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"Signs": No Coincidences

Signs is the story of the Hess family in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who wake up one morning to find a 500-foot crop circle in the middle of their cornfield. Graham Hess (Mel Gibson), his brother Merril (Joaquin Phoenix), and Graham's two children, Morgan and Bo, watch TV news reports with growing alarm as they learn that the crop circle in their corn field is similar to others around the world—all the products of an alien invasion force. On the TV screen they see 14 lights in the night sky over Mexico City, visual evidence of the invaders.

Merril turns to Graham, a former pastor who has lost his faith, for some comfort.

"Some people think this is the end of the world," Merril muses. "Is it true? Do you think it could be?"

"Yes," Graham flatly replies.

Alarmed by his brother's response, Merril questions, "How can you say that?"

"That wasn't the answer you wanted?" Graham asks.

Full of fear, Merril demands, "Couldn't you pretend to be like you used to be? Give me some comfort."

Graham explains, "People break down into two groups. When they experience something lucky, group number one sees it as more than luck, more than a coincidence. They see it as a sign, evidence that there is someone up there, watching out for them.

"Group number two sees it as just pure luck, a happy turn of chance. You can be sure that the people in group number two are looking at those 14 lights in a very suspicious way. For them, their situation is 50/50. Could be bad, could be good. But deep down, they feel that whatever happens, they're on their own.

"And that fills them with fear. But, there's a whole lot of people in group number one. When they see those 14 lights, they're looking at a miracle, and deep down they feel that whatever's going to happen, there will be someone to help them. And that fills them with hope. So what you have to ask yourself: What kind of person are you? Are you the kind that sees signs, and sees miracles? Or do you believe that people just get lucky? Or look at the question this way. Is it possible that there are no coincidences?

Elapsed time: Measured from the opening credits, this scene begins at 00:40:00 and lasts for approximately two minutes.

Content: Signs is rated PG-13 for language and frightening moments.

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