Pick of the week
Virgin Tales
Friday, 9.20pm, The Arts Channel
You might already have your mind made up about evangelical Christians and the rising numbers who pledge to remain ‘‘pure’’ until they marry. But whatever your viewpoint, this sensitive documentary from film-maker Mirjam von Arx provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of a family who believe in ‘‘saying no for the greater yes’’.
The ironically named Randy Wilson lives in Colorado Springs, works for the conservative Family Research Council and is a father of seven children – five of whom are daughters. His three oldest children are married; all fulfilled a pledge to not so much as kiss their partner until their wedding day. Fourth child Jordyn, 20, is still waiting for her prince to come and the documentary includes her video diary entries about what purity means to her. She says she has no interest in spending thousands of dollars on higher education – she believes her sole purpose in life is to become a wife and mother. Instead of attending university, she holds ‘‘Purely Woman School of Grace’’ classes, where she teaches other girls how to be ladylike and pure from the inside out.
Randy and his besotted wife, Lisa, have home-schooled all their children, focusing on a curriculum that reflects their faith (maths, history and science are taught from a Christian perspective). They seem like a loving, close family unit, living happily in their bubble of innocence.
When his first daughter turned 13, Randy founded the Father-Daughter Purity Ball – an annual event where proud dads dance with their daughters and pledge to lead them in purity of heart, mind and soul. The concept has spread across evangelical Christian groups throughout America, and to some parts of Europe.
In a world of increasing sexualisation of girls at a younger and younger age, instilling values of selfrespect, honour and worth is surely not a bad thing. But the idea that they should be passively waiting for a man to come along and pick them is sure to grate with many viewers. And you can’t help but wonder what happens to the girls for whom God
doesn’t send a prince their way? Should they feel in some way less worthy than their peers who do find a husband? These questions are left for the viewer to debate and answer for themselves, which is the difference between a good documentary and the all-toocommon ‘‘freak of the week’’ fly-onthe-wall reality shows which present their subjects purely to be ridiculed. This is a documentary in the truest sense of the word – von Arx avoids making judgements and simply provides a window into the Wilson family’s life. It might not be a window you want to return to, but it’s testament to her skills as a film-maker that she allows you to make that decision for yourself.