Powerful story with some hypocritical execution
One of my wife’s favorite books but other than her love and the basic premise I didn’t have too many expectations going in. She very thoroughly explained the differences between the book and film, and how it’s a fictional retelling of the book of Hosea. Francine Rivers helped but not everything transferred well.
First and foremost, the sexual scenes are just too much. Ironically showing a whole bunch of “almost nudity” between actors trying to “redeem it” in the story is a bit hypocritical and could be a stumbling block for Christians. It could have been edited in a more careful, deliberate way each time. Sex is an important, holy foundation in marriage and I get wanting to showcase the intimacy and realness, I really do. But there are lines that filmmakers need to be careful on. This could potentially lessen my score as time goes on. The subject matter demands certain things, but intentionality is everything here. There are Bible stories that couldn’t be adapted literally without engaging some kind of content. There’s a worthy debate here, considering the motions the actors had to engage in.
It also seems like they dialed back the more direct Christian elements of God’s intervention, save some moments. I’m mixed on this based on what she told me but I understand the changes to be more of a pacing concern than anything.
It’s a poignant journey, just not one for the faint of heart. I’d also have a hard time recommending it based on the hypocritical content present. One on hand, we can all be adults when watching these kinds of stories with this kind of content. But it has the potential to be a stumbling block for some. Why couldn’t the filmmaking team just be more intentional about their portrayal? L
Lots to debate, but it’s still a good film.
3.5 out of 5 stars
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