"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
1 Corinthians 15:58
1.20.2022
Redeeming Love // Movie Review // Coming to Theaters January 21st, 2022
REDEEMING LOVE is a life-changing story of the power of unconditional and all-consuming love.
Based on the bestselling novel by Francine Rivers, REDEEMING LOVE is a powerful story of relentless love and perseverance as a young couple’s relationship clashes with the harsh realities of the California Gold Rush of 1850.
Angel expects only pain from those around her. Sold into prostitution as a child, Angel survives with hatred towards herself and the men that use her. She meets Michael Hosea, a farmer who believes God wants Angel to be his wife. Dire circumstances force Angel to accept his proposal, but when Michael defies her bitter expectations, her wounded heart be gins to mend.
As Angel encounters a love unlike anything she ever experienced, feelings of unworthiness and shame cause her to run from a life she doesn’t think she deserves. As Michael sets out to find her, Angel discovers there is no brokenness that love can’t heal.
Redeeming Love will begin showing in Theaters January 21st, 2022
You and your friends will walk away impacted by the perfect, relentless love of the Father after watching the film.
A powerful story of true love and redemption based on the best-selling novel of the same title by Francine Rivers.
I had my doubts going into this movie, I'd read the book years ago and really enjoyed it, but wasn't sure about how it would translate onto the big screen, especially in regards to the mature themes and adult content. I was pleased to discover that Francine Rivers was heavily involved in the screenplay, and that the project was not being rushed, but that they were taking their time to find the best way to bring a film that did justice to the book to viewers. I can honestly say that I think that they did just that.
Redeeming Love is the re-telling of the Biblical story of Hosea, set in the gold fields of California during the 1850's. Angel is a prostitute, highly prized for her beauty and the wealth that she brings to her handlers. Michael Hosea hears God tell him that Angel will be his wife. But Angel has lived a rough life, mistreated by everyone she ever met, and her acceptance of Michael's offer is only the beginning.
The way that this book stayed true to the book surpassed all of my expectations, some of the details are changed but the storyline, characters, and message all come shining through. The movie is well done, with a stellar cast, an excellent script, set against stunningly captured scenery. The camera is artfully handled in a way that shows the full gravity of the nature of the story, but also decisively deflects some of the more grisly things. The movie doesn't shy away from sex, and there is nudity where the most sensitive areas are artfully covered by hair, blocking and angles. There is brief language. Though handled very well, I personally thought that the very heavy dark themes of the hit harder in the film, and I could tell that much thought had gone into how to best handle the difficult themes of the book. Rated PG-13, I would say that I felt that it definitely isn't a film I would want my 13 year old daughter seeing and would view with caution with older teens, perhaps after reading and discussing the book first.
Overall, this film does an excellent job of bringing this powerful story to the big screen. It is so obvious that great care was taken with this story and I think that it pays off. One of the best novel to film adaptations I have ever seen. I know that the book is fairly controversial in some circles, so I think that viewers should use discretion when deciding to go see it. If the book was offensive, then the movie isn't for you. I think it is good to know what you are going to see, so if you haven't read the book I would recommend discussing the story with someone who has, before going to see the film. I was so happy to see that the movie didn't shy away from keeping the strong faith elements central to the story, the message of hope and redemption shine through. Fans of the book will fall in love with Michael Hosea and Angel's story all over again as they watch this powerful story of love, hope and redemption unfolds before them!
Many thanks to Universal for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.
If you are interested in a more detailed analysis of the content of this movie before going to see it I highly recommend the review done by Focus on the Family on Plugged In: Redeeming Love - Plugged In
Lucie is Faith's mom, and reviews books that catch her eye that are sitting on her daughter's bookshelf. She is a big fan of pretty much anything western, with mystery and a good love story.
Thanks for writing an honest review. I still am not sure if I want to see this movie.
ReplyDeleteStill trying to decide if I'm going to see this, but I loved the book.
ReplyDelete