For your viewing pleasure....'The Gospel of John' and 'Where Hope Grows' #review

I love watching movies and was happy to review 'The Gospel of John' and 'Where Hope Grows' from Lionsgate. I would recommend both of these movies. I'll tell you a little about each one.

I enjoyed this movie very much. The actors are very realistic in their appearance and portrayal of the people in the Middle East. They look like they could have lived during New Testament times. The actors speak in Aramaic, with an English narrator. It has amazing actors, scenery, direction, wardrobe and is faithful to the Gospel of John.

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN is the first-ever filmed version of the biblical text as it was actually written. Using the original Jesus narrative as its script — word for word — this profound and stunning film sheds new light on one of history’s most sacred texts. Beautifully shot, wonderfully performed, and informed by the latest theological, historical, and archaeological research, this film is something to be enjoyed and treasured.

The film was also recently approved (with caution due to the authenticity of the crucifixion scene) by The Dove Foundation in the faith based films category. The Gospel of John New International Version is narrated by leading British actor David Harewood (Showtime’s “Homeland,” Blood Diamond, The Merchant of Venice) and the King James Version is narrated by Brian Cox (Troy, The Bourne Identity).

Shot on location in Morocco, The Gospel of John is the first-ever filmed version of the biblical text unedited. Using the Gospel narrative as its script — word for word — this profound and stunning film sheds new light on one of history’s most sacred texts. Beautifully shot, wonderfully performed, and informed by the latest theological, historical and archeological research, this film is something to be enjoyed and treasured.

The Gospel of John DVD includes three different biblical text translations - the New International Version, the King James Version, and the 1960 Spanish Reina-Valera translation – and five behind the scenes featurettes looking at the making of the film.

DVD SPECIAL FEATURES*

· “Deconstructing a Scene” featurette

· “Building Jerusalem” featurette

· “Composing the Gospels” featurette

· “Filming the Gospels” featurette

· “Narrating the Gospels” featurette

Gospel of John (2015) DVD Details:

MPAA Rating:

Format:

DVD Region 1 What's a Region Code?

Languages:

English with Spanish subtitles

Product Release Date:

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Length/Run Time:

161 minutes

Directed By:

David Batty

UPC/ISBN Number:

031398227281

Public Performance Rights:

Lionsgate

Some scenes from the movie.

The second movie I got to enjoy was 'Where Hope Grows'. I really enjoyed this one and shed a couple of tears while watching!

Calvin Campbell is a former professional baseball player sent to an early retirement due to his panic attacks at the plate. Even though he had all the talent for the big leagues, he struggles with the curveballs life has thrown him. Today, he mindlessly sleepwalks through his days and the challenge of raising his teenager daughter. His life is in a slow downward spiral when it is suddenly awakened and invigorated by the most unlikely person - Produce, a young-man with Down syndrome who works at the local grocery store. Calvin slowly loses the chip on his shoulder as he begins to experience the world through Produce's eyes. Faith, work, purpose and most importantly family, blossom into Calvin's life as their friendship develops. The unlikely pair becomes intertwined giving Calvin's life new meaning and purpose, but unfortunately leads to tragedy due to single decision echoed from Calvin's past.