In 1948 the ancient nation of Israel was reborn. This rebirth represents the fulfillment of a multitude of biblical prophesies. It also represents a unique opportunity for the Church to express their love and appreciation for what Almighty God has accomplished through His Chosen People. Unfortunately many if not most Christians believe the Church replaced Israel as the Chosen People. This error has led to the mistreatment and persecution of the Jewish people for the last 2000 years. This wonderful documentary challenges the Church to reconsider her relationship with the Jewish people and the nation of Israel. I want to thank the Frank family and their team for producing this amazing film. Sam
11 Reviews
Blame it on the devil
jkok-413 July 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Normally a movie review would be an analysis of the plot and a critique of its technical achievements but documentaries such as this that have a strong agenda are more difficult to review in that sense because the technical aspects shouldn't have to bother you (at least that much) if the body of content is otherwise solid. But since everything has to start somewhere, I'll start with the technicalities.
This film gives out a terribly cheap impression. Ah, the fake beards, which I am not the first one to notice. The wardrobe looks like it is borrowed from the local theater. The props borrowed from your Comic-Con-attending cos-playing geek friend circulate from one actor to another. Ze acting wiz ze accents is ach zo terrible, with awkward lines and pauses of silences leaving the actors just swaying and staring. The score is heavy-handed, non- nuanced and annoying, consisting of pretty much a sequence of computer- assisted (Kontakt, EWQL, yay!) cheap orchestral instrumental songs without any theme or thought process behind it. The sound effects and visual effects are repetitive and dated. The few places where foley sound is actually used, they stand out and not in a good way.
The basic premise of this film is that the reformation gave us a perverted gospel. The reformers, being products of their time and culture, were anti- Semites and failed to break Christianity free from it's heritage of anti- semitism. The body of Christ is in a state of spiritual inferiority, deceived by Satan the devil himself, unless it recognizes that the modern state of Israel is a continuation of the old testament nation of Israel and that there is a corporate salvation plan (in contrast to the Christian individual salvation in having personal faith in Jesus) that applies to the Jews as if that had been the case in the Old Testament. The resulting low state of the church is the reason for the apparent decline of Christianity. All this is the result of a history study by the film's narrator Derek Frank, who was prompted to study these issues by an alleged revelation from God.
The film states for instance that since the effects of the reformation did not last in Geneva for more than 150 years, it was because of the anti- semitism. Perhaps we can discount the Apostles and God himself too on that very basis. The church is also rebuked for "gentilizing" names of biblical characters, such as Yeshua as Jesus. Towards the end Jonathan Bernis and Mark Biltz totally ignore how Jesus applies Isaiah 49:6 to himself in John 8:12.
Thus if you can not see how a totally secular nation, whose existence is not built upon the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ, is the light to the world, you are blinded by the devil and all of this is true because of some vision. Right.
The film so wants to be big, epic, grandiose, influential and the next big thing. The pompous tone itself is enough to discount the whole premise of the film. In that sense I am relieved, because a traditional documentary film with expert interviews and a transparent narrator would have communicated so much more believably a stance which I do not hold as biblical. Heresy is fine by me as long as the style of presentation is as laughable as this.
That being said, I sense that (unless I live in a bubble, which may very well be) if this had been the mega success the producers had hoped it to be, I would have heard of it earlier. Still, I am expecting this to surface in Finland at some point. It will probably be broadcasted via TV7, the Finnish TBN equivalent. At that point everybody and everybody's best friend will be raving about how insightful this sorry excuse of a theological study is, because in Finland every believer is expected to be an Israel nut. Thus my life as the (probably) only Calvinist in my home town is going to get harder.
This film gives out a terribly cheap impression. Ah, the fake beards, which I am not the first one to notice. The wardrobe looks like it is borrowed from the local theater. The props borrowed from your Comic-Con-attending cos-playing geek friend circulate from one actor to another. Ze acting wiz ze accents is ach zo terrible, with awkward lines and pauses of silences leaving the actors just swaying and staring. The score is heavy-handed, non- nuanced and annoying, consisting of pretty much a sequence of computer- assisted (Kontakt, EWQL, yay!) cheap orchestral instrumental songs without any theme or thought process behind it. The sound effects and visual effects are repetitive and dated. The few places where foley sound is actually used, they stand out and not in a good way.
The basic premise of this film is that the reformation gave us a perverted gospel. The reformers, being products of their time and culture, were anti- Semites and failed to break Christianity free from it's heritage of anti- semitism. The body of Christ is in a state of spiritual inferiority, deceived by Satan the devil himself, unless it recognizes that the modern state of Israel is a continuation of the old testament nation of Israel and that there is a corporate salvation plan (in contrast to the Christian individual salvation in having personal faith in Jesus) that applies to the Jews as if that had been the case in the Old Testament. The resulting low state of the church is the reason for the apparent decline of Christianity. All this is the result of a history study by the film's narrator Derek Frank, who was prompted to study these issues by an alleged revelation from God.
The film states for instance that since the effects of the reformation did not last in Geneva for more than 150 years, it was because of the anti- semitism. Perhaps we can discount the Apostles and God himself too on that very basis. The church is also rebuked for "gentilizing" names of biblical characters, such as Yeshua as Jesus. Towards the end Jonathan Bernis and Mark Biltz totally ignore how Jesus applies Isaiah 49:6 to himself in John 8:12.
Thus if you can not see how a totally secular nation, whose existence is not built upon the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ, is the light to the world, you are blinded by the devil and all of this is true because of some vision. Right.
The film so wants to be big, epic, grandiose, influential and the next big thing. The pompous tone itself is enough to discount the whole premise of the film. In that sense I am relieved, because a traditional documentary film with expert interviews and a transparent narrator would have communicated so much more believably a stance which I do not hold as biblical. Heresy is fine by me as long as the style of presentation is as laughable as this.
That being said, I sense that (unless I live in a bubble, which may very well be) if this had been the mega success the producers had hoped it to be, I would have heard of it earlier. Still, I am expecting this to surface in Finland at some point. It will probably be broadcasted via TV7, the Finnish TBN equivalent. At that point everybody and everybody's best friend will be raving about how insightful this sorry excuse of a theological study is, because in Finland every believer is expected to be an Israel nut. Thus my life as the (probably) only Calvinist in my home town is going to get harder.
Possibly the worst movie ever made.
familyguyoc12 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Dispensationalist Anti-Calvinists have been saying this for years and "without" hallucinations...what makes Frank an expert? Oh yeah he had a "VISION". Sure...
The plain teachings of the New Testament about all believers being the "Israel of God" are not anti - Semitic, they show race is not something for God to focus on, but after seeing this movie it seems some Christians look to race in an idolatrous fashion, worshiping an ethnicity basically.
Israel was blessed to have the messiah and the prophets, God preserved them to send Christ through the bloodline so that it could be said, "Death through the first Adam and Life through the second Adam", much respect to the hard things that Israel did, but the church universal is the overall "people of God", Israel is not mentioned as the "Chosen People" once in the New testament. God makes much of his glory, not any worldly nation, in fact thats why the Jews killed Christ, he wasn't an Israeli nationalist here to defeat there enemies.
The term "replacement theology" is a canard, its a term made up to make the other sides argument sound horrible because it "must be racist" but in reality God's church was always a spiritual thing, nobody was replaced, the Jews ushered in the messiah, they then killed him and to this day they shun him. Try evangelizing on the streets if Jerusalem, you might be stoned or stabbed. I dont say that to say Jews are any worse then anyone else, were all sinners, but the church was and will always be "The Church" the Jews never had an exclusive claim on it.
The verses in Genesis 12 about the promise are specifically linked to Galations 3 and are talking about the blessing of the gospel going to all nations, not a selfish promise to one nation about prosperity and offspring.... thats not what God offers, 95% of the apostles died poor and alone in violent ways. He offers mercy and grace from what we deserve, anything else is a distortion of the gospel.
The plain teachings of the New Testament about all believers being the "Israel of God" are not anti - Semitic, they show race is not something for God to focus on, but after seeing this movie it seems some Christians look to race in an idolatrous fashion, worshiping an ethnicity basically.
Israel was blessed to have the messiah and the prophets, God preserved them to send Christ through the bloodline so that it could be said, "Death through the first Adam and Life through the second Adam", much respect to the hard things that Israel did, but the church universal is the overall "people of God", Israel is not mentioned as the "Chosen People" once in the New testament. God makes much of his glory, not any worldly nation, in fact thats why the Jews killed Christ, he wasn't an Israeli nationalist here to defeat there enemies.
The term "replacement theology" is a canard, its a term made up to make the other sides argument sound horrible because it "must be racist" but in reality God's church was always a spiritual thing, nobody was replaced, the Jews ushered in the messiah, they then killed him and to this day they shun him. Try evangelizing on the streets if Jerusalem, you might be stoned or stabbed. I dont say that to say Jews are any worse then anyone else, were all sinners, but the church was and will always be "The Church" the Jews never had an exclusive claim on it.
The verses in Genesis 12 about the promise are specifically linked to Galations 3 and are talking about the blessing of the gospel going to all nations, not a selfish promise to one nation about prosperity and offspring.... thats not what God offers, 95% of the apostles died poor and alone in violent ways. He offers mercy and grace from what we deserve, anything else is a distortion of the gospel.
A bold movie!!!
c_meister3 May 2016
Absolutely amazing!!
This is a movie, a docudrama about the church history: its forgotten roots and about the reformation of the church that changed a whole society; the reformation started something in the church, but it has forgotten something very important... The movie gives a honest and bold picture of the church of the past and today. It helps to understand why we think in the way we do.
I loved that movie for many reasons: - It was an absolutely genius idea to put that kind of message-documentary in a movie format. It's unique! - I loved the pictures, the costumes and the actors. You travel through time, and it makes it easier to understand that topic. - Every one can watch it, a believer or a non believer.
This is a movie, a docudrama about the church history: its forgotten roots and about the reformation of the church that changed a whole society; the reformation started something in the church, but it has forgotten something very important... The movie gives a honest and bold picture of the church of the past and today. It helps to understand why we think in the way we do.
I loved that movie for many reasons: - It was an absolutely genius idea to put that kind of message-documentary in a movie format. It's unique! - I loved the pictures, the costumes and the actors. You travel through time, and it makes it easier to understand that topic. - Every one can watch it, a believer or a non believer.
A film every believer should see !
kpluntke19 February 2017
I have seen this wonderful documentation about the Church History and not only once but many times. I believe every Christian or Jewish believer should see this eye-opening film. I have told many people about this film and will continue to do so. A rare and instructive film about some dark parts of our Church that many don't know about. BRAVO to the team that made this film!!
Two thumbs up!
janice_harper3 March 2017
I really liked that this film is so outside the box. Documentaries about theology and the middle east tend to be pretty dull, but this film is completely unlike those standard talking head pieces. They could have played it really safe, and been very conservative with a bunch of experts just talking at the camera, but instead this film actually illustrates and depicts the history. It tells the story in a very innovative way. I feel like there are enough of those boring talking head documentaries out there, it's good to see something ambitious and unexpected!!! The message is powerful, I think every Christian should watch this. Thumbs up from me!
A revelation!
sethbecker-435297 March 2017
I had no idea about the history of the church until I watched this movie and honestly I'm really shocked. I looked up the information online and it's all there I guess someone just needed to join up the dots. I'm definitely glad I saw this movie and now I know. Really liked it.
Must See!!
mbfal95416 May 2016
This film provokes both Christians and Academicians to think critically about Luther's reformation. For being a moderate low budget film, it was well thought out and produced. The content was refreshing as I have seen nothing like it before. It was fascinating to see the use of several mainstream Christian figure-heads such as Jaci Velasquez, Don Finto, James Goll, etc. The film would not be as interesting to those less intellectually inclined. It requires a bit of processing to analyze the true consequence of such change and ideology in the mainstream Christian Reformed Tradition. The Catholic Church may also be interested in seeing this film. The film is timely as the Christian Church is now facing another crossroads as it pertains to the Jewish People and Israel and therefore, films like these should be seen by anyone who does not wish to stand idly by as culture shapes such positions.
An outstanding movie!!!
thebillsawyer3 March 2017
"Let The Lion Roar" is a stunning film that addresses issues that many would prefer to leave covered up. It's a movie that you may want to watch more than once - I found that there's so much content to think through that you almost need to watch it 2 or 3 times to absorb it all.
I'm not surprised that there's a negative review here this is a shocking movie, and it's bound to be offensive to some. There's always going to be that one person who trashes something just because they feel threatened by it! It's easy to pick holes when you want to undermine something. Don't let that sway you. This is a thought-provoking film that depicts a complex subject in a creative and entertaining manner.
I'm sure it's not for everyone, but for my family and I, this was an informative, edifying watch.
I'm not surprised that there's a negative review here this is a shocking movie, and it's bound to be offensive to some. There's always going to be that one person who trashes something just because they feel threatened by it! It's easy to pick holes when you want to undermine something. Don't let that sway you. This is a thought-provoking film that depicts a complex subject in a creative and entertaining manner.
I'm sure it's not for everyone, but for my family and I, this was an informative, edifying watch.
Must see film exposing the secrets of the ages in this phenomenal theatrical production
blondiebailey12346 March 2017
Riveting, film exposing the truth of the ages that have been hidden from our society for centuries! Compelling picture that confronts you to think for yourself and not just go on believing everything that is spoon fed to you! This director and production team have done an Outstanding job of creatively and artistically sharing a message that is far overdue for the world to hear and embrace! I don't know about you but all I know is how impacted my life and countless others lives have been radically touched and even transformed after viewing this film! I encourage you to Let your inner lion roar and consume this film with an open mind and a zeal for truth! Well worth the investment of your time!
Great docudrama
d-belteshazzar12 November 2014
Great movie that tells the true story of how Christianity started. The Church deceived people into thinking the Church replaced Israel. The Reformation is not complete and in studying the Bible it is clear that Israel was promised to the Jewish people.
Genesis 12:3 "And I will bless those who bless you, And the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed."
Genesis 17:7 "I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be G-d to you and to your descendants after you."
Genesis 17:8 "And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land of thy sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God."
Genesis 12:3 "And I will bless those who bless you, And the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed."
Genesis 17:7 "I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be G-d to you and to your descendants after you."
Genesis 17:8 "And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land of thy sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God."
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