PG-13
Buena Vista Pictures

Introduction

Joel and Ethan Coen’s spin on Homer’s “The Odyssey” follows Ulysses Everett McGill, Delmar, and Pete along a truly unbelievable journey. Set in the deep-South during the Depression of the 1930’s, our three “heroes” embark on a quest to find a hidden treasure. Everett is the ring leader; the man with the plan. He convinces Pete and Delmar to escape from the chain-gang on the prison farm to recover the “treasure” in his home before the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) floods his hometown. Along the way the threesome finds themselves in the middle of a state political race, family squabbles, a Ku Klux Klan (KKK) lynching, life-changing religious experiences, corrupt businessmen, and a musical phenomenon… all while being hunted by a mysterious policeman.

“O Brother” is rich in religious themes, and will provide fodder for many historical and theological conversations in your group. Some of the more predominant themes include how religion is perceived within culture, the personification of evil, the use of music throughout the film, and the concept of being on a journey.

(Leader’s Note: Few, if any, Coen brother films are box office successes… they are not designed to be. Most people who know of these directors are familiar with their film, “Fargo.” Because of the graphic use of violence, language, and sexual images in “Fargo” (and others), some parents may have concerns about showing a Coen brothers film in church. “O Brother” is rated PG-13 for brief language and some violent images. I know of several youth ministers who have used this film as a tool for ministry. It is good practice to preview all films before they are shown to a group.)

Here are three of many possible discussion topics to use after viewing the film:

• The soundtrack
• “Oh, no, sir…the devil is white…”
• Baptism

The soundtrack

The “O Brother” soundtrack received a Grammy in 2001 for Album of the Year. It is one of the most popular movie soundtracks of the past 20 years. The music, described in the film as “old timey,” is mostly gospel or southern Christian songs that are over 60 years old.

Discussion questions

1. How are the songs used in the film to help tell the story? Is the use of music in this film more realistic than in musicals?
2. Why do you think these old, simple songs are so popular today?
3. How are you exposed to music on a daily basis?
4. What kinds of music do you listen to when you’re happy? Sad? Angry? Needing inspiration?

Bible exploration

Psalms is a book of songs that, throughout the centuries, have been used in daily life, not just in worship services. Have small groups of youth look at each of the following Psalms and identify daily situations in which these songs can be used:

• Psalm 23
• Psalm 111
• Psalm 91
• Psalm 86

“Oh, no, sir…the devil is white…”

Comments

Throughout the movie, Everett, Pete, and Delmar are hunted by a mysterious man who appears to be a police officer. The guitar player, Tommy, indicates that he struck a deal with this “man,” but believes him to be the devil. Therefore, the implication exists that the devil is chasing our heroes, nearly to their death.

Discussion questions

1. Is the devil real?
2. Does the devil have an active role in this world? What is it?
3. How does the devil work through people, just like God does?

Your group’s answers to these questions may open up a whole new line of questions about things like:

• Why do bad things happen to good people?
• If bad things continue to happen in the world, is it because evil, Satan, or the devil is more powerful than God?
• Encourage your group to struggle with these concepts beyond just one conversation.

Bible exploration

Evil is personified in the Bible as the devil, Satan, or demons. These are found in both the Old and New Testaments as entities who try to interfere with God’s interaction with humankind. Here are a few verses that reference these evil forces:

• Job 1:6-12 (Attack on Job’s character.)
• Zechariah 3:1-2 (The vision of Joshua and Satan.)
• Matthew 4:1-11 (Temptation of Jesus.)
• Mark 4:10-20 (Purpose of parables.)
• 2 Corinthians 11:14 (False prophets.)

1. What are the ways in which Satan works in these stories?
2. What indication, if any, do these verses give that Satan is a real presence here and now?
3. How does God provide us with strength and courage to face and confront evil?

Baptism

Delmar and Pete are mesmerized by “some kind of a congregation” and receive full-immersion baptism in a river. Delmar comes out of the water and asserts, “The preacher done washed away all my sins and transgressions. It’s the straight and narrow for me now, boys, and heaven everlasting is my reward!”

Discussion questions

1. Why do you think these two criminals were so entranced by the singing of the congregation?
2. Do you believe that living a “straight and narrow” life gets you into heaven? What do we, as Lutheran Christians, believe?
3. The ELCA recognizes infant baptism as a sacrament. Many other churches baptize people only after they “accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior.” This scene in the movie may open up youth to a theological discussion of infant baptism vs. adult baptism, the sacraments, and what baptism is. A useful resource is the ELCA Web site of “Frequently Asked Questions about Holy Baptism” at: http://www.elca.org/worship/faq/baptism.html.

Bible exploration

Read Romans 6:1-4

1. What promise do baptized Christians receive?
2. What are baptized Christians called to do? What are they called to NOT do?
3. Verses 1 and 2 address the concept of “cheap grace.” Talk about what this means in daily relationships with parents, friends, teachers, enemies, etc.

Closing prayer

God of life, you call us to be on a journey of faith. Guide us along the way and provide for us the opportunities to discover you in new ways. We thank you for the gifts you have given us. Help us to use them to help others and to serve you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen