Noah (2014): 138 minutes
Director: Darren Aronofsky
Cast: Russell Crowe, Dakota Goyo, Jennifer Connelly, Ray Winstone, Finn Wittrock, Emma Watson, Skylar Burke, Logan Lerman, Nolan Gross, Anthony Hopkins
The film Noah, presents the biblical Genesis story with a blend of spectacle and narrative additions while staying true to the spirit of the original text. The story follows Noah, a descendant of the righteous Seth, who witnesses the murder of his father Lamech by a descendant of Cain, resulting in the loss of his birthright. As an adult, Noah lives with his wife Naameh and their three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. They also care for Ila, a girl they adopt after she survives a massacre. Noah experiences visions of a catastrophic flood meant to cleanse the world of its wickedness and seeks counsel from his grandfather Methuselah, who confirms the divine message. Noah is instructed to build an ark to save his family and pairs of every animal species. Noah and his family receive unexpected aid from the Watchers, fallen angels now encrusted in stone, who initially doubt but later support Noah’s mission after witnessing a miracle. Family tensions arise as Ila and Shem fall in love, and Noah’s search for wives for his other sons in a refugee camp ends in disillusionment due to the camp’s immorality. Ila, believed to be infertile due to a childhood wound, is miraculously healed by Methuselah. Tubal-cain, the antagonist and a blacksmith, learns of the coming deluge and plans to take over Noah’s ark with his army. As the flood begins, a battle ensues between Tubal-cain’s forces and Noah’s family, with Shem and Ham playing pivotal roles despite their conflicts with Noah. The ark eventually lands on a mountain as the floodwaters recede. In the aftermath, Noah, overwhelmed by guilt, succumbs to drunkenness but finds redemption through the love of his family and the birth of his grandchildren. The film enriches the biblical narrative with imaginative elements and striking visual effects, offering a unique retelling of the classic story.
Saul: The Journey to Damascus (2014). Runtime: 86 minutes.
Director: Mario Azzopardi
Cast: Kyle Schmid, John Rhys-Davies • Emmanuelle Vaugier, Callum Blue; • Kris Holden-Ried, Dan Cade as Stephen, Brittany Bristow
Saul: The Journey to Damascus dramatizes the profound conversion of Saul of Tarsus, a staunch persecutor of early Christians who transforms into Paul, one of Christianity’s most revered apostles. Set five years after the crucifixion of Jesus, the movie opens with Saul, a powerful Pharisee and Roman citizen, aggressively opposing the rapidly growing Christian movement. Supported by High Priest Caiaphas, Saul oversees the brutal persecution of Christians, including the stoning of Stephen. Despite facing death, Stephen forgives Saul with his final words, praying for Saul’s forgiveness. These words deeply haunt Saul, planting the first seeds of doubt and guilt in his mind. Determined to crush the fledgling faith, Saul travels to Damascus with Roman soldiers to arrest fleeing Christians. En route, they disrupt a wedding, leading to the bride’s death, and Saul experiences a divine vision during a sudden dust storm. Struck blind, he is taken to Damascus, where he meets Ananias, a persecuted Christian who miraculously heals him. Saul’s vision and subsequent healing lead to a dramatic change of heart. He releases the Christian captives and uses his Roman privilege to protect them from the Roman captain. Saul publicly confesses his past life and his change of heart before the very people he had persecuted, who listen in disbelief and fear due to their prior experiences with him. Despite their initial skepticism, Saul’s transformation sets the stage for his future mission as Paul the Apostle, a pivotal figure in the spread of Christianity. The film captures the intense struggle and ultimate redemption of Saul, illustrating his pivotal role in the spread of Christianity and highlighting the powerful themes of forgiveness and personal transformation.
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