Last Tuesday night, I attended a screening of Redeeming Love, the film adaptation of Francine Rivers’ bestselling novel Redeeming Love that releases nationwide this Friday, January 21st. Oh, oh, oh…
I went in with high expectations, and the movie exceeded them all. It has everything—poignancy, humor, passion, gut-wrenching heartbreak, and, of course, redemption. I can’t wait to see it again with my family this weekend!
I was able to take a couple of friends with me to the screening and they loved it too.
And look who we ran into…
Melinda, Mama Marguerite and I were part of a group of women who went to Israel together in 2019, and there’s a history of me and Melinda and the Dead Sea. She claims I saved her from drowning, but um…it’s really difficult to drown in the Dead Sea. LOL
Next, I saw the ever joyful and effervescent Patsy Clairmont!
If you’ve never heard Patsy speak, oh for the love, treat yourself today. Here you go!
There were fun doughnuts and pastries…
And “swag bags” with all sorts of fun things, as well as a “photo wall” with props!
It was a fun girl’s night, for sure. But what impacted me most—and that still resonates inside me—is the depth of love Christ has for us that’s portrayed in Michael and Angel’s story. So powerful. So moving.
Friends have asked if this is a movie suitable for young children. No, I don’t believe it is. And here’s why…
The movie, set against the historical backdrop of the California gold rush, deals with very adult themes. Sex trafficking. Brothels. The sexual abuse of minors. But it also showcases the extraordinary gift that God designed in marriage between a man and a woman, including the beauty of sex, one of his purest gifts—that the world is always quick to pervert and twist.
Another friend who also saw the screening that night has grandchildren, so I asked her to share her insights as a grandmother as to whether she plans on taking them to the movie. She said…
I read the book, Redeeming Love, 18+ years ago. It was given to me at a time I was having some teenage disagreements with one of my daughters. My very obedient daughter started acting out in ways I didn’t recognize. Come to find out, there was a boy causing much of her inner turmoil. I gave the book, Redeeming Love, to her.
Fast forward, she is doing great, and I now have 5 granddaughters.
After seeing the movie at the premiere, I talked to my girls and we agreed that we want our 15, 14 and 13 year old granddaughters to see the movie. It is appropriately rated PG13, and warrants a parents judgment call. I have already purchased the tickets and look forward to our discussions following the movie!
Because our culture is confronted with so much sexuality in movies today and because sexual sin is so often shrouded in secrecy, I think most teenage girls NEED to see Redeeming Love.
~ An anonymous loving grandmother❤️
If you’re on the fence about whether to take your pre-teen or teenager, my advice is to see the movie first yourself, which is what I did back in the day with our kids. Then you’ll know for sure. And if you DO decide “Yes, I want them to see it,” then you’ll be that much more prepared for the discussions that will ensue.
I’ve been asked, “Do you have to have read the book to see the movie?” Not at all. The movie stands firmly on its own.
I’m praying with great anticipation about what God is going to do with Redeeming Love on the big screen!
Find out where the movie is playing in your area, and please grab some friends and go see it THIS WEEKEND. Thursday* or Friday night, if you can. Seeing a movie opening weekend is huge for helping to create buzz.
(*The movie is showing on Thursday nights in some markets)
Do you plan on seeing Redeeming Love?
Have you read the novel? Or maybe I should ask, “How many times have you read it?” : )
Tammy
A note added the same day of posting (prompted by a question in the comments) . . .
I wish I’d thought to include this in my original posting, but since I didn’t, I’m including it here…
I was sexually abused as a young girl (the perpetrator was not a member of my family), and reading Redeeming Love the novel definitely brought back memories of those incidents. And the movie did too. I’ve been through a lot of counseling through the years (especially in college) and God has brought such healing into my life, into those wounds. And yet we do not forget the painful details this side of heaven. That will come later when all tears are wiped away.
But! this movie brings such HEALING, such TRUTH in the face of lingering lies told by the Accuser. My heart was full to overflowing as I left the theater that night!
So all that to say. . . If you have not read the book (so are therefore unfamiliar with the story, a retelling of Hosea and Gomer from the Old Testament), and if you (or a pre-teen or teen you’re thinking of taking to see the movie) has experienced sexual or emotional abuse, I think it’s important to go into the theater knowing that this movie deals very candidly with those adult themes, as does the book. But that the AWESOME POWER of God’s redeeming love radiates through it all!
Tamera Alexander
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A group of ladies from our church is planning to see it this Friday afternoon. We potentially have snow coming Thursday night and Friday morning so I’m praying it won’t prevent us from going. In Southeast Virginia, flurries can shut everything down!
I hope you’re able to go too, Deena! And I pray that through the power of the Holy Spirit, you’ll be overcome (as I was) with the depth of love and passion that Christ has for you all. Amazing!
Where do you live Deana? I’m in Virginia Beach.
I live in Chesapeake, Betty.
Like your grandmother friend, I read the book a number of years ago (probably about 14) as a selection for the book club I then belonged to. First, I’m so happy to hear that you think it did the book justice. So many times I am disappointed in the movies made from books I love. Second, I agree that the adult themes are too strong for some youth, but I remember feeling so good about the ending. Thanks for including the comment from your friend. My granddaughter is 14, in her first year of high school. There are some things I remember from the book that I would not feel appropriate for her, yet I know she is faced with so many ideas on a daily basis that I would not want her to experience, but they are out there. Two weeks before Christmas she found out that a friend from middle school had killed herself. These are tough times for our youth and they need all the prayers and healthy knowledge that can arm them to face the world. I like your suggestion about seeing the movie before taking youth. Perfect! Thank you so much, Tamera!
Betty, as I just wrote to Deena above, get ready to be blown away by the depth of love and compassion and grace that Christ has for you. For us all. I can’t wait to see the movie again this weekend along with everyone else going! Praying for your precious granddaughter, too. Her generation is faced with such twisted and perverted examples of God’s true intended love relationship within marriage. I think this movie will go FAR in showing them not only the Biblical example of married love but far more importantly, the depth of God’s love for those made in his image, which is ALL OF US!
Waaah! It looks like our theater is only showing it one night and we have another event that night. But I’ll find a way to see it soon! I’m so excited, especially that it was even better than you were expecting and hoping.
Hope you and Ken can get there! It’s so good.
I’m seeing Redeeming Love this Friday afternoon! I’ve read the book once.
Yay Caryl! You’re going to LOVE it!
I’m going to see it Thursday night with a large group of girlfriends from church! I can’t wait to support this legendary Christian novel come to life on the big screen.
Good for you gals, Becky! We’re taking a huge group including husbands and wives and teenagers and grown adult children this Sunday night. It’s a movie for men too. Every father, husband, uncle, grandfather—man—needs to see this movie!
Going with the hubby! It was the first book I read out loud to him after we got married and he loved it and made me read the Mark of the Lion series right after. 🙂
Oh I love that, Melissa! The Mark of the Lion series is an all-time fav as well. I need to reread those books again soon. And good on going to the movie with your husband.
Yes. I first read the general market edition of Redeeming Love in November 1991. I remember the tears running down my face and wishing I could write something with that much beauty and power in it. So I have been waiting more than 30 years for this book to make it to the screen. I will be in the theater on Friday. Can. Not. Wait.
Wish we could see it together, Robin. I read the general market version too, years ago. Then the current version a bit later. Can’t wait to debrief and compare notes—and to see it again this weekend!
Thanks for sharing thoughts about the movie’s age-appropriateness. My daughter is nearly 14, and I’ll probably see the movie first before having her watch it.
I think that’s wise, Carolyn. As was true with my kids back in the day, there are all sorts of “14 year olds,” meaning there are myriad emotional and maturity levels that feed into this decision, plus that child’s experiences will also play a part into the decision.
I wish I’d thought to include this above (and may go back and add it now), but I was sexually abused as a young girl (the perpetrator was not a member of my family), and reading Redeeming Love the novel definitely brought back memories of those incidents. And the movie did too. Seeing something on the big screen is very different from reading it in a book.
But I’ve been through a lot of counseling through the years (especially in college) and God has brought such healing in my life. And yet we do not forget the painful details this side of heaven. That will come later when all tears are wiped away.
So if you have not read the book and if you (or your precious child) has experienced sexual or emotional abuse in your life, then I think it’s important to know that this movie deals very candidly with those adult themes. So all that said, I applaud your decision to see the movie first then decide whether or not to take your daughter. It’s best to gauge personally instead of painting with a broad brush. As the phrase goes, you can’t “unsee” what you’ve seen (or read). : }
So glad to hear it lived up to expectations! Can’t wait to see it!
You’ll love it, D’Ann!
I’ve read the book and we plan to go this weekend.
Great, Lelia! It’s very true to the book. I think you’ll love it!
I am so excited to see the movie. Yes, I read rhe book and I loved it. Thanks for the review.
So looking forward to seeing this! And it was great to see Patsy C. in your photos. She’s a treasure.
Thanks for the great report. This movie will change lives!
Angie