Wednesday, February 03, 2016

Born to Win, a must-see movie


Born to Win is another one of those movies you hope everyone sees. This true story is a tearjerker yet leaves you with hope and a desire to make more of your life—to become a winner.

Leon Terblanche—played by Greg Kriek (Momentum), and little Leon played by James Reardon—knew fear and abuse at a young age. With the exception of a short season of happiness in the modest home of “Mama” (Sylvia Mdunyelwa-Kobus), Leon’s life was miserable—so much so that by the time he was a teen, his heart had become callous.

But the camaraderie of college life brushes the hardness aside especially when he falls in love with Elmarie—played by Leoné Pienaar (Break Away). When the couple marry and give birth to a daughter, life seems promising. At least for a time.

But Leon’s battles are not over, and when hardships arise, so do his inner demons. It will take a miracle to save his marriage. And another to save the life of his daughter, Briggitte (Marié Cronjé).

The story takes place in South Africa in the apartheid era yet in Mama’s home, her son (Zuki Sigwela) and Leon become like brothers with no regard for color. Another interesting element is Leon’s work among physically disabled kids. He is confronted with their own struggles in light of their handicaps, many of which are the result of injustice.

Not until Leon reckons with his own hurts through Christ can he offer anything meaningful for the hurts of others.

I could criticize a few things in this movie such as the fact that the Terblanches sit in the front row of church on their first visit (most people would feel self-conscious), but then if they weren’t in the front, drama would be lost. Artistic license wins. Or I could mention that the voice used for God is a tad cliché, but then again I’m not the one who heard it: Leon Terblanche is. The bottom line is that the story is superb and all the better because it is true.

Written and directed by Frans Cronjé and produced by the same producer as Faith Like Potatoes, which sold more than 2.2 million DVDs in 17 languages worldwide, Born to Win will likely soar to the same heights and become another winner. (No pun intended.)

Learn more about Born to Win here on FacebookOr here. Buy the DVD here.

Janey DeMeo M.A.

Copyright © February 2016


JaneyDeMeo.com

Tuesday, February 02, 2016

Patterns of Evidence: Exodus


Patterns of Evidence, Exodus

The documentary film, Patterns of Evidence: Exodus by Timothy Mahoney is spectacular. Spectacular from the standpoint of cinematography and also as compelling biblical evidence for the Old Testament’s account of the Exodus.

Seeking answers about whether the exodus of the Israelites out of Egypt really happened or not, filmmaker Tim Mahoney set out on a 12-year mission to document an in-depth archeological investigation.

Mahoney’s quest takes him to the very locations that surround the Exodus story. As he delves more deeply into the mystery of this biblical event, a question arises: What if archeologists and other specialists have been seeking evidence in the wrong time period? That changes everything.

The film employs stunning footage on archeological findings and fascinating commentary from several archaeologists, historians, biblical scholars and even skeptics—all of which provide puzzle pieces to help create a fascinating picture—a picture which fails to adequately defy biblical narrative.

Although both sides of the Exodus argument are presented – the viewpoint of skeptics as well as believers – many people would agree that it would be hard to deny that Mahoney’s discoveries offer compelling evidence that the Exodus did in fact take place as the Bible records. But whatever way your convictions about the Exodus lean, until you see this film, your vision is limited.  Well worth seeing.

Patterns of Evidence: Exodus by Timothy P. Mahoney also exists as a 392 hard cover book with more than 170 color photos and 90 graphical images including the Wall of Time, charts, maps, and architectural re-creations. Both the book and the DVD make wonderful gifts and additions to any library. 

Watch the trailer of Patterns of Evidence: Exodus here: https://youtu.be/2assFIyLInE.

Find out more about Patterns of Evidence here on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PatternsofEvidence.




Janey DeMeo M.A.

Copyright © February 2016

JaneyDeMeo.com