ON FAITH & MEDIA | The Black Balloon

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The Black Balloon

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Source: Catholic News Service

Moving Australian film about a teenager (Rhys Wakefield) settling into a new neighborhood with his pregnant mother (Toni Collette) and army officer father (Erik Thomson) and caring for his autistic brother (Luke Ward) with the help of a sympathetic girlfriend (Gemma Ward). First-time feature director Elissa Down's semiautobiographical story is well-acted and conveys a strong pro-family message and compassionate view of the disabled. Some crass expressions, brief domestic violence, a few expletives including a single use of profanity and of the F-word, mild sexual elements with innuendo and a birth control reference, and some scatological elements; acceptable for older teens. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III—adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13—parents 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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