Redeeming Love movie review

This unconventional romance is now in theaters.

RATING: PG-13

LENGTH: 2 hours 14 minutes

IN A NUTSHELL:

Clean romance this is NOT.

REDEEMING LOVE is a story that takes place against the backdrop of the California Gold Rush of 1850. The story centers on Angel (Abigail Cowen), who was sold into prostitution as a child. She has survived through hatred and self-loathing until she meets Michael Hosea (Tom Lewis) and discovers there is no brokenness that love can’t heal. The story reflects the redemptive power of unconditional and sacrificial love with characters and circumstances relevant to the contemporary world.

The film is written and directed by D. J. Caruso with screenplay contributions by Francine Rivers, who wrote the original book. The book was inspired by the Old Testament story of the prophet Hosea and his wife, Gomer.

THINGS I LIKED:

The cast looks mostly realistic. For example, all of the prospectors looked real, not like actors in costumes. I could almost smell the cast.
Abigail Cowen plays Angel, the beautiful protagonist. I had never seen her in anything before, but I can absolutely see why she got this role.
Fun fact #1: Filming was done in South Africa and finished 24 hours before the country closed due to the pandemic.
Fun fact #2: Two of the cast members have been in X-Men movies: Famke Janssen and Eric Dane.
I’ve never read the book, but have heard that this movie is actually very true to the source material.
Most of the music was very melodramatic, but the song that played during the closing scene was really fantastic. It’s called “Rescue” by the wonderful Lauren Daigle. This song is the highlight of the film for me. You can watch the music video for it here: https://youtu.be/gYR0xP1j4PY

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

People are calling this movie a Christian film, but I definitely would NOT. Sure, the character, Michael, is religious, but the movie isn’t like the typical preaching kind of Christian film we’re all used to seeing. There are WAY too many sex scenes for it to appeal to conservative audiences. In fact, I think it should be rated R instead of PG-13 for prostitution, nudity, rape, incest, and abuse. They all push the boundaries, in my opinion, for what should be rated PG-13. Some might argue that the Bible has some crazy stories too. It does, but that doesn’t mean that Christians should watch this movie that leans toward erotica. Just because Michael Hosea reads the Bible and talks about his faith doesn’t make this a Christian film.
I’m baffled that this was a popular book. The writing is terrible with crazy dialogue and situations. I can’t even begin to tell you all of the movie lines and plot points that made my mouth drop. Just don’t.
There really isn’t any chemistry between the two leads.
It’s extremely melodramatic.
The timeline jumps around, which could be confusing to some viewers.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Smoking
Drinking
Prostitution
Rape
Incest
Talk of abuse and you also see a woman get beat up
Suicide portrayed
Some profanity
Exploitation of children
You see a couple going at it in bed
You see a lot of skin on a prostitute, although her “private” parts are mostly covered; however, you see facial expressions and movement…

THEMES:

Healing power of love
Second chances
Forgiveness
Choice and consequences
Love vs. lust

FUNNY LINES:

None. This is a very serious drama.

INTERESTING LINES:

“You can’t get by without hope.” – Lucky (Jamie-Lee O’Donnell)
“Marriage is not slavery.” – Michael Hosea (Tom Lewis)
“Does your God talk to you a lot?” – Angel (Abigail Cowen) “He talks to everyone.” – Michel Hosea (Tom Lewis)
“Sometimes you have to leave behind what you were born into.” – Michael Hosea (Tom Lewis)
“Nothing is impossible.” – Michael Hosea (Tom Lewis)
“All that glitters is not gold.” – Shakespeare