Esotropiart

Because of Winn Dixie exhibits two entirely opposing qualities. The first half of the movie is one ridiculous and whimsical catastrophe after another. It is just about the most predictable and unbearable drivel I've ever witnessed. I'm generally carefree when it comes to enjoying children's movies, but this one just starts out BAD! There are a couple brief comical moments, but most of it is impish if not outright obnoxious. About halfway through, the movie makes a complete 180 degree turn and entirely repents of its horrible ways.

The movie is absolutely rich in its character sketches. Each individual has something to say about humanity, especially in the area of grace. The strongest message or moral of the movie is this: Those that have experienced the most severe pain or rejection are often the best at both receiving grace and offering forgiveness.

Gloria Dump is the embodiment of grace. She is the town's Boo Radley or Quasimodo. Most of the townfolk have her labeled as a witch or social outcast, and she lives in solitude. She is not pretty, is mostly blind, and has a dark past. Despite her faults, she is perhaps the most caring, wise and generous character in the movie. Her past does not haunt her much, for she has learned to accept grace. She doesn't forget her sins, but remembers each one and how each of them is redeemed and lost because of her choice to become new. She is the ideal person to communicate love to the hurting. She can touch others where no one else can because she "has been there". She has the ability to overlook faults in others and extends a caring gesture to anyone, even an enemy.

The preacher is another important example of good character. I appreciate his commitment and integrity. Though his role in this story was mostly an object of ridicule, it is clear that he invests wholeheartedly into his life and ministry. Meanwhile he is portrayed as someone very real, with hurts and fears like everyone else. It seems that the movie's general depiction of the preaching profession is one of "boring" and "not worth listening to". It is suggested that pastors may as well be ignored because their words and sermons are bound to be just a bunch of "fluff". This is an unforunate overtone yet, it is not one that is overly harsh or emphasized.

While it is probable that the preacher had partial fault in his wife's leaving (marriage always involves two people), from the movie's material it seems very likely that he tried with all his heart to resolve the situation. It seems the wife/mom is simply a heartless, uncommitted woman in the end (though maybe she didn't start out that way). There is no indication that she ever came back or ever would, even to visit her daughter who obviously needed her. On the other hand, Opal's father continues on with dedication to his ministry and does his best to offer Opal a good life and caring relationship. It is also very clear that he still loves his wife even though she left with no hope of return or restoration.

The father endures excessive shame, embarrassment and rejection, yet his attitude and actions resemble that of Christ. Though the townsfolk rarely show fondness for him, his daughter disrespects him and he is constantly exposed to embarrassment, he continues to forgive and press on. The scene where he allows the dog to run rampantly through the mobile home during the storm is an especially stark illustration of forbearance. After the initial response of intervening care, he simply lets go and allows the dog to have its needed time of energetic emotional release (the dog has a pathological fear of thunder). Throughout the tantrum the father reacts with pure love instead of anger - something I certainly couldn't do if I was in his shoes. No doubt God sometimes sits back and lets us scream, rant and run back and forth - demonstrating His ultimate patience even when we deserve harsh punishment and correction. The preacher is not particularly glorified or exemplified in the movie, but I think his attitude and character shine through as one of the brightest and best.

Opal's character on the other hand is massively annoying to me. She shows zero tolerance toward any variance from her exacting demands. She constantly insists on getting her way and insinuates that her father is a bad person if he doesn't immediately meet her every whim. It is natural for parents to desire the best for their children, and children should not be invariably denied happiness or joy just for the sake of cruelty. Nevertheless, there must be a time when lines are drawn and when "no" really means no. I can't recall one instance when Opal shows respect by obeying her father's instructions or limitations. She entirely loses her ears when it comes time for correction. She continues with her whining demands as if nothing negatory was ever said. I also don't like that she refers to her dad as "the preacher" instead of using a more respectable title. I realize we are in a new generation and different things are acceptable, but I always knew to call my parents "mom" and "dad" or some variation thereof.

Also, whenever the dog causes ridiculous catastrophes, Opal doesn't respond with shame at all but simply adds to the scene by chasing after him. Rather than trying to correct the situation, taking some sort of responsibility or showing any remorse, she evades punishment by throwing in a trite joke or an "oh well, these things happen" sort of comment. I hope she doesn't grow up to be like her mom. Hopefully she will absorb some of her father's integrity or longsuffering - or even Gloria Dump's wisdom and appreciation for second chances.

There are several other characters with unique traits that must be seen to be appreciated. All in all, there was enough beneficial and thoughtful content in Because of Winn Dixie to warrant a recommendation. I wouldn't suggest it to the cynical or rigid. Be light-hearted, and I'm sure you'll find something to enjoy... at least in the second half!