Imagine leaving everything you know behind — family, friends, country, and religion, to go to an unfamiliar place. That is part of the story of Ruth, a Moabite who chose to follow her Jewish mother-in-law to the land of Israel after tragedy struck their family. The Book of Ruth: Journey of Faith is a cinematic adaptation of the biblical narrative of the book of Ruth.
Directed by Stephen Patrick Walker and written by Walker, Salvatore DiSalvatore, and Richard Raucci, this engaging film stars Sherry Morris as Ruth, Eleese Lester (Lone Star) as Naomi, and Carmen (The Champion) as Boaz. The supporting cast includes, Kera O’Bryon (The Bill Collector), Lana Wood (Diamonds Are Forever), DJ Perry (Wicked Spring), Rebecca Holden (Knight Rider) and Dan Haggerty (Grizzly Adams). Morris’ and Lester’s winning portrayals of their respective characters, delivered an authenticity to their on-screen familial relationship. Lester gracefully plays a grief-stricken mother strongly rooted in her faith. Ruth’s tender loyalty to her mother-in-law is adeptly expressed through Morris’ performance. Natalie Wood’s younger sister, Lana Wood, brought some spunk to the film as Naomi’s friend and DJ Perry proved that acting involves more than mere words.
Traditionally, the story of Ruth is primarily seen as a love story between a man and a woman. However, it was pleasing to see that this film wonderfully highlighted the significance of Ruth and Naomi’s relationship. Through its splendid cinematography, it focused on their mutual suffering and physical journey together to the land of Israel as a visual metaphor for commitment to faith and relationships, especially when traversing difficulties.
Ruth’s faithfulness to her mother-in-law also speaks to the biblical mandate to care for widows. It is after Ruth demonstrates her loyalty to Naomi, that she is blessed through Ruth with Boaz, as her husband. When we are faithful to God’s people, God is faithful to us.
DVD GIVEAWAY CONTEST: If you leave a comment on this post, you will be entered to win a copy of the DVD, The Book of Ruth: Journey to Faith. This contest will end on September 20, 2010 at 12:00am.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary DVD screener from Pure Flix Entertainment for review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Great review! I look forward to seeing the film.
hi please enter me in the giveaway x
This particular book of the Bible for me has usually been seen more as the story of Ruth and Naomi, “Your people shall be my people, and your God shall be my God…” Particularly Ruth’s acceptance of that which Naomi holds dear.
I will be happy to see this movie given the chance!
Sounds like a lovely film. I like that the movie is specific to the daughter-mother-in-law relationship. We could all take a lesson from these two woman of God.
If it’s from PureFlix, I’m sure David White and the gang have made a quality Biblical film!
It sounds like a good film. My Bible study would love it!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Congratulations, Amy! You won a copy of the DVD, The Book of Ruth: Journey of Faith. I will be emailing you for a mailing address.
Thanks for highlighting this film! I’m developing a Faith & Film class, and this might be a good selection. I’m also interested since the Ruth text is so often used as a wedding text, though the context is not romantic love but familial love.
It would be interesting to see a film about Ruth and Naomi. It is, after all, where my parents got my name!
The story of Ruth in the Bible fascinates me. I even grabbed her name as a nickname in a role playing 3d Christian world because I love her story so much. Looking back abt 2 yrs later and finding I love a man in another country and want to make “his people, my people” in real life. I see God was preparing me for such a time as this. I hope to win this movie and enjoy it with my love.
Well done. We need more movies like this. Definately a great movie and I would be proud to show it to my children and grandchildren. Love it….