Many thanks to AFFIRM Films, Inc. for providing a sample of the product for this review. My opinions are 100% my own.
With all the merriment the holiday season encapsulates comes the need to hear the true story of the Christian holiday season. Making it a natural choice for families to view the upcoming film, “Journey to Bethlehem.” The birth story of Jesus Christ is set to a family-friendly holiday musical—a heartwarming production of the true story of the Nativity set in a new and captivating way.
The story features Joseph, played by Milo Mannheim, from Disney’s “Zombies”, Mary, played by Fiona Paloma, King Herod played by Antonio Banderas, the angel played by Christian rapper, Lecrae, and Joel Smallbone as King Herod’s son.
With rich musical melodies that are as snazzy as they are jazzy, this film is perfect for young children and the young at heart. Featuring thoughtful songs that are as timeless as they are thought-provoking. Drawing considerable parallels between the classic Judeian Nativity with that of the modern world. Plus, well-executed choreography and an excellent blend of timely speeches help spin the gaps between each of the film’s musical numbers.
The Journey to Bethlehem Movie is approximately 2 hours in length, is rated PG for its given content, and features a musical score by Matt Sallee and Kevin Olusola from the musical group, “Pentatonic.” Set in picturesque Spain, this film is also beautiful in design. Giving audiences a true musical experience, not simply a documentary set to music. Full of dance and pop music, this production features something for every member of the family. Perfect for believers and non-believers throughout the season including a wonderful soundtrack is available for listening to on Spotify and Apple Music platforms, here, too.
This is a great movie inspired by the true word of God. It is a film that is sure to touch all viewers- young and old alike. A well-made Christmas movie musical for the entire family. And in our current social and economic climate, this is a story the world needs now. A film that will bring inspiration, joy, and hope to the currently dark world.
“Journey to Bethlehem” offers families the awesome opportunity to celebrate the true spirit of Christmas while watching the birth of the Savior on the big screen in the jazziest of ways. A film that is sure to leave you feeling inspired. Sharing with audiences the true meaning of Christmas- the deep joy and hope that comes from this story. Having seen this movie several times, I’m sure my readers will love it as much as I have. Friends, get your tickets here and check out the trailer below!
Overall, this is a musical to get excited over. This is why I’m excited to share that one Theladyprefers2save.com reader will have the awesome opportunity to view the Journey to Bethlehem film themselves. Plus, entering is as simple as leaving a comment on this post letting me know why you’d most want to see this film in theatres this season. Good luck, all!
Many thanks to Angel Studios for providing a sample of the product for this review. My opinions are 100% my own.
What happens when we die? It’s the question we all ask ourselves at one time or another. A topic that is the focal point of the new documentary, After Death, from Angel Studios, the creators of Sound of Freedom, comes After Death, a film that explores the phenomenon known as near-death experiences, or NDEs—experiences that are said to take place either when a person is clinically dead or nearing death’s door.
Director Stephen Gray weaves together three distinct narratives- First-person accounts of multiple NDEs, dramatizations of those who have had experiences, or brushes with death, and commentary from physicians, clergy, and experts who’ve studied NDEs.
Stories include pilot Dale Black, who on July 18, 1969, in Burbank, California, as a small engine flight passenger crashed into a mausoleum. Describing the event as “I suddenly found myself above the crash site but unaware of what I was looking at or why. I was not in any pain; I was not in any fear or discomfort. I was just above the crash site.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOSmGMHs7ps
While physicians resuscitated Black he believes he began experiencing what life after death entails. Describing the event as “I can’t be dead because I’ve never felt more alive, free.”
Other stories depict Don Piper, author of 90 Minutes in Heaven, whose vehicle was hit head-on by a semi on a rainy bridge, believing himself to have been killed instantly, rending his body horrifically mangled.
Other mentions include Howard Storm, author of My Descent Into Death, who suffered a ruptured small intestine and found himself having sepsis and dying in a Paris hospital. Or Dr. Mary Neal, author of To Heaven and Back, having descended from a waterfall in Peru while kayaking, found herself trapped below water, for nearly 30 minutes, and clinically dying as a result.
Betwixt dramatic stories of death, resuscitation, and the hereafter, experts describe the commonalities in NDEs: a sense of floating above their bodies and seeing themselves; experiencing a higher power or divinity; a desire to stay in heaven; to find their body.
“I think the near-death Experience is where science meets religion,” says cardiologist and author of the 1982 book Recollections of Death, Dr. Michael Sabom. With thirty years of research that has challenged common and prolific skepticism regarding the claims about the ofter life. That “there is a big difference between proof and evidence. This is all evidence. But enough evidence at some point makes it so close to proof that most people would say it’s right. It’s real.”
Later, famed scientist, Dr. Sabom adds, “I don’t think we ever will have all the answers in the scientific realm. What is the human soul? Is there a human soul? Does it live after death? I don’t think science is gonna answer those questions. I think all of these near-death experiences suggest that it’s possible.”
After Death spends the majority of its run time exploring, dramatizing, and exploring the transcendent nature of NDEs as Christians, speaking specifically about meeting Christ, deceased loved ones, and the momentary reset of heaven. Thoughts that were quite overwhelming to the average human being. Stories are often accompanied by spectacular visuals, interesting educational perspectives, and the truest essence of change-human hope.
In all, the film frames near-death experiences in a broadly Christian way. With director Stephen Gray stating that, “I hope [After Death] causes people to stop and think. [I hope] it’ll cause people to pause and consider eternity.” A perspective found in other documentaries. Linked to having a relationship with Jesus Christ and comingling our own cultural humanistic beliefs in the hereafter. Describes an overall universalistic stance that regardless of cultural and religious perspectives, death comes for us all, and it’s our own experiences, our own beliefs in God, his heavenly love, and light, that make the difference.
In all, After Death, delivers a provocative look at the subject of near-death experiences. However, the theological caveats may not be an experience shared by every family. Including those, like myself, who have yet to come to terms with the three NDEs I, too, have endured. Overall, this film is well worth viewing this season in theatres and at home, starting today, 10/27. Or purchase tickets for others and pay it forward, here.
Moreover, the good people at Momentum are offering two tickets to a lucky Theladyprefers2save.com reader to see After Death in theatres, now. To enter, comment on this post letting me know why you want to see the film. Please note: This is limited to US winners only; your tickets with be delivered by email directly from Mometumn Publishers.
Friends, have you experienced an NDE or know those who have? Are you wanting to see After Death? Leave your thoughts below.
Interesting fact- in my late teens I became a fan of the long-running television series, “Duck Dynasty,” the A&E Network series about a duck-hunter, whistle-blowing, manufacturing family, the Robertsons. Including their patriarch and founder, Phil Robertson. Despite our not-so-shared views on politics, theology, near-constant publicized faux-pas, and hunting, Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson became both a reality TV star and someone I admire for his frankness and family ties.
Set amongst the turbulence of the deep south in the early 1960s, the film, The Blind, showcases the true story of clandestine love between Phil Robertson, the Robertson clan leader, his future wife, Miss Kay, and what would become of his clandestine family. Despite personal, and professional demons threatening to tear not only their personal and professional lives apart, but also delay, and ultimately destroy his dreams of being an American footballer and businessman, The Blind speaks to audiences of a desire to conquer all of life’s greatest roles- life, liberty, and most importantly, love.
Set in the backwoods swamps of 1960s Louisiana, The Blind shares never-before-revealed moments in Phil Robertson’s personal story. Chronicling his sojourn from student-athlete to recovering addict, the ultimate struggles that freed a man from the slow grip of relapsing alcohol and substance abuse, the coping mechanisms used to conquer the shame of his past, and ultimately finding redemption in the most unlikely of places, a newly forged family, and most importantly, God.
A cinematic journey chronicling personal demons and the breaking of familiar struggles, all while creating a lasting, solidified story of love, creativity, and the personal vindication of self. The true story of the Robertson family- a love that launched a dynasty only in theatres beginning 09/28! Click here to find showtimes in your area, inquire about group rates, view with your local church groups, and purchase tickets online to see this film.
Moreover, the good people as Momemtumn, are offering one Theladyprefers2save.com reader a chance to win their own ticket to see this film. To enter, simply leave a comment on this post or accompanying social media outlets, listed below, for your chance to enter into a drawing for a $10.00 Amazon.com Gift Card– a fun, festive way to treat yourself after seeing this awesome film in theatres only, this season.
Friends, you’ll want to see this film-trust me. Now, I have to ask, why do you want to see The Bind in theatres this season? Leave your thoughts in the comments below. And of course, Happy Fall, ya’ll.
Many thanks to TBN for providing a sample of the product for this review. My opinions are 100% my own.
From learning about the Egyptian pyramids to the crash of American Wall Street, I love history in most forms-particularly film. This season Israel’s Route 60, featuring its famous biblical sites, as it’s commonly known, the Biblical Highway, is no exception. Former U.S. Ambassador David Friedman and former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo help to bring new information about the promised land to life in the new film, Route 60: The Biblical Highway, in theaters on September 18 and 19.
This powerful story of the 146-mile asphalt and concrete road begins in Nazareth, Israel’s largest Arab city. Later, it weaves its way through Samaria south to Jerusalem, then through Judea, and ends in Beersheba, Israel’s high-tech centers. Route 60 connects both ancient with modern Israel, Jews with Christians and Muslims, and Israeli citizens with Arabs living under modernist Palestinian governmental control.
Far more than a mere two-lane highway, Route 60 offers a historic link to the roots of both ancient and modern Judaism and Christianity, riddled with both tales of modernism as well as stories of both the Old and New Testaments. As Friedman and Pompeo travel this ancient thoroughfare, walking in the footsteps of Judeo-Christian heritage, the forefathers Abraham, Jacob, King David, and Jesus, viewers are brought along on this inspiring journey of post-modernism and religious understanding.
“We hope that audiences are left inspired and encouraged to continue their walk-in faith,” said Ray Nutt, CEO of Fathom Events. “Reading about places rich in history is one thing, but `Route 60’ will allow audiences to get a firsthand look at what these places and cultures were like.” I couldn’t agree more. This film was both inspiring and a true start to the Autumnal season in theatres.
For more information on this film or to buy tickets today to see Route 60 in theaters ONLY on 9/18 & 9/19, visit Route 60: The Biblical Highway, via Fathom Events, here.
Plus, readers of Theladyprefers2save.com, can begin their fall season with a $10.00 Amazon gift card for Theladyprefers2save.com reader. To enter, simply leave a comment on this post letting me know your reasons for wanting to see this film in theaters this fall.
Thanks to Amazon Freevee for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.
I love few things more than spending time each fall watching quality documentaries and series that better my world perspective. A small tradition Uncle Danny had as a child, and eventually, with me. Time to rewind, relax, and reenvelop my belief in the human spirit each autumn at home. Which, for me, now includes Freevee’s “God. Family. Football” series.
The Freevee six-episode series, titled God. Family. Football., debuting September 1, 2023, created and produced by Aaron Benward of Watershed and Russell Wilson, the Broncos QB, produced by Propagate and Ascending Media Group, shares the coming-of-age story of a group of young, high school Christian athletes, led by Denny Duron, the legendary high school football coach and former American football player who played for the Louisiana Tech from 1970 to 1973. Later he served as a head football coach at Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri, from 1977 to 1982.
Currently, serving as the chancellor at Evangel Christian Academy in Shreveport, Louisiana. Returning from retirement to oversee the football team he started in the southern community of Shreveport, Louisiana. Helping the student-led effort to recover from a decades-long slump, as seen in the brutal 0-9 2020 season. Coach Denny comes out of retirement at seventy to commander the team into a better, more well-rounded program. Changes that lead to drama along the way.
With an optimistic outlook toward life, Coach Denny inspires the new team to rally around him in his calling for youth-led greatness. Encouraging players to take up the mantle of post-pandemic high school sports, while learning to become the great team and teammates, the veteran player knows his fledgling team can become.
Alongside Denny, a number of different student-athletes are also interviewed throughout the season. Featuring a myriad of troubling moments for the adolescent players, as well. Plus, a sprinkling of romance, in and off the field, too. As players explore and compare their roles as student-athletes, and adolescents, along with being Christian adolescents. As the series progresses, the student-athletes rely on football, with its many practices, to guide them down both the field- of life and the game.
This docuseries features much on-the-field tribulation, from tackles to plays, sharing the progression of the players throughout the season. With the tribulations of adolescence shaping both the time and scoreboard. The varied synchronicities of life on and off the field. The final episode shares a montage of various unseen episodes of the student’s season-long turnaround.
God. Family. Football. uses the medium of film to reeducate viewers on the sport as well as a reference for facing the problems facing small-town southern life. It’s as much about a high school football team’s personal and sports comeback. A mission leading not only to a football program’s reemergence in forming a new, stellar national prominence but also speaks to the heart of personal growth for players and coaches alike. The academy, winners of 29 District Championships, 14 State Championships, and 1 National Title, had its worst season in 2020, scoring 0-9. It turned its team around a year later, as Duron came out of his 30-year retirement to lead the football program, and its students, to excellence on and off the field.
Executive Producer Russell Wilson was inspired by “Duron’s faith-first approach to the game.” An overall winning formula for success, is “God first, family second, and football third.” The docuseries shows that football, indeed, matches the season-long belief. Giving more than a cursory glance into where the game of football displays the rigors the young men will take throughout their lives.
Learning about the players’ personal lives, God. Family. Football also shares how many of Evangel Christian Academy’s best and brightest behave on and off the field. From pep talks and training sessions, to harder issues over life choices, this series has something for everyone. Showcasing the team’s beautifully delivered and continued message of God and glory, mixed with Southern charm and friendliness shown as both solid and palpable for viewers of all ages. God. Family. Football establishes a genuine sense of camaraderie between the players and inspires viewers, too! The docuseries present this team in all of their togetherness-perfect for viewers of all ages.
The series sincerely explores the student-athlete’s vulnerabilities in a time-honored way. Making this documentary perfect for viewers of all ages. For viewers looking to pack their seasonal evenings with feel-good television and streaming, God. Family. Football is a must-watch. As Amazon Freevee is a premium free streaming service. Where you can watch thousands of hit movies, shows, originals, and live 24/7 entertainment channels to match your at-home seasonal mood.
To get started, download the Amazon Freevee app to get started. Then, simply watch God. Family. Football for free on Fire TV, Roku, the Amazon Freevee app, Prime Video, or your favorite streaming device. As Freevee is free it always will be streaming to consumers with no cost, no subscription, and no payments. Just free, premium, quality hit movies and shows on demand. Supported by Ads, so you’ll never need to pay any subscription fees to watch your favorite shows and movies all season long. So, give this series a try.
Plus, check out Freevee across social media at @AmazonFreevee on Instagram, Twitter, Meta, TikTok, and YouTube. There, you’ll find thousands of hit movies, shows, Freevee Originals, and live 24/7 entertainment to match your seasonal mood on your favorite streaming services.
Moreover, the great folks at Momentum Publishing are giving one Theladyprefers2save.com reader the opportunity to win a $10.00 Amazon.com gift card. To enter, please watch God. Family. Football. streaming now, for free, on Amazon Freevee on September 1st, 2023. Then come back to this post and leave me a message letting me and other readers know why this is the must-see series this season. Bonus points for including #GodFamilyFootballFV and #GodFamilyFootballMIN on this post and across social media. There, I will choose one response from this site, and across social media as a winner. This giveaway ends on 9/5/23 at 11:59 pm. Winners will be rewarded directly from Momentum publishers. Good luck, friends!
Now, I have to ask, what’s your favorite part of the Freevee six-episode series, God. Family. Football.?
Many thanks to Briarcliff Entertainment, LLC for providing a sample of the product for this review. My opinions are 100% my own.
With the fall season quickly approaching, and with many kiddos entering, and reentering the halls of academia, there’s never been a better time to head to the theaters and watch a new film. Especially, when it involves hard work, grit, baseball, and even apple pie. Making the upcoming film, The Hill, directed by Jeff Celentano, produced by Warren Ostergard and Jeff Celentano, and starring Dennis Quaid, Colin Ford, Joelle Carter, Randy Houser, Bonnie Bedelia, and Scott Glenn ideal for kiddos of all ages. Now, you may be asking, is this film appropriate for your kiddos? I recently had the opportunity to review the movie before it is out in theaters this season, on August 25, 2023.
The Hill is based on the true story of Rickey Hill, a pastor who despite facing great personal struggles, played in Major League Baseball, despite growing up wearing restrictive, cumbersome leg braces. While facing down his greatest obstacle, his father, who greatly desired his need for his son to take on a community pastoral position, over popularized league sports, including baseball.
Despite his initial personal struggles, and Rickey’s dad’s earnest desire to see his only son become a man of God, his son eagerly wanted to find his vocation on the dugout mound. Turning his father, slowly, and deliberately, by way of his hard work and dedication, into not only his most ardent supporter but as a man truly grateful to God for his son’s earnest athletic endeavors. A life of his own making-where God, and playing ball, can coexist hand-in-hand.
Head down to the end of this post for your chance to enter to win a ticket to see this film yourself!
Is The Hill Movie Great for Families?
This true-life story of Ricky Hill’s improbable journey to play Major League Baseball opens in theaters on August 25, 2023. Making this PG-rated film, despite its sometimes course language and parental guidance rating, perfect for audiences of all persuasions. A great Christian-themed film about perseverance, faith, and following your dreams- the possibility that all things, truly are, and without end, are tenable through God.
Plus, there are several amazing themes sprinkled throughout the film. Making the piece great as a conversation starter for families of all persuasions. Especially with fairness and dreams being frequent discussions around schooltime dinner tables. Making this film a morality booster for children of various age groups.
With this film being only 2 hours in length, kiddos of all ages will easily be able to digest its positive messaging, great scenery, and constructive dialogue seen throughout the film-this film is sure to keep the interest all season long!
Including teenagers. An hour into the movie, the lead, Rickey, and his teenage girlfriend, are able to discuss various layered plots including teenage relationships with God, educational disparities, as well as how young love can navigate small-town living post-graduation. And while this film is Christian in nature, both believers and nonbelievers can easily and earnestly get behind the film’s true basis-how to facilitate lives where one can truly have it all.
As the film focuses on the varied aspects of Rickey Hill, an American minor league baseball player of the 1970s, both as an outfielder and first baseman, Hill is able to use weave aspects of his childhood and adolescence into a narrative of change, probability, and hope for moviegoers. The film is both aspiration and inspirational throughout its viewing.
Final Thoughts
This film, with Dennis Quaid, as James Hill, Colin Ford, as Rickey Hill, Joelle Carter, as Hellen Hill, and supporting roles from Jesse Berry as young Rickey Hill, and Scott Glenn as Red Murff, the MLB scout who discovers Rickey, are sure to delight audiences of all ages and religious orientations. Making this film the one to see during the dog days of summer in your area.
Watch the trailer, here. You can also purchase tickets today, here.
Giveaway
And without further fanfare, be sure to enter to win a $10.00 Amazon.com gift card. To enter, leave me a comment below or on social media letting me know why you’d want to see The Hill this film in theaters. Which, of course, you plan to see on August 25, 2023, too! Friends, will you be going to see The Hill? Leave me your thoughts below!
There are films that create wonder in the watcher-this is one such film. The Hiding Place, taken from the Book of Psalms, comes to theatres on August 3, 2023, as a limited-release film from Trafalgar Studios, directed by Laura Matula, featuring performances by Nan Gurley as Corrie ten Boom; Carrie Tillis as Betsie ten Boom; and John Schuck as Casper ten Boom.
Plot
The film is set in 1942 Europe, during the height of the conflicts of World War II, the Boom family, living in Haarlem, Netherlands, settled in an old cooper’s shop, the family makes great strives to survive war-torn conditions at home. The family’s oldest daughter, Corrie, practically runs the family shop, with sister, Betsie helping, too—though her real gifts lie not in metal gears and gizmos, but in floral arranging. Adding fresh color to the family’s drab interiors whenever possible.
Yet, inholding on strongly in the Netherlands, now occupied by Nazi Germany, the Booms are faced with unexpected circumstances-and visitors. The Caspers take on a new shop apprentice, Otto, a young German man, who seems to work far more than he lives. Quoted as saying, “I work as efficiently as possible, and I expect my time to be treated likewise.” As the young German has neither interest nor time in Betsy’s floral innovations, the two are often at odds over time and access within the family business, and home. Seen in the background of various scenes depicting family dinner’s-including dining with SS Officials.
Despite this depravity, other visitors come to the Boom home-Jews, hungry, afraid, and scared. Worsened by the Booms’ hospitality having gotten around, underground resistance messaging, and otherwise. Creating pragmatic conditions for daughter Corrie, who despite her best efforts to minimize unwanted attention, Casper insists on keeping the door spaces, and community communications open. Stating that “In this house, God’s people are always welcome.”
For those familiar with the story of Corrie Boom, you know what follows: lives lost, lives saved, with the hope that always remains. Creating a powerful rendition of a true story of familial sacrifice, forgiveness, redemption, compassion, and purposed joy.
A great scene in the movie is depicted when Otto first came to the Boom home, Corrie stated that “I cannot see what good can come of it.” Afraid of the time when more Jews would come, too. Struggling with her own family’s sorted past. Behind this lingered compassion and understanding that people, and their various religious, gender, races, and socioeconomic statuses, like her beloved flowers, were truly worth aiding, even in the height of skirmishes in the war-town Netherlands. And it is through these differences that the wonder of humanity truly blooms.
Historic Significance
The heroic take on Corrie ten Boom, by way of her book, The Hiding Place, upon which this stage-to-screen production was based, chronicles her and her family’s work to save nearly 800 Jews during World War II and her later experiences in a German concentration camp. Throughout such trials, she clung to her faith, was later knighted in the Netherlands for her work, and was honored by the newly formed Israeli State, which named her as one of the “Righteous Among the Nations.”
Truly captivating is that Corrie doesn’t begin her journey in the film as that beloved hero. Instead, she is dragged into heroism by her father and sister. The Caspers bravely welcome Jews into his shop despite the dangers they brought unto themselves. Showing strength and compassion to both German occupiers and Jews alike, sharing with audiences the true spirit of the Netherlands,’ despite their occupying forces, the Germans. Who’s familiar essences shine true in another great film quote in which Corrie exclaims, “When we find something in the world that is wrong, we must not hate it. We must help it to become something different. To see something rightly, you must see it with love.” That sensibility seasons the narrative of this warm-hearted film.
Views on the Film
Taking this philosophy to heart, and believing that “Christ stayed in the garden when he knew they would come,” referencing Gethsemane and the Romans, in that, on behalf of the family, Otto would “Stay in my home and hope they will not,” leading the family to more continued perils at the hands of Nazi Inspectors. When the Nazis, do come, taking Betsie and Corrie to a concentration camp, their optimism and compassion remain.
Despite flea-ridden barracks and scant meals, the sisters believe there is still hope and purpose to be found. And in so doing, Betsie the sisters unify their belief in humanity, their faith, and their creator. Forging their family backbone, and story, along the way.
Throughout the film, a Christian ethos is woven into the film’s main plot line and extensive familiar dialogue. Motivating audiences to consider their own faith, choices, and circumstances. An example is the nightly dinner where the Bloom family read from the Bible. As such, various Biblical passages, from both testaments, are depicted throughout the film-reflecting both the difficult season this family finds themselves in as well as that of their guests, colleagues, and community members. Despite this, the Booms never try to convert their Jewish guests but do invite them, along with all their homes guests, to read Scripture aloud nightly. Even as Otto reluctantly exclaims the Bible is a “book of lies” and flatly refuses. To which, the father, Otto, replies, “We have learned better than the keeping of fairy tales.” Stating that “In Holland, we respect even those with whom we disagree.”
Further, the Nazis seen throughout The Hiding Place have little patience with Christianity. One Nazi inquisitor even goes as far as to use Corrie’s faith against her, telling her that lying is a sin. Reminding her that the Bible commands the faithful to respect leaders placed in authority. And when that doesn’t produce fruit, the Nazi suggests that “If there is a God, He’s shown nothing but contempt for the plight of the Booms.” Warning that “Before the end, you will see much more of what your God is willing to allow.”
Later in the film, Betsie proves to be a counterbalance to the clan, as she smuggles a Bible into the concentration camp, and reads it out loud so that others may be comforted in its word. Nightly leading the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. Clinging steadfast to her own faith, and her personal truth that “There is no darkness so deep that He is not deeper still.”
Meanwhile, Corrie and Betsie’s brother, Willem, despite their father Otto’s misgivings, announces he’s leaving the ministry to help the elderly. Becoming a key piece in Netherlands’ underground work against the Nazis.
Takeaways
While The Hiding Place is a Christian story, several Jewish faith practices as documented throughout the film. Such as a woman lighting a candle and covering her eyes as she recites a blessing. And despite the unimaginable cruelty set within Nazi concentration camps, were places of unimaginable cruelty, violence, and death. As viewers aren’t subjected to graphic visual depictions of violence, yet are given a true sense of the tragedy depicted there. Sharing Nazis vandalizing, theft, and humanist blasphemy. Including the stealing of gold fillings and the teeth of interred camp prisoners. As women gently hold the sides of their faces in unison, illustrating the pain and loss of their health and humanity. In another scene, a man is tortured by Nazis, depicting the crucifixion of Christ, as a Nazi pulls out a revolver, killing the prisoner, and causing an uprising of violence within the camp itself.
With fairness and transparency in mind, the film shows locals and prisoners alike, accousted by Nazi agents. Others die from communicable, yet curable, illnesses. Or conditions within the camp, including the rampancy of lice, and inclement weather. The prisoners are plastered with an embroidered triangle on their person, indicating what crime they committed against the Reich-with red indicating a political prisoner; green meaning they’ve broken a law; and yellow indicating the crime of being born Jewish. While audiences are told of a death of an elderly gentleman, who’s buried in an unmarked grave as onlookers laugh. Having lost my own father figure, Danny, in an LGBTQIA Hate Crime in 2000, bringing home the true gravitas of the film.
While in the camps, Corrie does do things that would run counter to biblical teachings. Taking ration cards to feed the ten Booms’ Jewish guests, lying to Nazis officers, and while in a concentration camp, Corrie and others work to build faulty radio equipment, to throw off Nazi lines of communication in-camp. Showing that sometimes humanity’s best work isn’t Biblically-based.
Conclusion
Corrie ten Boom’s autobiographical The Hiding Place, published in 1971, and this latest depiction, is a truly heartwarming depiction of, her story. In this stage-to-screen take on that story, Corrie ten Boom is not its hero-that accolade goes to her father, depicting common mainstream patriarchal Christian cinema fans expect and demand. Despite this, her good works shine through- to her sister, herself, and most importantly, her God.
The film gives watchers, especially women, and girls, the sense that Corrie is not simply a heroine of the silver stage or perhaps a positive footnote in history, that possibly, maybe, Corrie is like me. Perhaps you, too. Sharing that her strength is not in adjudicating those who’ve cast disparity and alienation among her family and guests of her parent’s home. Instead, offering social and familiar empathy with those whom she finds herself amongst-even those who seek her demise. Only, she does so in an uncanny, offhanded way. Leaving viewers to see that the bravest of roads often are paved with the unlikeliest of circumstances.
In The Hiding Place, we see Corrie distracted by life’s gears, the springs, and the cornucopia of instances that change the entirety of her circumstances, allowing her to become whole within her work-aiding Betsie’s figurative love of her flowers and Otto’s pragmatic views. Making Corrie less an untenable heroine of faith, and more a woman of value, even in times of great uncertainty. Giving watchers a sense of how they themselves can make significant changes in their own lives, and that of the framework of humanity, too.
With strong performance and positive stagecraft, The Hiding Place gives viewers hope and faith in themselves and others. Something we can all spend time this season in. Leaving viewers to wonder how their own story will begin, as this film ends.
Friends, I take the opportunity to see this film in theatres this season, too. You can purchase tickets to this film, only in theatres on August 3rd and 5th, here and see my review of the film on Rotten Tomatoes, here. Also, you can find out more about these films on social media with the hashtags #TheHidingPlaceMIN, #TheHidingPlace, and #MomentumInfluencers across social media.
As an added bonus for Theladyprefers2save.com readers, you’ll have the opportunity to win a $10.00 Amazon gift card. To enter, leave a comment below or on my Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter post for the film. Winners will be selected on August 4, 2023- Amazon gift cards will be delivered from Momentum Influencers directly.
