MovieChat Forums > Beyond the Farthest Star (2015) Discussion > Raising the Bar for Faith-Based Films

Raising the Bar for Faith-Based Films

posted 11 years ago by onetwentyinnafiftyfive
2 replies | jump to latest

I had the pleasure if seeing "Beyond the Farthest Star" on October 18, 2013 at the Cinemark West Plano in Plano, Texas.

I have seen several faith-based films. In each case, I left the film feeling like I had just watched a made-for-TV movie or an after school special. As a result, I was a bit skeptical going in to see "Beyond the Farthest Star". While delivering a good message, this genre often "preaches" to the viewer, and in many cases seems to lack in quality acting, writing, direction, and production. I understand filmmakers for this genre are limited by budget, but I do not watch a film for its potential.

"Beyond the Farthest Star" has forever changed my expectations. With regard to writing, acting, production, cinematography, soundtrack, and score, this film can clearly hold its own up against any secular film. The plot was engaging and complex. The acting was not only believable, but also moving. No single actor stole the show, but rather the entire cast pulled equal weight. For the duration of the film, I was lost in a story and was quickly committed to the characters---a feat not easily accomplished in many mainstream films. The beautiful score was moving and enveloping without being distracting. Lastly, while clearly touching on a faith-based message, "Beyond the Farthest Star" did not preach to the viewer.

Frankly, I do not go to the cinema to be spiritually moved. I go to be entertained. It is my hope that potential viewers are not turned off from watching this film based on prior faith-based films. I am confident any non-believer or fan of dramas would equally enjoy it. "Beyond the Farthest Star" is a refreshing change for faith-based films and has set a new standard for all dramas.

[–] melwyn 10 years ago

I'm a big fan of Renee, which is why I'd give this film a shot. I'll be honest, the description "faith based" turns me off completely.

So, serious questions: what makes a film "faith based" if it isn't focused on sending a religious message? Isn't it then just a film with a religious theme (regardless of the religion)? What's the difference between the two?

And is a "secular" film simply a film without any religious themes?

Not wanting a barney, just asking genuine questions :)
---
I just want sausages and mash and a bit of cake. Not twigs fried in honey or a donkey in a coffin!

[–] Wuchak (8110) 5 years ago

A "faith based" film simply means that the production team is decidedly Christian and the film has a Christian message, sometimes overt and other times low-key. This doesn't mean, of course, that every person hired for the project is necessarily a Christian. "War Room" is a good example of an explicit faith-based film whereas "Moms' Night Out" is way lighter and amusing.

A "secular" film simply means it’s not distinctly a Christian production. But this shouldn’t be interpreted to mean that there aren’t any Christians on the team or that the message isn’t biblically-oriented in some way. The blatant message of “Pulp Fiction,” for instance, is that a wise person recognizes God’s grace and makes the necessary changes whereas a fool fails to recognize it and blithely continues on the road of folly.

Here are a few other examples: “One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest” has a potent anti-legalism message; “Black Death” contrasts the genuine faith of flawed people with the disingenuous ‘faith’ of a hypocrite; “Wendigo” emphasizes that it’s faith which activates spiritual beings, including those that aren’t benign.

Whether “faith based” or “secular” most films have a moral — good, bad or ugly — even if their main purpose is to entertain and make money. Even comedies usually have a moral.