The Bucket List

The Bucket List tells the story of Edward Cole and Carter Chambers, two terminally ill patients who make up a list of things to do before they die. From skydiving to racecar driving, these two men create a special friendship as they tour the globe. At Carter’s funeral, Edward tells of how Carter taught him to be a better person, changing him from a crotchety old man to a person who loves and cares for others.

The two main characters are polar opposites at the beginning. Carter is a faithful husband, believes in God and prays to Him. He tells the story of a man who hears God through the great Himalayan Mountains, and wishes to experience that same voice of God firsthand. Carter wants to help people and make others lives better. At the beginning of the movie, he says, “You measure yourself by those who measure themselves up to you.” Carter could be thought of as representing the kingdom.

Edward on the other hand does not believe in a higher power. At one point, when he is faced with pain and the reality of his situation, he begins to cry out to God, but then stops himself, fearing that someone will hear him. He lives for himself and does not care for those around him. In a heartfelt discussion with Carter about faith, he says that he simply “can’t get his head around the concept.” He could be thought to represent the Empire.

The movie does not get into the specifics of what they think is sin and redemption. However, through an analogy to the Egyptian view of heaven, Carter asks, “Did you enjoy your life? Did you bring joy to other people’s lives?” While he does not say to avoid sin and evil, his actions prove that he advocates a life of service and bringing joy to others. There is no need to be saved of anything in the movie, just to live a good life by helping and caring for others.

This movie shows qualities of both the empire and the kingdom. Edward shows an attitude of self gratification, believing he can buy his way to happiness and success. While the life Edward leads seems fun and exciting, it is a seductive world in which the reality doesn’t match up with what it is advertised to be. Instead of feeling wonderful, he feels alone. In Carter, we see the way that the kingdom is upside down. Instead of the wealthy man being happy and having all the right answers, it is the poor mechanic. He abounds in love and joy and takes up the attitude of a servant to help others. He displays a Christ-like attitude. Although not a Christian movie, the Bucket List displays a message of servant hood and hope that goes hand in hand with the kingdom and the message of the gospel.