I recently watched the new film Jesus Revolution, and I have to say that it was a fantastic choice for a date night with my wife. As a believer myself, I’m always interested in films that deal with faith and spirituality in an authentic way, and this movie definitely fit the bill. However… I often feel like faith-based movies lack in production value, casting, and storytelling — this was NOT the case with Jesus Revolution. It was thoroughly entertaining.
One thing that struck me about Jesus Revolution was its willingness to explore the messiness of faith. Too often, movies that deal with Christianity or spirituality in general tend to present a simplified, black-and-white view of the world. You have the good guys (usually the Christians) and the bad guys (usually everyone else), and the message is usually that if you just accept Jesus into your heart, all your problems will magically disappear.
Jesus Revolution, on the other hand, takes a more nuanced approach. It tells the true story of the Jesus Movement of the 1960s and 70s, which was a revival among young people who had dropped out of mainstream society and turned to Jesus Christ as an alternative way of life. The movie focuses on a young man named Greg Laurie, who as a teen in Southern California was caught between the transcendent offerings of both the cross and the culture (complete with rock-concert acid trips). As Laurie is drawn into the Jesus Movement, he must confront the conflicts and contradictions that arise when people of different backgrounds and beliefs come together.
One of the strengths of Jesus Revolution is its portrayal of the different characters involved in the movement. The movie is not afraid to show the flaws and imperfections of its heroes, and it acknowledges that there were real tensions and disagreements among them. The two main characters, Chuck Smith and Lonnie Frisbee, are an unlikely duo who represent two different sides of the Christian faith. Smith is a conservative pastor who is initially skeptical of the hippie counterculture, while Frisbee is a charismatic hippie preacher who wants to bring his message to a wider audience. Together, they form an uneasy partnership that leads to both triumphs and tragedies.
Another thing I appreciated about Jesus Revolution was its production value. The film looks great, with a bold color palette that captures the psychedelic aesthetic of the era. The soundtrack is also excellent, with a mix of contemporary and vintage music that sets the mood perfectly. And the casting is spot-on; Kelsey Grammer and Jonathan Roumie, who plays Jesus in The Chosen, are both excellent in their roles.
But what really makes Jesus Revolution stand out is its willingness to engage with questions that are relevant to believers and non-believers alike. The movie doesn’t shy away from the challenges and contradictions of the Christian faith, and it doesn’t offer easy answers or simple solutions. Instead, it presents a compelling portrait of people who are wrestling with their beliefs and their place in the world.
In an era when Christianity is often seen as a political or cultural identity, it’s refreshing to see a movie that is more interested in exploring the spiritual and emotional dimensions of the faith. Jesus Revolution reminds us that Christianity is not just a set of beliefs or a social club, but a living, breathing movement that is constantly evolving and adapting to the times.
I highly recommend Jesus Revolution to anyone who is interested in faith, spirituality, or just good storytelling and quality entertainment. It’s a thought-provoking, visually stunning movie that will stay with you long after the credits roll
