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The Fruit of the Spirit in Film

Feb 22, 2025
9 min read

Updated: Feb 23, 2025




"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."- Galatians 5: 22-23


Cinema is a wide canvas where all virtue and vice can be found and we can take great inspiration from their examples. The Apostle Paul writes about this 'fruit' which comes from the Holy Spirit, which includes: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Even outside of the Christian faith these attributes are deeply valued in the world which most of humanity strive towards. There are countless titles where we can see the fruit of the spirit exemplified, probably too many to put in one list, but here are some of my picks for films that best embody these values.
WARNING: SOME SPOILERS AHEAD!

LOVE


LITTLE WOMEN (2019)


"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away." -1 Corinthians:13: 4-8 Little Women is a story where you can find all kinds of love, and Greta Gerwig's 2019 screen adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's timeless novel radiates with a warmth that can't be beaten. Trailing the journey of womanhood in the March sisters during the American Civil War, sisters: Joe, Amy, Meg, and Beth experience both love and loss in their coming of age as they each embark on differing uncertain futures in marriage and creativity. Centrally focused on the feisty Joe played by Saoirse Ronan, who wrestles with the desire for her literary expression and independence against the patriarchal expectations of the time. Joe is the central glue of these endeavours who must confront the pain of her life in pen and paper in order to encourage others to do the same. The vast character of love as written in 1 Corinthians is a constant presence, as it is shared between family, friends, neighbours, lovers, spouses, colleagues, the poor, which is routed in the March household itself. The confidence that these women have comes from a family that is founded on selfless love for others. The cosy glow of the March house just makes you feel embraced with tenderness and a courage to walk forward into the hardships and triumphs of life.
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away." -1 Corinthians:13: 4-8 Little Women is a story where you can find all kinds of love, and Greta Gerwig's 2019 screen adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's timeless novel radiates with a warmth that can't be beaten. Trailing the journey of womanhood in the March sisters during the American Civil War, sisters: Joe, Amy, Meg, and Beth experience both love and loss in their coming of age as they each embark on differing uncertain futures in marriage and creativity. Centrally focused on the feisty Joe played by Saoirse Ronan, who wrestles with the desire for her literary expression and independence against the patriarchal expectations of the time. Joe is the central glue of these endeavours who must confront the pain of her life in pen and paper in order to encourage others to do the same. The vast character of love as written in 1 Corinthians is a constant presence, as it is shared between family, friends, neighbours, lovers, spouses, colleagues, the poor, which is routed in the March household itself. The confidence that these women have comes from a family that is founded on selfless love for others. The cosy glow of the March house just makes you feel embraced with tenderness and a courage to walk forward into the hardships and triumphs of life.


JOY


SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (1952)


"You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands."- Isaiah 55:12 If there is one iconic image in cinema history that encapsulates pure joy it's the sight of Gene Kelly dancing and singing in the rain. Joy naturally follows from love as demonstrated in this scene, as Don (Kelly) leaves the home of his new love Kathy played by Debbie Reynolds, so overjoyed by her affection that he will ecstatically dance around in the pouring rain to assert his happiness. This performance can stand in for the many moments we experience and overwhelming joy in our lives, but it can especially relate to the joy of the Lord, even in the mist of dark and gloomy world let us be joyful for the kingdom of God is near. As a satirical musical about the movie business adapting to sound, Singin' in the Rain is a whimsical delight of movie magic. It's not just the one titular scene that makes Singin' in the Rain an irresistible parade of joy, but also many other tunes including: 'Make Em Laugh', 'Moses Supposes' 'Good Morning' as well as the showstopping "The Broadway Melody". You also just can't beat the dynamite chemistry of Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, and Debbie Reynolds. The age of the joyous technicolour Hollywood musical feels like a lost era, with talents like Kelly, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers putting painstaking effort into their craft which is what made these magical moments some of the most memorably joyful in cinema.
"You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands."- Isaiah 55:12 If there is one iconic image in cinema history that encapsulates pure joy it's the sight of Gene Kelly dancing and singing in the rain. Joy naturally follows from love as demonstrated in this scene, as Don (Kelly) leaves the home of his new love Kathy played by Debbie Reynolds, so overjoyed by her affection that he will ecstatically dance around in the pouring rain to assert his happiness. This performance can stand in for the many moments we experience and overwhelming joy in our lives, but it can especially relate to the joy of the Lord, even in the mist of dark and gloomy world let us be joyful for the kingdom of God is near. As a satirical musical about the movie business adapting to sound, Singin' in the Rain is a whimsical delight of movie magic. It's not just the one titular scene that makes Singin' in the Rain an irresistible parade of joy, but also many other tunes including: 'Make Em Laugh', 'Moses Supposes' 'Good Morning' as well as the showstopping "The Broadway Melody". You also just can't beat the dynamite chemistry of Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, and Debbie Reynolds. The age of the joyous technicolour Hollywood musical feels like a lost era, with talents like Kelly, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers putting painstaking effort into their craft which is what made these magical moments some of the most memorably joyful in cinema.



PEACE


SOUND OF METAL (2019)


"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."- Philippians 4:7 When heavy metal drummer Ruben Stone discovers that he is going deaf effectively ending his music career, he is encouraged to join a secluded community of deaf people who live a humble life in harmony with their disability. Stubborn to this inevitable change, Ruben still secretly raises funds to afford a risky treatment to 'cure' his hearing. His sponsor Joe (Paul Raci) profoundly urges Ruben to appreciate his hearing loss by challenging Ruben to invite stillness into his life which Joe talks about as "that place, that's the kingdom of God". Even though Ruben makes positive progress in the community his hidden plans and deception are seen as poisonous to the morale of the group. Only when Ruben accepts that he is broken will he be able to find peace in his situation. Even after receiving his treatment with electric implants now placed in his head, his new hearing devise only distorts his perception. Ruben finally has a moment of stillness after realising that his loss is irretrievable, and to escape the nauseating effect of his implants, he removes his ear phones in the park and succumbs to the tranquil silence around him. Sound of Metal is a powerful parable of finding peace in one's self and overcoming uncontrollable changes, brought to life by a sensational performance from Riz Ahmed.
"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."- Philippians 4:7 When heavy metal drummer Ruben Stone discovers that he is going deaf effectively ending his music career, he is encouraged to join a secluded community of deaf people who live a humble life in harmony with their disability. Stubborn to this inevitable change, Ruben still secretly raises funds to afford a risky treatment to 'cure' his hearing. His sponsor Joe (Paul Raci) profoundly urges Ruben to appreciate his hearing loss by challenging Ruben to invite stillness into his life which Joe talks about as "that place, that's the kingdom of God". Even though Ruben makes positive progress in the community his hidden plans and deception are seen as poisonous to the morale of the group. Only when Ruben accepts that he is broken will he be able to find peace in his situation. Even after receiving his treatment with electric implants now placed in his head, his new hearing devise only distorts his perception. Ruben finally has a moment of stillness after realising that his loss is irretrievable, and to escape the nauseating effect of his implants, he removes his ear phones in the park and succumbs to the tranquil silence around him. Sound of Metal is a powerful parable of finding peace in one's self and overcoming uncontrollable changes, brought to life by a sensational performance from Riz Ahmed.


FORBEARANCE


STALKER (1979)


"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes."- Psalm 37   More of an exercise in patience than a thematic dissection, but if you know anything about the work of Soviet auteur Andrei Tarkovsky, it is that he makes you wait. Renowned for his poetic slow-moving odysseys into the soul, Tarkovsky manages to contemplate every existential and philosophical conundrum known to man. In Stalker, he invites us to join an arduous journey to a place called the 'The Zone' where legend has it, your deepest desire will be manifested. A writer, and professor are escorted across a radioactive countryside by a designated guide or 'stalker' where they debate the reasons and repercussions for seeking 'the Zone'. As an Orthodox Christian, there are many deeply spiritual readings to find in Tarkovsky's work, and Stalker can be read as statement for need for faith itself in a desolate world. As the characters live in a dystopian wasteland, the only hope they have left comes from a mysterious greater power. It is journey of great discovery and profound revelation that will leave your mind and soul shaken, but you do have to be patient.
"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes."- Psalm 37   More of an exercise in patience than a thematic dissection, but if you know anything about the work of Soviet auteur Andrei Tarkovsky, it is that he makes you wait. Renowned for his poetic slow-moving odysseys into the soul, Tarkovsky manages to contemplate every existential and philosophical conundrum known to man. In Stalker, he invites us to join an arduous journey to a place called the 'The Zone' where legend has it, your deepest desire will be manifested. A writer, and professor are escorted across a radioactive countryside by a designated guide or 'stalker' where they debate the reasons and repercussions for seeking 'the Zone'. As an Orthodox Christian, there are many deeply spiritual readings to find in Tarkovsky's work, and Stalker can be read as statement for need for faith itself in a desolate world. As the characters live in a dystopian wasteland, the only hope they have left comes from a mysterious greater power. It is journey of great discovery and profound revelation that will leave your mind and soul shaken, but you do have to be patient.


KINDNESS


WON'T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR (2018)


"Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves."- Proverbs:11:17 More than ever right now do we need a figure like Fred Rogers, the ordained minister turned children's television show creator of "Mister Roger's Neighborhood" inspired generations to be kind to one another and make sense of the world around them. The neighbourhood was a ministry that practised love and acceptance to everyone, radically breaking down barriers and prejudices of the times. If Jesus had a television programme it would look something like this. From the titular invitation: “Won’t you be my neighbor?” Rogers would pose to his audience every day, to scenes of washing other cast member's feat, Mister Rogers was building the kingdom with catchy wisdom fuelled songs and make-believe puppets. This documentary chronicles the life of his hit TV show, unpacking the heartfelt origins of his teaching, and the legacy he left behind. It’s no wonder that he has resurfaced as a cultural icon lately, since we live in a digital world that spawns more division and conflict than ever before, Fred demonstrated how much of an impact can be achieved through a media platform that valued true kindness and understanding.
"Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves."- Proverbs:11:17 More than ever right now do we need a figure like Fred Rogers, the ordained minister turned children's television show creator of "Mister Roger's Neighborhood" inspired generations to be kind to one another and make sense of the world around them. The neighbourhood was a ministry that practised love and acceptance to everyone, radically breaking down barriers and prejudices of the times. If Jesus had a television programme it would look something like this. From the titular invitation: “Won’t you be my neighbor?” Rogers would pose to his audience every day, to scenes of washing other cast member's feat, Mister Rogers was building the kingdom with catchy wisdom fuelled songs and make-believe puppets. This documentary chronicles the life of his hit TV show, unpacking the heartfelt origins of his teaching, and the legacy he left behind. It’s no wonder that he has resurfaced as a cultural icon lately, since we live in a digital world that spawns more division and conflict than ever before, Fred demonstrated how much of an impact can be achieved through a media platform that valued true kindness and understanding.



GOODNESS


IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946)


"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom."- James 3:13 Why is It's a Wonderful Life still regarded as the best and most beloved Christmas movie? I think it's because it reflects the united communion that we all crave, to be part of a community that truly cares and supports each other in the most desperate times. George Bailey spends his whole life longing to achieve great things, desperate to escape his home town's struggles, but he countlessly sacrifices his dreams for the sake of his family and friends who in turn come to save him in his hour of need. George Bailey's selfless acts with the 'Building and loan' are reminiscent of the Acts Church that shared their abundance amongst each other creating one united body. It takes George to the point of suicidal thoughts for him to realise how much good he has done, and how much he truly matters. The people of Bedford Falls' bountiful outpouring to the Bailey family at the end of the film serve as a reminder to the treasure that await us in heaven as we sow generous and sacrificial deeds in our life. "no man is a failure who has friends."-Clarence Odbody
"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom."- James 3:13 Why is It's a Wonderful Life still regarded as the best and most beloved Christmas movie? I think it's because it reflects the united communion that we all crave, to be part of a community that truly cares and supports each other in the most desperate times. George Bailey spends his whole life longing to achieve great things, desperate to escape his home town's struggles, but he countlessly sacrifices his dreams for the sake of his family and friends who in turn come to save him in his hour of need. George Bailey's selfless acts with the 'Building and loan' are reminiscent of the Acts Church that shared their abundance amongst each other creating one united body. It takes George to the point of suicidal thoughts for him to realise how much good he has done, and how much he truly matters. The people of Bedford Falls' bountiful outpouring to the Bailey family at the end of the film serve as a reminder to the treasure that await us in heaven as we sow generous and sacrificial deeds in our life. "no man is a failure who has friends."-Clarence Odbody


FAITHFULNESS


A HIDDEN LIFE (2019)


“for the growing good of the world is partly dependent on unhistoric acts; and that things are not so ill with you and me as they might have been, is half owing to the number who lived faithfully a hidden life, and rest in unvisited tombs.”-George Elliot
“for the growing good of the world is partly dependent on unhistoric acts; and that things are not so ill with you and me as they might have been, is half owing to the number who lived faithfully a hidden life, and rest in unvisited tombs.”-George Elliot

From spiritual maestro Terrence Malick, A Hidden Life is a deeply moving story of defiance and faithfulness in political turmoil. Set during the Second World War, in a German occupied Austrian village, a devoted husband and father Franz Jägerstätter is called up to serve the Third Reich and must swear an oath to Hitler. While his village and Church are obedient to the fascist powers, Franz refuses, which means imprisonment and judgment upon him and his family, but in his heart he knows that it is what is right. Based on a true story, Malick’s film is an impassioned vision of the acts of a conscientious objector whose opposition is routed in a strong faith. It is also a tender love story between Franz and his wife Franziska who both become martyrs in their resistance, while separated, they are always bound together in their prayers for each other. Malick’s poetic style is moody and beautiful with sequences that feel like envisioned psalms as the camera gravitates around Franz’s prayerful mind during his persecution. As the quote from Elliot evokes, A Hidden Life is a testament to the profound faithfulness of those who have lived a secret battle standing firm in their beliefs against injustice.



GENTLENESS


PADDINTON 2 (2017)


"Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." - Philippians 4:5 One of the most beloved figures of gentle nature today is Paddington Bear. From the three feature films released in the last decade, Paddington has been re-established as a landmark British icon promoting friendly and polite decency throughout the world. Thanks to the soft voice performance of Ben Whishaw, the charm of Paddington is alive more than ever encased in these three films, though it is Paddington 2 that is my main point of reference. Paddington 2 is not just my choice because of its elevated gags, expansive cast, including a shapeshifting hilarious Hugh Grant, but because we see the ultimate influence that Paddington’s gentle nature has, when he manages to transform a brutish prison full of rugged and dangerous inmates into a paradise of peaceful comradery imparting his marmalade sandwich recipe and the wise words of Aunt Lucy. During a montage that shows the gradual transformation of the prison, the song ‘Love thy Neighbor’ by Tobago and d’Lime is playing as the inmates dance around the prison cells hand in hand. The lyrics end with “And life would be easy, time would be breezier, if, you love your neighbour”. The scene is a farcical delight and absurd, but it reinforces the dream of how much change could be achieved by following the gentle spirit of someone like Paddington.



SELF-CONTROL


ANOTHER ROUND (2020)


"Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control."- Proverbs 25:28 Mads Mikkelsen stars in this Danish tragic-comedy that vigilantly celebrates the liberating force of alcohol. A group of four male schoolteachers are all facing a mid-life crises when they agree to a physiological experiment where they must maintain 0.05% alcohol in their bodies. This initially boosts their moods and energises their lifestyle, but as they continue to push the limits of their intake, the more they loose control of themselves leading to damaging consequences. Dedicated to his late daughter who died during production, director Thomas Vinterberg made this film as a celebration of life, and indeed the film does commemorate the joyful spirit of drinking in celebration, but it also serves as a cautionary tale to not letting it control you either. Each man is facing their own personal crises, in marriage, work, and mental health, and their decision to partake in this experiment becomes more of way to drown out their problems then address them directly. One of them, Tommy (Thomas Bo Larsen) hides his depression and loneliness from the rest of his friends which is what motivates his excessive drinking deeper even outside the group. Even though Martin (Mikkelsen) tries to comfort his friend, he cannot stop the inevitable self-destructive fate that awaits him. The result of their experiment finds the men coming to terms with the loss of their friend and their youth, as they begin to mend their wounds. A new form of accountability is formed within the men carving a wise and responsible approach to their lives, but in a moment of solidarity they have one last reckless party which becomes wildly life affirming. Another Round's ending is ambiguous as we are left wondering how much the men have really learned from their experiment, though it doesn't stop the film from having warned us against a dangerous misuse of booze, while also justifying a human need for release and enjoyment.
"Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control."- Proverbs 25:28 Mads Mikkelsen stars in this Danish tragic-comedy that vigilantly celebrates the liberating force of alcohol. A group of four male schoolteachers are all facing a mid-life crises when they agree to a physiological experiment where they must maintain 0.05% alcohol in their bodies. This initially boosts their moods and energises their lifestyle, but as they continue to push the limits of their intake, the more they loose control of themselves leading to damaging consequences. Dedicated to his late daughter who died during production, director Thomas Vinterberg made this film as a celebration of life, and indeed the film does commemorate the joyful spirit of drinking in celebration, but it also serves as a cautionary tale to not letting it control you either. Each man is facing their own personal crises, in marriage, work, and mental health, and their decision to partake in this experiment becomes more of way to drown out their problems then address them directly. One of them, Tommy (Thomas Bo Larsen) hides his depression and loneliness from the rest of his friends which is what motivates his excessive drinking deeper even outside the group. Even though Martin (Mikkelsen) tries to comfort his friend, he cannot stop the inevitable self-destructive fate that awaits him. The result of their experiment finds the men coming to terms with the loss of their friend and their youth, as they begin to mend their wounds. A new form of accountability is formed within the men carving a wise and responsible approach to their lives, but in a moment of solidarity they have one last reckless party which becomes wildly life affirming. Another Round's ending is ambiguous as we are left wondering how much the men have really learned from their experiment, though it doesn't stop the film from having warned us against a dangerous misuse of booze, while also justifying a human need for release and enjoyment.

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