorite spiritual movie that has given me much pause about my Christianity. It is “Les Misérables”. Like “The Passion”, it is dark and violent at times, but the music, lyrics, and redemption message, carry you through the movie to its tear-jerking and powerful conclusion.

The movie opens with the song “Look Down” and the release of Jean Valjean from prison after 19 years. After word of his release, Valjean, played by Hugh Jackman, sings about his freedom, while the prison guard, Javert, played by Russell Crowe, reminds him his name is “24601” and that he’ll always be a slave. Although technically free, Valjean is a marked man and must carry his papers with him wherever he goes. He is bitter and sings “I’ll never forgive them for what they’ve done”.

After an encounter with a Catholic bishop, there is another moving scene in which we get to witness Valjean’s inner struggle as he decides to reclaim his identity and put the mentality of a slave behind him. (Click the song link to hear Pedro perform the first three songs of “Les Mis” – Look Down, Valjean’s Soliloquy and The Bishop © 2012 Claude Michel Schonberg.)

These first few scenes set the stage for conflict throughout the movie. On the one hand you have Valjean, who is stepping into his redeemed identity and living a life of grace and forgiveness (like Jesus). On the other hand you have Javert, who represents ‘the law’ (like the Pharisees). Javert is obsessed with tracking down Valjean to return him to prison for breaking parole—much like the Apostle Paul persecuted Christians prior to his conversion.

Throughout the movie, there are encounters between these two characters as their worlds collide in unpredictable ways. Javert continues to believe (and sings) “a man such as you can never change”. But even in the face of death, Valjean chooses to do what is right and won’t return to his ways of rebellion and slavery. Valjean is a changed man. He is walking out his identity in Christ. In the end (spoiler alert), Javert can’t live with himself and the inner turmoil caused by Valjean’s transformation, and chooses to take his own life—like Judas did.

I’ve seen “Les Mis” twice in the theater, bought the video this week and have listened to the soundtrack countless times in the last two months. Needless to say, I love it! I’m sure not everyone will agree with my enthusiasm for this movie. However, with its powerful story, amazing music and compelling lyrics, I think “Les Mis” is a must-see for every Christian—and perfect for Holy Week reflection. Coincidentally, it ends with the hope of tomorrow—just like we have in Christ.

What’s your favorite spiritual or Holy Week movie and why?