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CLIP: The clip starts at 56:29 and lasts until 1:03:05.
Finding himself lost at Paddington station, he begins to realise that city life is not all he had imagined, until he meets the kind Brown family, who read the label around his neck (‘Please look after this bear. Thank you.’) and offer him a temporary roof over his head. After some slight settling-in issues, the newly-named ‘Paddington’ begins to enjoy his new life until he catches the eye of an evil museum taxidermist, who is intent on adding Paddington to her collection.
Paddington is one of the most charming films released for a long time, and one that genuinely fits the title of ‘fun for all the family’. The whole film is really rather brilliant, and after showing it to a whole variety of ages, I’m pleased to report that it’s been met with unanimous praise, no matter how cynical the watcher has been!
In the clip we are focusing on, we see Paddington settling into his new home and becoming acquainted with his new (temporary) family. After an attempted kidnapping results in a small house fire and an angry Mr Brown, Paddington overhears a discussion about him not fitting in with the family and needing to leave.
After showing the clip, break into small discussion groups and discuss the following questions:
• In our current society, how would you define a ‘family’?
• Paddington claims that he would never lie to Mrs Brown. What qualities are needed in a family for it to flourish?
• Do you think that the family was right to mistrust Paddington?
• How would you feel about someone new living in your home?
• Should Christians be active in adoption and foster care more than other families – why?
After discussing the first set of questions, read through Ephesians 2:19-22 together and discuss the following:
• What image of family is described in this passage?
• Could this verse be used to help settle disputes between different groups today?
• How should Christians live and act in their families?
• What does it practically mean to be part of God’s family?
Paddington is a modern morality tale that will leave you feeling all positive about life. It’s also a rarity in that it’s suitable for everyone to see. Why not celebrate this by hosting a film night and showing the whole film and then discussing it afterwards?
