Synopsis:
The Promise: The Birth of the Messiah is an animated musical celebration of one of the most pivotal events in all human history, the birth of Jesus Christ.
This beautifully crafted musical is a faithful adaptation of the birth narrative from the Gospel of Luke in both story and song. The animated production leverages optical motion capture technology to blend traditional animation techniques with the performance talents of ballet dancers and dramatic stage actors. The result is a unique and worshipful story experience that will inspire audiences young and old for years to come.
In ancient Israel, during the days of King Herod, a young couple’s world is turned upside down when the prophecy of a long-awaited deliverer unfolds upon their lives. They must trust in God’s promise in the midst of rising challenges, and their faithfulness is rewarded as they witness the most surprising and glorious event of all human history – the promise fulfilled in the birth of the Messiah.
— Glorious Films
Review:
When I first watched this movie, I wasn’t expecting an animated musical. Now it’s one of my favorite films for the season (or any time I want to hear beautiful music). This film looks at the birth of Jesus in a way I have never seen presented before. It treats us to a front row seat of the musical presentation found in the first chapters of Luke. Most people don’t realize the musicality that was written into the Gospel or the poetry and beauty of the account.
I love how this film makes Mary and Joseph relatable and human. You start to realize what it could have been like for the people who lived during the times the prophecies were actually being fulfilled around them. One of my favorite moments is when Joseph realizes the prophecy of the virgin birth. Sometimes we may not think of the real people these things happened to, but I love the perspective this movie gives you. You see the young couple looking forward to getting married as well as understand the tension that almost drove them apart, as well as the family and community dynamics during those times.
There is nothing objectionable in this film. Even the references to not “being with a man” are tastefully done and you can feel comfortable with your children watching it. In the beginning, a religious ruler does spit on a captured zealot and call him a dog, but even then it is handled tastefully and is a good conversation opener with your children about the tumultuous times surrounding the birth of Jesus.
The Promise tells the story of the birth of the Messiah with beautiful music, wonderful animation, and excellent storytelling and is biblically accurate.
— B. Payne
