I had the opportunity to watch Redeeming Love before it hit theaters on January 21st.
The film is based on the novel Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers, which has remained on multiple fiction bestseller lists for over 15 years and has been published in more than 30 languages. Francine Rivers, the New York Times bestselling author of over 30 books, worked with director D.J. Caruso for the screenplay to ensure the beloved story stayed true to its roots.
First, let me warn you, some of the subject matter in this film might be a little too much for some people to see and or hear. I don’t find myself squeamish in any way, but whew, this movie made me glad that I wasn’t a woman in the 1850s. There are some heavy topics in this film.
Redeeming Love is loosely based on the biblical story of Gomer and Hosea. In the story, Gomer is described as a promiscuous woman and Hosea is told by God to marry her.
As the movie opens we meet Angel (Abigail Cowen), a prostitute who men are literally taking a number to “see.” We quickly learn through her flashback that she is the illegitimate child of a wealthy married man who wants to keep her and her mother (Nina Dobrev) hidden and will do anything to make sure his dirty little secret is kept secret.
Flashforward where we meet Michael (Tom Lewis), a Godly man who is praying to God for a wife. As luck would have it, he sees Angel in town and decides she is to be his wife. When he finds out very quickly what she does for a living, he doesn’t even blink an eye, for him, she was the wish sent from God and he was there to take her away from the wretched life she was living. She, on the other hand, doesn’t go for his plan.
We then get another horrific flashback about Angel, and this is where Duke (Eric Dane) comes in. He is the main villain in the film (there are a lot in this film), and once you see his story and how he fits into her life, you will definitely not be a fan. He is the reason she is where she is today living the life she is leading.
Back to reality. (This film does flashbacks really well to give you some insight into why Angel is the way she is and why she is fighting so hard to survive, it’s all she has ever known how to do. ) When Angel steps to the brothel owner, The Duchess, played by Famke Janssen, it doesn’t go well at all and it gives Michael the chance to swoop in and “save” her and he does, for while. Angel doesn’t know how to accept this love for her so she is constantly bucking against any sense of normalcy that he is trying to provide for her.
The bulk of the movie is Angel fighting against her instincts because she doesn’t know any better. She has never really felt love from a man in her life. It is definitely a movie of perseverance, unconditional love, and forgiveness. Be prepared, it was at times hard to watch, but a compelling, raw, and emotional story.
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See Redeeming Love in theaters on January 21st.
About Redeeming Love:
REDEEMING LOVE is a powerful and timeless love story that takes place against the backdrop of the California Gold Rush of 1850. The story centers on Angel (Cowen), who was sold into prostitution as a child. She has survived through hatred and self-loathing until she meets Michael Hosea (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.
Twitter and Instagram at @RedeemingLoveMovie and on Facebook at @RedeemingLoveFilm or visit www.RedeemingLoveMovie.com.
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