Synopsis: It’s AD 30 and everyone is expectantly awaiting the coming Messiah. While Jesus isn’t exactly what they imagined, there is something special about this man. Soon, John, James, Andrew, Peter, and their new friends begin to follow Jesus on an unexpected adventure. This beautiful, 2D-animated story of Jesus is told through the eyes of his beloved young friend, the Apostle John. From the beginning of Jesus’ ministry through his crucifixion and resurrection, LIGHT OF THE WORLD powerfully illustrates how Jesus of Nazareth changed the world forever and still changes lives today! LIGHT OF THE WORLD opens in theaters September 5.
My thoughts: I have had the opportunity to view a final version of this fantastic movie. This movie shows how even flawed individuals can act graciously and caring; and, yes, even like an "Ordinary Angel" when they catch the fire of doing good to help someone in need. The acting was top notch. The filming really good. The story - based on a really true story - heart tugging, sometimes laughable, charming, and truly moving. Swank's character is a very flawed hair-dresser who is a single lady that has an alcohol problem. Yet through her flawed lens her heart strings tugged and connected to a family in true need of help from the community. Don't miss this one!
About the movie: Based on a remarkable true story, ORDINARY ANGELS centers on Sharon (Hilary Swank), a fierce but struggling hairdresser in small-town Kentucky who discovers a renewed sense of purpose when she meets Ed (Alan Ritchson), a widower working hard to make ends meet for his two daughters. With his youngest daughter waiting for a liver transplant, Sharon sets her mind to helping the family and will move mountains to do it. What unfolds is the inspiring tale of faith, everyday miracles, and ordinary angels. Secret word: Donor.
My thoughts: Having been a young woman raising my family during the 1970s and a faithful church-going person, I recall the explosive 1970s with the rebellious hippy movement, anti-establishment, anti-war (Vietnam), make-love-not-war, loud, protesting, drug-induced-stupor that exploded around us. Compound this by living in a small town whose main function was the support of a large state-owned university, it was very much in-your-face around us.
I remember, too, that a new "form" of worship and singing (not traditional hymnology) began to emerge that rattled traditional worshipers sensibilities.
MY THOUGHTS: After viewing a pre-release screening of HIS ONLY SON, I am honored to share the film's information with my readers and highly recommend it to you.
Angel Studios. creators of stirring series "The Chosen," have a new film that portrays the Old Testament story of Abraham and Issac. From a time 2000 years before the birth of Christ (so 4000 years ago), Abaham and his family and servants are living a nomadic life as Abraham heeds God's telling him to leave his home and journey afar. Now with his son by his side, Abraham travels on the most emotionally frought journey known to man.
About I HEARD THE BELLS: The inspiring true story behind the beloved Christmas carol and its author, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Known as America's Poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow leads an idyllic life...until the day his world is shattered by tragedy. With a nation divided by Civil War and his family torn apart, Henry puts down his pen, silenced by grief. But it's the sound of Christmas morning that reignites the poet's lost voice as he discovers the resounding hope of rekindled faith. In theaters starting December 1st"
My thoughts: I totally enjoyed this beautiful movie for many reasons and on many different levels.
First, it is a beautiful telling biographically of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's life during this specific period of his life. His family. His being America's poet. His extensive writing of poetry. The loss of his wife and its effect on him.
Secondly, the story begins on the cusp of the American Civil War and you see the impact it has on on the already bereft Longfellow family.
Thirdly, Longfellow's depression and how his writing suffered through this period.
Fourth, Longfellow's composition of the beautiful poem that is "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day." The strong statement of faith expressed in the song is doubly moving to me now since seeing the turbulence that gave root to its beauty.
Lastly, the cinematography is stunningly beautiful. The acting and period costumes well done.
I highly recommend this film and believe it will enrich viewers for its historic richness as well as the strong assertation that "God is not dead, nor doth He sleep. For hate is strong, and mocks the song, of peace on Earth good will toward men."
GIVEAWAY
$10 Amazon gift card
Open: Nov. 28--Dec. 5 @ 12:01 a.m. ET
*Note: This giveaway is limited to US winners only*
Sight & Sound® is a ministry on a mission to create spectacular entertainment experiences for the whole family. Since its beginning as a traveling multimedia show in 1976, Sight & Sound has inspired over 25 million people with stories of faith. Today, Sight & Sound owns and operates two live theater locations, immersing audiences in state-of-the-art original productions. Sight & Sound TV launched in 2020, and this online streaming platform has since welcomed a global virtual audience from over 175 countries around the world. Most recently, expansion into feature films was announced, with a first-ever theatrical release set for cinemas nationwide December 2022. For more information, visit www.sight-sound.com.
DISCLOSURE: I was able to view a pre-release screening of "I Heard the Bells" in the comfort of my home to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone. I was gifted a gift card in exchange for my review, though no effort to influence my opinion was made. The giveaway prize gift card is provided and sent directly to the winner by the publicist.
