Occasionally, a film happens along and touches you in a magical way.
"Eve & the Fire horse" is just such an offering.
In the opening scenes - screened at the Fine Arts Theatre in recent weeks - the filmmakers introduce the audience to two innocents - sisters - being raised in a humble Chinese household where the rituals of Buddhism are practiced fervently and auspicious signs are ushered in the door with great reverence and thanks.
One day, two young men in black suits knock on the door, and offer up a gift of the Holy Scriptures.
Suddenly, young Eve (the narrator) finds her world turned upside down.
The conflicts between Buddhism and Christianity most assuredly arise.
In a quandary about the path to embark on, their Mother concedes that - "two Gods are better than one" - so - a crucifix with Christ on its face is placed on the mantle in an honored place next to a smiling Buddha.
The nurturing mother explains to her quizzical daughters:
"Buddha and Christ both taught people to be good, so they can be friends."
That night - Eve slips downstairs and spies Christ and Buddha dancing in the flesh in the dining-room - in one of the most visually-stunning poignant moments in the film.
However, when misfortune befalls the family, the young girls make a pact to save souls and do good deeds to curry favor with God.
In one amusing scene, Eve tries to convert a Sikh.
In another, she almost drowns in a bathtub Baptism; in the near-death experience, she suddenly perceives the light of an eternal presence.
Although the writer has focused on the rituals of organized religion - and its follies a tad too much - the playful digs at zealots are not off-putting at all.
The tale resonates at its spellbinding best, though, when there is no evidence of a human hand pulling the strings.
In one potent scene, for instance, the legend of the fire horse hits its mark without effort - and in the process - captivates, uplifts, and inspires - in a meaningful mystical way.
The sierra tones the cinematographer used to brush the canvas succeed in capturing a bygone era of faded memories which appear to flicker yet with a kernel of truth.
All the performances of the actors ring true, as well.
The movie is a bit lengthily, though.
A cut of fifteen minutes may be what the project needs to tighten up a lagging script, and likewise, secure a distribution deal the producers are seeking.
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