Redeeming Love is a historical romance drama based on bestselling novel by Francine Rivers. Although the film is filled with raw and brutal emotion, its beauty still shines through.
Redeeming Love Movie Review
Redeeming Love is a retelling of a faith-based book, inspired by the Biblical story of Hosea and Gomer. Having never read the novel, this review is strictly based off the film. I also didn’t feel as if this movie was overly religious, despite the theme. While the faith elements are there, they’re not overdone.
I always enjoy a good love story, but viewers should be forewarned that many themes in this movie might be triggering. Redeeming Love is not your typical happy, feel-good romance story. But its story is still beautiful nonetheless. Angel (Abigail Cohen) was sold into prostitution as a child. Being at such a young and impressionable age, you’re able to see just how easily she gets groomed into her role. Cohen portrays Angel to perfection, allowing us to truly feel her pain and emotions.
Michael Hosea (Tom Lewis) adds even more to the storyline. He is smitten with Angel upon his first glance. He knows that is the woman he is meant to marry. Although Michael might seem naive, you cannot help but feel for his character and cheer for his perseverance.
Sparks fly when Cohen and Lewis are on the screen together. Their chemistry is certainly undeniable and off the charts. But is it enough? Angel has lived most of her life in a brothel. It’s what she knows. It’s what she’s comfortable with, as crazy as that sounds. Is love enough to break her free?
Is Redeeming Love Okay for Kids?
Short answer, definitely not. Redeeming Love has an MPAA rating of PG-13 for mature thematic content, sexual content, partial nudity, and strong violent content. I am honestly surprised this movie isn’t rated R. There are so many scenes that are extremely difficult to watch. Not only is one of the main themes prostitution, but you vividly see women getting beaten. You witness gruesome murders. Nothing about Redeeming Love is okay for children.
Redeeming Love has a runtime of 134 minutes. That is entirely too long, and you can feel it. There are definitely parts of the film that seem to drag on. Cutting 30 minutes would have made this a more enjoyable watch.
Overall Thoughts
Redeeming Love shows us that there is beauty within the brokenness. It is a story of forgiveness, not just between others, but also with oneself. It is raw and at times painful to watch, yet at times it gives us hope. Love is powerful. Love can change things. It can give us something to live for. And right now, I think we could all use that to hold onto. Redeeming Love is in theaters January 21st.
Redeeming Love Synopsis
Based on the bestselling novel by Francine Rivers, Redeeming Love is a powerful story of relentless love and perseverance as a young couple’s relationship clashes with the harsh realities of the California Gold Rush of 1850. It is a life- changing story of the power of unconditional and all-consuming love. Redeeming Love shows there is no brokenness that love can’t heal.
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