I don’t just sing the word “masterpiece.” In fact, I developed something like a reputation that is difficult to impress. I don’t think it’s unfair. My standards are not unusually high. Modern standards are too low.
So when I find something worthy of real praise, I will not refrain. And the new animated film, The King of Kings, is as close to a masterpiece as I’ve seen in a long time.
Sola Scriptura doesn’t mean solo Scriptura. Artistic licenses are perfectly legal – as long as it helps, rather than destroying the gospel message.
The latest release of Angel Studios is the most convincing story about the gospel for the children I have ever met. And I’ve seen a lot as a homeschool dad. Honestly, it’s one of the best animated films I’ve seen in years.
It was a great decision to framing the story with Charles Dickens as the narrator. Perhaps the greatest narrator of Western Canon, Dickens leads the life of Christ to his audience by conveying it to his young son for the first time. Its structure – Dickens’ son imagining and entering the story – creates a vivid, emotionally immersive experience.
It works. In fact, that’s what makes the entire film so powerful.
To witness the Gospel again, this time through the innocent eyes of a child, I restored my own “childlike faith.” Like my wife, I choked multiple times. The depiction of the great exchange film – the life of Christ for us – passes through in a way that allows children to grasp and move adults to tears.
Animation is exceptional. A seamless blend of multiple visual styles. Audio cast includes names that many people are familiar with
Greater award than the old man from Ralphy. This is more than just Christian entertainment. This is first-class craftsmanship. Filmmakers took excellence seriously. They treated the source material with respect that deserved it.
The audience noticed. He has become the “king of kings”
New releases at the top In the country.
Here’s the message. One Hollywood and faith-based filmmaker should ask.
To Hollywood: AgitProp is enough. Stop secing beloved stories in political sermons. I respect the source material. The audience appears.
For a faith-based creator: create something
wonderful beginning. Its moral or religious values emerge from its quality – not the other way around.
Last word to my fellow followers: I know it’s easy to paint. I’ll do it myself. But don’t be the kind of person who complains about being hanged with a new rope. This concludes the gospel of John:
There are many other things that Jesus did now. If all of them were written, I don’t think we could have included books written in the world itself.
The Bible never claims to include all the words and actions of Christ. And telling a story for a modern audience can require creative choices. It’s not heresy. It’s storytelling. Sola Scriptura doesn’t mean sOro Scriptura. Artistic licenses are perfectly legal – as long as it helps, rather than destroying the gospel message. This applies to more than just a “king of kings.”
The soap box has been removed. It’s time to get off the couch and go and watch this movie.
Editor’s Note: “King of Kings” and distributor Angel Studios are sponsors blazetv. The author’s independent views do not necessarily represent the views of Blaze Media.
