Ways to Live Forever – Review

Synopsis –

Ways to Live Forever is the poignant story of Sam, a 12-year-old boy dealing with leukemia.

Knowing that his time is limited, he makes a list of everything he wants to experience before death, and with the help of his friend Felix, embarks on a scientific investigation to accomplish those tasks.

He list includes watching horror movies, riding in an airship, drinking, smoking, and kissing. Interspersed throughout the movie are questions related to death and dying illustrated by old fashioned animations.

Robbie Kay as Sam in Ways to Live Forever; Photo Courtesy of World Wide Motion Pictures Corporation

Ways to Live Forever has a very quirky avant-garde style of filming. It’s designed to feel like a home video but includes many unexpected art choices and shooting angles.

The acting is great. Robby Kay and Alex Etel are exceptional portraying adolescent boys dealing with death one moment, and participating in boyish fun the next.

Ben Chaplin and  Emilia Fox as the parents do a good job of saying much with few words. I particularly enjoyed Greta Scacchi as the teacher. She provides a Mary Poppins lightness to an otherwise heavy movie.

Robbie Kay as Sam and Alex Etel as Felix in Ways to Live Forever; Photo Courtesy of World Wide Motion Pictures Corporation

Christian Worldview

Although the mom goes to church and sings in the choir, this is not a Christian movie. Sam’s questions and answers in no way reflect a Christian worldview. Instead, they include a mix of ancient and modern religious beliefs.

The movie is rated PG-13 and I would definitely not recommend it for children. Besides the obvious thematic issues, it also glorifies drinking and smoking and includes middle schoolers kissing.

For older teens and adults, especially those dealing with cancer, this movie will provide much thought and discussion.

On the set of Ways to Live Forever; Photo Courtesy of World Wide Motion Pictures Corporation

Biblical Discussion

1)“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Psalms 23:4

While Sam exhibits no fear of death, he also holds no hope for anything beyond death. He discusses various religious and cultural beliefs about death. How does Christianity’s view of death differ from other religious beliefs of death?

2) “My flesh and my heart faileth; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalms 73:26

The movie discusses ways to live forever. Sam’s solution is to keep a diary. As Christians, how can we live forever?

3) Several times in the movie Sam says, “Some things in life are perfect from start to finish, but you don’t know that until you’ve lived them.” How does this relate to our lives as Christians?

Watch the official trailer for Ways to Live Forever

Sharon Wilharm is a writer and filmmaker who helps spread the word about other Christian filmmakers with her Faith Flix blog. She and her husband have been making feature films for the past decade and are currently working on The Good Book, an evangelistic silent film. Their film Flowers for Fannie will be released to stores nationwide October 15th.

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