FILM REVIEWS

The Last Station (R) depicts the last months of Russian author Leo Tolstoy’s life and dramatizes the struggle between his wife and Tolstoy’s followers over who will gain royalties to his work when he dies. While the film strays into cliché with some characters, the fine acting keeps the drama alive.—Gordon Houser

The Messenger (R) tells the story of an American soldier who struggles with an ethical dilemma when he becomes involved with a widow of a fallen officer. He is one of two “messengers” who bring news of loved ones deaths in Iraq. This film shows the severe psychological wounds soldiers bring back with them from war zones.—gh

BOOK REVIEWS

Daniel Berrigan: Essential Writings, selected and introduced by John Dear (Orbis
Books, 2009, $20) presents selections of Berrigan’s voluminous writing, much of it poetry. Perhaps known more for his actions for peace (and against war) and his willingness to go to prison for those actions, Berrigan has written poems, essays, a memoir and Bible studies (see below). Dear introduces him as poet, prophet and peacemaker. One is left amazed at Berrigan’s consistent message and his incisive creativity.—gh

No Gods but One by Daniel Berrigan (Eerdmans, 2009, $15) is a study of Deuteronomy that looks at its darker side. He sees in the book a “war of myths. Prophet versus King” and applies that to our own time, when so many powers, including religious ones, seek to dominate rather then obey God’s way of justice. Berrigan’s terse style takes getting used to but is worth reading.—gh