Beyong The Mask: An Honest Review

Beyond The Mask

Synopsis:

In this historical fiction - with a touch of science fiction - East India Company assassin, William Reynolds wishes to leave the terrors of his past life behind to explore new possibilities. But after escaping his own assassination - at the cost of a vicar's life - William changes his name to Steven Reynolds...posing as the very man who died to save his life. Will falls in love Charlotte Holloway, but dangerous truths are destined to keep them apart. With traders on every side, William tries to gain redemption...even if it means risking his own life to teach others the importance of looking beyond the mask.

 

 My Thoughts:

     Hmmm...where to start? First off, this is a great family film. There is so much suspense, with great lessons about faith and redemption woven in. Will's character was designed so well, and my heart ached for this man who so desperately wished to give himself a new name...but the odds were stacked against him. Jason Shaw was perfect for the role of William. Even though he still had a lot to learn about true forgiveness and love, William Reynolds never gave up, even when he lacked to find the purpose of his own life. 

   

    And can we talk about Charlotte Holloway for a minute please? Such a beautiful character, with a huge heart and though timid, is not afraid to make a stand for justice when the need arises. Not easily intimated, and some of the things she says are just...wow! I love how she teams up with Will, even though she doesn't know the danger that is lurking in the shadows. What I admire most about her character is that Charlotte is genteel, but not self-righteous, brave, but not malicious, afraid, but not intimidated. And her devotion to William even when she learns of his past is just beautiful. Charlotte's faith in God is so profound as well, which is really the icing on the cake. 

                                                                              

 

                                       Charlotte: "Neither redemption nor love can ever

                                                        be earned. They are both gifts granted 

                                                        freely from the heart of God."

    Yes, don't worry, I'm getting onto the villain. 😂 Charles Kemp... John Rhys-Davies was the right man for the job. Honestly, major plot twist when *spoiler alert* I found out he was Charlotte's uncle! The way he betrayed her made me so upset...and near the end when he knocked Charlotte to the floor...my contempt for him reached it's peak. But justice was done in the end thankfully, with our protagonists not getting too severely hurt. 

    Another thing before I wrap up this movie review. The cruelty of the East India Company is rarely ever mentioned so I was very thankful that a movie was finally released which dealt with this topic head-on, no sugar coating. This is a historical fiction, and I like how you can recognize some iconic historical figures in the film as well. 

    Totally one of the best family movies I have ever had the pleasure of watching. With plenty of action, faith, romance, and even history, this movie is one you undoubtedly must watch!

    All views expressed are strictly my own personal opinion. 

    Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(X infinity!!!!)

One Night With The King: An Honest Review

 

One Night With The King

Synopsis:

After the banishment of Persia's queen, Vashti, young Jewish girl Hadassa finds herself chosen along with hundreds of other women to be taken into King Xerxes harem as a prospect for Persia's next Queen. Hadassa changes her name to Esther, and must keep her Jewish identity hidden. Queen Esther soon marries for love but must find the courage to save the lives of her people - even it means losing the love of her husband King Xerxes...and her own life.

 

My Thoughts:  

    Okay, give me a second. There are so many great things about this movie that I don't know where to start. Well, I'll start with Esther's character. Tiffany DuPont was the perfect Esther, and I loved the character right from the start. She was a gem, so inquisitive and  trusting, having a very child-like faith. My favorite scene would have to be when Esther was going into the King's chambers and how well she handled herself. It was obvious that as a virgin and woman of faith, Esther did not wish to merely spend the night with King Xerxes...she wouldn't settle for anything less than marriage. Of course, Esther won his heart, and she fell in love with the King as well. And the costumes! 😍 Esther's dresses were superb, from headdresses to the millions of tiny embellishments  that adorned her flowing gowns. They were...fit for a Queen!

 

                                                                

                                             Hadassa: "No, not Esther. Hadassa Bat-Abihail.

                                                              Daughter of the tribe of Benjamin, 

                                                              child of the Most High God." 

 

    Oh yes, and we can't forget the necklace! The symbolism in this is astounding, and I found it particularly thus when the necklace Esther lost on her transfer to the palace was the same one in the King's treasury. And the fact that when the light hit it, it released the Star of David, was totally genius. Her identity was etched in that necklace, and it adds an enchanting air to the story. 

 

    And we can't forget Haman, might as well get my thoughts of him over and done with. The actor did a good job playing the villain, because I really, really disliked him. But I liked how at the start of the movie they gave the reason why Haman, descendant of King Agag, wanted all the Jews killed. It created the perfect link between the movie and the Bible. Even though the story of Esther is a Biblical account, the introduction at the start of the movie brings that to life.

 

    Now for King Xerxes. Luke Goss was really the perfect Xerxes in this...I think it was his eyes and face sculpt, looked very Persia-ish 😅 I believe he really needed Esther in his life, and the way he smiled at her on their wedding day was priceless! I liked how he was portrayed as a man very open to new thinking,  and the scene where he held out the scepter showed his humanity and his love and devotion for Esther. 

 

    Altogether this movie was amazing. The production was flawless and was very much in accordance with the Biblical account. Due to some minor violence and some more mature themes that are discussed, parental discretion is advised. There is no coarse language, sex, or swearing in this film. A must-watch, especially for those who are fans of Esther!

 

    All views expressed are strictly my own opinion. 

 

    Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(5 stars - but I wish I could do more!)

 

 

Storm And Luther's Forbidden Letter: An Honest Review

 

                         Storm: And Luther's Forbidden Letter 

 Are you looking for a realistic, heart-pounding, mind-boggling, stomach-wrenching, pulse-racing movie? Then my friend, this is for you. Though originally filmed in the Dutch tongue (thus the lip-syncing was off the entire movie) this is filled with adventure, faith, and even...romance. Due to some of the graphics used in this movie (blood, implication of being burned alive, people with maladies etc.) parental guidance is suggested if you are considering watching it with your family.

 

  Synopsis:

    Martin Luther's works are told to be hypocrisy, but when a young monk delivers a letter from Luther himself addressed to the village of Antwerp, Klaas Voeten, one of the village printers, finds himself responsible for reproducing the letter - which is forbidden. But when he is arrested for attempting to reproduce the letter, 12 year old Storm, his son, takes the template and runs. Meanwhile, his father is imprisoned and sentenced to death. Soon on his journey he meets Maria, a parent-less wench who literally lives underground in the village sewers and the two form a pact. But unknown forces are against them, and it comes to the point where both must come to terms with their faith...and find out just what they are willing to sacrifice for the freedom of Storms' father... 

 

 

                                                                                * 

My Thoughts: 

    Right off the bat you could tell the movie was going to thrill. I loved Storm's character from the start as well, he was so eager to gain his father's approval and make him proud. He was also filled with curiosity...a little too much for his own good. But I really like the integrity he shows from the beginning...even secretly reading one of Luther's previous books when he knew his Mother was a devote Catholic. He never gave up, and didn't let fear paralyze him which is something I always admire.

 

    Oh and Maria!!! When that girl pressed a knife to Storm's throat I honestly thought she was a villain, but it turned out she was just an independent girl who had to protect herself from dangerous men. It turned out she was really an amazing ally for Storm, and my heart broke for her when she found out that her father had died at sea and she was really an orphan. Also,  Maria is mean with the sling shot, she's honestly like another David. It was also kind of humorous to see how well she could just take things from vendors and no one ever ran after her.

 

    There were so many subplots - even a budding romance if you scratched beneath the surface a little bit. I was so afraid that Storm's father really was going to burned for copying Luther's letter, but I should have known Storm and Maria would save the day. Also, a major twist I wasn't expecting was the betrayal...and the epic escape that followed. Once again, Maria and her sling knocked everyone out - literally. It was a little gross to see them actually walking in the sewers - rats and all - but the sets were amazing and I can't believe the shots were taken in a real sewer system!

 

    Oh yes, and the Inquisitor. Not much to say about him. I really disliked him - well, he was the villain after all. All I have to say is: good job to the actor who did an amazing job playing the role of the antagonist.

    And can we just talk about the ending for a moment? The scene where Storm saves his father's life is amazing...a little humerus...but altogether breathtaking. Not only will this satisfy those who love to watch adventure, but also those who love a good romance. In the end the movie fast-forwarded to a year later when Storm was thirteen and it actually shows the two of them to be a...dare I say it?...couple!

                                                                             

Storm: "But...it's impossible."

                                                            Maria: "Nothing is impossible." 

Personally, I think that this is a very good film that depicts the time of the Reformation. Printing Luther's works was very dangerous, and there were many unsung heroes who gave their lives because they realized how oppressed they were under the Church at that time. It really gives you a thrill, sticks to the facts about the time period without being overly graphic, and will even give you a few laughs.  Altogether, a must-see film!

All opinions expressed are strictly my own. 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐