after seeing this movie and previously watching the behind the scenes special, i had a thought about the integrity and morality of using entertainment to tell “based on true” stories in film. denzel said he didn’t want to make frank lucas look like a hero in the movie (and i think he did a good job). but i was still left feeling like it might have romanticized a life of crime. without the movie, this is one story from the streets of harlem i would have never known about, and i think it may be an important part of american history.

was there a book written about this time in history? was the movie based on that book? i have no clue. but if there was, i bet most of us would feel more comfortable with the telling of the story. and i am guessing that most of us would prefer the book over the movie (especially in accuracy and historical documentation).

isn’t that funny? the book would still be entertaining. in fact, a lot of people read for entertainment, and even reading a true story is entertaining. see where i am going with this? whether it is a book or movie, if it is based on history, reality or a true story with facts and witnesses, it is an acceptable form of telling a true story, communicating to, AND entertaining an audience at the same time.

why would God write a book? why would God use a tool of entertainment to tell His story, and communicate with earthlings. just a thought.

unrelated link: The Ministry of Morality