Disclosure:
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.
Synopsis: 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 begins 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.
My thoughts: When I began reading and reviewing books on my website years ago, Redeeming Love was one of the first I featured here. The book is one that so impacted me that I never forgot it and I still recommend it to people today.
I heard for years how this was going to be a movie, but I did not really believe it until I heard they were actually filming! And then when I first saw the trailer, I was thoroughly enraptured!!
Watching the movie is an experience I shall never forget. First of all, it is not family-friendly, so please do not take your children who may be severely impacted by the storyline that discusses prostitution, sex trafficking, suicide, and murder. There are a few mild bedroom scenes, but nothing is overly shocking. The movie is edgy, but still keeps the message alive.
The cinematography, the acting, and even the alterations from the original story were impeccably done. This movie captures the beauty and essence of the story, and I found myself near tears at the end of the movie (just like when I read the book). This is a feast for the eyes without being over-the-top Christian. It is the perfect movie to see with your friends who may not be church-going people. There is no cheesiness included like you might expect from some faith-based films.
I realize that this movie is edgy, and some may question whether a Christian should support it. This is a good moment to remind Christians that the Bible is full of stories that are not family-friendly. You can find everything from affairs to murder to incest to polygamy. It was so refreshing to witness married love and to have it portrayed in such a positive and beautiful fashion. I applaud those who chose to be a part of this film, and I would recommend this movie to almost any women that I knew and even a few men.
Go see Redeeming Love in theaters starting January 21st!
