If you haven’t come across it yet, here’s the movie trailer ...
I was
supposed to follow on from Catherine’s post on Wednesday, had it all
scheduled, but then this came up.
There has
been so much controversy over this movie. I’ve read a number of posts, all of
them scathingly negative, bar one. So I had to see what all the fuss was about.
Here are my thoughts.
1. It’s a Hollywood movie, not a Biblical documentary.
1. It’s a Hollywood movie, not a Biblical documentary.
In my estimation, it would be (maybe) 20% biblically accurate. Parts of it are unexpected to say the least and the rest is pure fantasy. The rock people confirmed that for me! And once that was established, it gave me a better filter for the movie.
2. The movie is not written from a Christian worldview.
Noah doesn't have a relationship with God like he does in the Bible. In fact, God is referred to as The Creator, which to me, makes Him more impersonal. Noah senses he needs to build the ark because of dreams, not because of God’s personal direction.
3. Noah is not the same character as the one in the Bible.
Noah is portrayed as ruthless and lacking in compassion. He understands why The Creator would want to destroy man and he will do whatever it takes to make it happen – even to the detriment of his own family. Noah doesn't know God on an intimate basis and I suggest that once more, it’s the writer’s point of view coming through.
4. It’s a dark movie.
It’s not an uplifting cinema experience even though we know the ending (which again, isn’t completely accurate concerning Noah’s family). The costumes and surroundings are drab, which is to be expected. There is rain, mud, and cries for help, but … the darkness also has a positive aspect. It shows how a life without God is hopeless and full of despair.
- At one point, Noah tells the creation story to his family as written in Genesis. The visuals are excellent.
- I loved the arrival of the animals.
- I found my heart overflowing with thankfulness for the life I have with Jesus
- It made me go back to the Bible to compare what I’d seen with what is written in scripture – how good if unbelievers feel prompted to do the same or at least ask someone about it?
- I'm glad I have seen it so that if anyone (particularly a non-Christian) asks about it, I can have an informed discussion rather than one based on someone else’s opinion.
I'd like to suggest that instead of jumping up and down with indignation, we approach this movie with an open mind and a good dose of common sense. Hollywood is
Hollywood. Let’s use it as simply another opportunity to share the good news,
because after viewing Noah, that’s
what hit me the most. We have life … we have hope … we have Jesus. Hallelujah!
Andrea writes contemporary romance. Her second novel Too Pretty will be released on August 1 by Rhiza Press. Her first novel A Simple Mistake was a finalist in the CALEB Awards 2012
Andrea would love to hear from you via her website or Facebook page:
http://www.andreagrigg.com/https://www.facebook.com/author.andreagrigg
Andrea your comment about seeing it so if a non christian asks about it you can then tell them what the bible says that is different and that you having seen the movie can tell them. I hadn't thought of that. I won't be seeing it at the cinema or in my case our town hall not cos I don't want to see the movie but more I can't handle noise especially loud noise and have been told its loud. also the town hall isn't the best venue for movies so there is extra noise. (I have the tv at a level often most people would be annoyed at cos its so low).
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments and the way you stated the facts etc.
Hi Jenny - glad you appreciated the review. To be honest, I didn't think the movie was louder than any other, but I understand where you're coming from. It'll appear on the telly eventually,and then you can watch it in the comfort of your own home. Sometimes that's the best place!
DeleteAndrea its not that Noah is louder its that any movie is to loud. I struggle to handle Church at present cos the noise is so bad. I have a noise sensitivity issue.
DeleteThat would make a lot of things difficult for you. Sorry to hear that, Jenny.
Deleteit does at times cos there are things I am missing because of noise like the Carol before Christmas, Cricket and even little things like going to some cafes or shops if they have the music loud I have to walk out but I do have custom made ear plugs which help at church. they can muffle talking so dont know how it would help at the movies also little noises if I am having a bad day with it will send me over the edge. But its not as bad as it was.
DeleteYes, for all the faults, Noah can be used as a way of spreading the good news.
ReplyDeleteI'm reminded of a comment I saw on Facebook recently, debating books and movies like this. One man said the had a Korean family recently join their church. They'd never heard the gospel until the father read a novel that mentioned Jesus. He was interested enough to research this Jesus guy, and as a result, he became a Christian, and so did his wife and children.
The book? The Da Vinci Code.
Love that anecdote, Iola! God can work through anything, and it's easy to forget that with our finite minds. Thanks for sharing.
DeleteWow, Iola, that's quite a story. So glad God used a book like The Da Vinci Code for his purposes. He will never be put into a box of our making. :)
DeleteNow, that's just so cool! But I notice the guy was Korean - without, I guess, any preconceived notions. Most people in our society have never read the Gospels but have all sorts of preconceived notions about Jesus.
DeleteYes, we intend seeing the movie. Our son gave us the rundown including the 'rock folk' and he said much the same as you, Andrea. It's good to be ready 'in season and out of season' to give a true account of why God did what He did and to set some records straight. Interesting about being true to the creation account at least.
ReplyDeleteAnd like you say, Hollywood is just being Hollywood.
I think you've summed it up well, Rita, being ready no matter what the season. So true.
DeleteAndrea, thanks for your thoughts. The scene where Noah retells the creation story sounds like something I'd like to see.
ReplyDeleteI like being informed enough to be able to share my faith against a skewed representation of Biblical truth. I'm not saying everyone needs to see this film, but those who choose to, have the opportunity to unpack it with those who wouldn't have a clue it's a misrepresentation.
The creation sequence is only very short, but it impressed me. And yes, we never know when an opportunity to explain may come up. Like Rita said, it's good to be ready!
DeleteAndrea, thanks for sharing your insightful thoughts. I'm planning to see the movie and I'm also a Russell Crowe fan. I'm looking forward to seeing his portrayal of Noah, even if it is vastly different to the Biblical account. It would be great if the movie inspires people to read the Bible.
ReplyDeleteI hope it will be an inspiration to check out the truth. After reading some of the comments above, I'm sure it will! We'll have to have a chat when you've seen the movie :)
DeleteGreat post, Andrea. I have struggled with all the negativity around the movie. I think any opportunity for people to reflect on the Bible is a good one. I just read a headline that Jennifer Connelly, who plays Noah's wife in the movie I understand, read Proverbs 31 in order to play her role.
ReplyDeleteLove Iola's anecdote above. A friend of mine mentioned to me last night that Jesus Christ Superstar, the musical, played a pivotal role in his choosing to explore Jesus more when he saw it in the 70s. One never knows how the Lord works. And we have this wonderful opportunity to be asking the Lord to do what He can only do in the hearts of those who watch Noah.
Jennifer Connelly does a great job, I think. And yes, like you, I struggled with the negativity. That's what made me want to see it as being an optimist, I was sure I'd find something positive and I did.
DeleteLove the anecdotes! And yes, the Holy Spirit can certainly be trusted to move, can't He? Thanks, Ian.
Hi Andrea,
ReplyDeleteGreat wrap-up. I think it's true, that time and again, many Christians are quick to start protesting about Hollywood adaptations, which possibly causes as much harm as good, and achieves very little. I haven't seen Noah yet, but my daughter saw it with friends a few nights ago and came home telling us about it.
Totally agree with you, Paula. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteHi Andrea - an interesting take on the spiritual background to the movie here:
ReplyDeletehttp://drbrianmattson.com/journal/2014/3/31/sympathy-for-the-devil
Thanks Annie - definitely worth reading!
ReplyDelete