Did I mention that my sister, Susie, and I took my mom to see the movie, Redeeming Love, for her 92nd birthday? Susie and I had both read the book multiple times, but our mom had never read it. She knew only that the story was based on the biblical book of Hosea, the prophet, who God commanded to marry a prostitute in order to personify Israel’s adulterous relationship with false gods and God’s broken heart at their betrayal.
It was an afternoon of making memories, not only because it was my mama’s 92nd birthday, but also because the Redeeming Love movie brought to life the book I’ve loved for over twenty years.
Meet Angel…
The movie began with this shot of Angel, the character who personified Gomer, the prostitute, in the Book of Hosea.
I wasn’t too sure I was gonna like the movie at first. However, as the story continued, the acting, the characters, and the story itself came alive.
No Spoilers In Biblical Fiction
Since we know the story of Hosea–Gomer’s repeated adultery and Hosea’s repeated love and forgiveness mirroring God’s redemption–I’m not giving away any plot twists or surprise endings.
There are times I wanted to throttle Angel and times I felt sooooo sorry for Michael Hosea. Perhaps the sweetest scene in the whole movie was the moment he washed her feet. Oh, yes. Take a box of Kleenex with you!
Why Rated PG-13?
I applaud both Francine and the whole production crew for SOMEHOW securing a PG-13 rating. The sensual scenes are also tastefully done, and though Angel is obviously naked in a few scenes, her body is draped (with her hair or a sheet/blanket).
The movie is–in my opinion–more “tame” than the book. Perhaps because of my own imagination! LOL! Think about this: Isn’t it miraculous that a film about a prostitute with an abusive childhood and continuing brokenness has a PG-13 rating?
Who Should See This Movie?
If you’re hoping for a light-hearted, G-rated film, please don’t go to this movie. If you read the novel and thought it too “racy” for the Christian market, you may not enjoy the movie. Also, please measure your teenagers’ (13 and older) maturity level before taking them to this movie. If your family sees it together, you’ll have GREAT topics to discuss afterward if both your teens and you are emotionally equipped for the conversations.
My Rating
I’m generally a pretty tough reviewer (giving very few 5-star ratings). Overall, I would give this movie a 4.5 out of 5. I loved that it so completely told the story in Francine’s outstanding novel. There were a few times when I still felt hints of the “Christian film-making” quality in scripting and acting (more so in the beginning), but as the story progressed, it captured me completely.
A NOTE ABOUT THE ENDING (Read only if you’ve already read the book):
If you’re nervous about Angel walking across Michael Hosea’s field naked, relax. Doesn’t happen. LOL! The movie’s ending is different than the book’s, but I still loved how God’s redemption is portrayed in the final scenes!
