Last year, I had the privilege of pre-screening Polycarp, a fabulous movie with a conservative Christian focus. My readers have asked me to share my favorite family-friendly films, so I have decided to post my review:
Produced by Scott Eash, the movie Polycarp is a historical drama that tells the gripping tale of Christians facing persecution in second-century Smyrna. Anna (Eliya Hurt) is a 12-year-old slave who receives her freedom when she is adopted into a devout Christian family. She befriends Polycarp (Garry Nation), the elderly leader of the Smyrnian church who is passionate about preaching the Gospel.
When the Roman proconsul proclaims that the citizens of Smyrna must worship Caesar or be sentenced to death, Polycarp and the other Christians display an unwavering faith as they refuse to denounce the one true God.
Polycarp tells the members of the church: “But understand this: We will not be constrained by what [the proconsul] says or does. Our only constraint is the love of Christ.”
Anna’s freedom from slavery is an illustration of the freedom from sin that God has offered to Christians through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the face of persecution, Anna must decide if she is willing to live and die for the God of the Bible.
Through the use of realistic sets and talented actors, Polycarp brings to life the Biblical truths presented in Luke 17:33, 1 John 4:18, and Philippians 1:21 and reveals what it means to be fully dedicated to Christ and His Kingdom, even to the point of death.
Evangelist and best-selling author Ray Comfort calls Polycarp a “God-honoring, Christ-centered, and moving story that will make you want to run with the divine message, while we still have the God-given liberty.”
The Kendrick Brothers–writers, directors, and producers of Fireproof, Courageous, and Facing the Giants–also give the movie a thumbs up: “Polycarp issues a call that resonates with Joshua’s mandate to ‘choose you this day whom you will serve.’ This is the moving story of second-century persecution, reminiscent of the persecution many believers face today.”
Inspired by a true story, Polycarp was written and directed by Joe and Jerica Henline, a brother-sister team that has worked on several films, including Beyond the Mask and Acts of God. Joe and Jerica, who were 17 and 19 when they began writing the script for Polycarp, have received multiple Best Young Filmmaker awards.
Polycarp (trailer below) is available for purchase on Amazon.com and ChristianBook.com and may be sold at your local Christian bookstore.
Leah
I bought this movie few weeks ago. It is a good movie. I like it. Please let us know other family-friendly movies that I might have or not heard of. I love watching movies. I would love to hear more movie reviews from you. Thank you.
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Will do, Leah! Be sure to check out the comments below, as well. A few readers have made more movie suggestions. 🙂
Ellie
Anonymous
Thank-you Ellie for this well written review.
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Glad you liked it!
Ellie
Anonymous
Some of my favorite Christian movies include Moms' Night Out, God's Not Dead, Son of God, Heaven is for Real, Grace Unplugged, Fireproof, and, most of all, Woodlawn! Have you seen any of those? I recommend them all, especially Woodlawn!! 🙂
nashvillewife@gmail.com
I've seen 'Moms' Night Out,' 'God's Not Dead,' and 'Fireproof.' I'll have to try the other ones, as well. I've been wanting to see 'Woodlawn' for a while!
Ellie
Anonymous
Woodlawn is an awesome movie! I also really enjoyed War Room! Some other favorites are Courageous, Facing the Giants and A matter of faith!
Anonymous
Have you seen the movie Princess Cut? I haven't het, but hope to soon!
Thank you for sharing! I'd love to hear more of these! 🙂
nashvillewife@gmail.com
I haven't heard of 'Princess Cut,' but I'm going to look it up right now. 🙂
Ellie
Anonymous
Have you heard of the Hollywood Prayer Network? You should check it out. It's an amazing organization dedicated to praying for Hollywood!! 🙂
nashvillewife@gmail.com
I'm not familiar with the Hollywood Prayer Network, but that sounds like a wonderful ministry. I'm definitely going to check it out!
Ellie
Anonymous
I would like to see this movie. I have some movies that Christian friends have recommended to me, although I have not seen all of them yet. They are: Fireproof, Courageous, War Room, Facing The Giants, Fly Wheel, Seven Days In Utopia, God Is Not Dead, Magic Of Belle Isle. Has anyone seen any of these?
nashvillewife@gmail.com
I have seen 'Fireproof,' 'Courageous,' 'War Room,' 'Facing the Giants,' 'Flywheel,' and 'God Is Not Dead.' They were all very good!
Ellie
Anonymous
I have seen Fireproof and God's Not Dead! I 100% recommend both! 🙂 I also recommend Woodlawn, Moms' Night Out, Grace Unplugged, Heaven is for Real, and Son of God!
Shela G
Thank you Ellie. I am always looking for wholesome movies to watch. I think I will need to add this movie to my list of one's to watch.
nashvillewife@gmail.com
My pleasure, Shela!
Ellie
Anonymous
I always enjoy sister act (both 1 and 2)! Though they aren't dressed very modest in the first minutes of the films, in the spare time they certainly are (since the movie is about nuns). I love to see how music can drive so much people in the arms of the Lord 🙂
nashvillewife@gmail.com
I have also seen the Sister Act movies and enjoyed them. 🙂
Ellie