Saving more than Mr. Banks

I had the joy of going to see a movie with my wife last night. Now this might sound pretty ordinary to most folks, but for me it just doesn’t happen that often. You see, my wife doesn’t really like going to the movies unless there’s a “Harry Potter” in the title, and we have small children so we don’t get to go out alone much. But our oldest daughter is home with us for Christmas and gave us an evening out. We went to see “Saving Mr. Banks” because we’re huge Disney fans and my wife in particular loves Mary Poppins.

If you’re like us and enjoy just about everything Disney, go see this film. It contains some wonderful insights into the making of a movie that is loved by millions of people. The film is well cast, well-acted and well scripted. It weaves together the author’s memories of her childhood, the studio’s attempt to create the popular film, and Walt Disney’s interactions with the book’s author P.L. Travers. The movie is fun, informative and moving, a great mix of qualities for one motion picture.

As I’ve mentioned before, I like to look for spiritual connections in popular films, and Saving Mr. Banks did not disappoint. One of the main components of the film is how Mrs. Travers’ past has influenced the development of her character Mary Poppins and her inability to let go of the character for the Disney film. Ultimately, she comes to the realization that her past can be redeemed for the benefit of others. Jesus tells us much the same thing in the Bible. In Revelation, Jesus said, “See, I am making all things new.” (Rev. 21:5) Jesus redeems every part of our lives when we confess our faith in his atoning work on the cross, even and especially our past. This has been born out in my own life. I’ve come to realize that while my own past is painful and I do not like to think about it, it is a part of me. It’s made me who I am today, but my past does not define who I am now. Jesus does. P.L. Travers had to embrace her past in all its joys and tragedies so that she could release her friend Mary Poppins for the whole world to enjoy on the big screen. Jesus calls each of us to embrace our own tragic and joyful pasts, but to put our faith and trust in him so that we can be whole for the present and the future.

So if you’ve got two hours to enjoy a great movie, go see Saving Mr. Banks, but bring some tissues, remember your own life and enjoy!