ON FAITH & MEDIA | Oliver Twist

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Oliver Twist

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Source: Catholic News Service

Fine and handsome new version of Charles Dickens' oft-filmed classic about an orphan boy who gets involved with a gang of thieves headed by the elderly Jewish ringleader Fagin (Ben Kingsley), and the efforts of a kindly gentleman to rescue him from their clutches. Director Roman Polanski and screenwriter Ronald Harwood have streamlined the complex novel, as most versions have done, but the essentials are all there, and beautifully performed by a top-notch cast, bolstered by lavish production design and an evocative score. A brief violent episode, a few scenes of menace and a hanging make this recommended entertainment for all but the youngest children. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

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John I: Pope John I inherited the Arian heresy, which denied the divinity of Christ. Italy had been ruled for 30 years by an emperor who espoused the heresy, though he treated the empire’s Catholics with toleration. His policy changed at about the time the young John was elected pope.
<p>When the eastern emperor began imposing severe measures on the Arians of his area, the western emperor forced John to head a delegation to the East to soften the measures against the heretics. Little is known of the manner or outcome of the negotiations—designed to secure continued toleration of Catholics in the West. </p><p>When John returned to Rome, he found that the emperor had begun to suspect his friendship with his eastern rival. </p><p>On his way home, John was imprisoned when he reached Ravenna because the emperor suspected a conspiracy against his throne. Shortly after his imprisonment, John died, apparently from the treatment he had received.</p>

You should lead by your example in family, among friends and neighbors, and with colleagues and coworkers or fellow students. Your examples should include putting community above self, placing respect for the dignity of others ahead of self-gratification, and demonstrating love above all.

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