Magdalena: Released From Shame
From SPARK
One-sentence summary
This DVD is a 78-minute film of Mary Magdalene telling her personal story of being one of Christ’s disciples and witnessing his ministry to women.
Description
From DVD cover:
One woman caught in the scandalous act of adultery; another, rejected and ignored because of her promiscuous lifestyle; another, shunned for 12 years because of a shameful condition; a widow, cast out from society, mourning the loss of her only son. An ugly thread of shame, sorrow and hopelessness painfully weaves its way through the lives of each of these women. After following Jesus for three years, Mary Magdalene observed all these things and more. She also witnessed changed lives, miracles, and the results of restored hope. Watching in amazement, Mary learned from Jesus a new way to look at people. He also radically transformed her life by healing her from demon possession – releasing her from shame. Mary Magdalene acts as both narrator and participant in Magdalena: Released From Shame, as she traces through the story of lives that have come into contact with this man, Jesus, and have been powerfully released from shame.
From Reviewer
This new DVD, with much footage taken from the Luke video, was made especially for women and is an exceptional tool for showing to women from Muslim countries. The story of Christ is covered from the annunciation to the resurrection. Magdalena (Mary Magdalene) is present in the film from the time Jesus heals her from demon possession until his resurrection. She tells her personal story of Jesus to two young women, a boy and a girl, and an older woman. They interact with Magdalena throughout the film as they ask her questions and try to understand who Jesus is.
Considerations
Magdalena (Mary Magdalene), whom Jesus healed from demon possession, is the main character. The film begins with, and periodically includes, Magdalena telling her friends of her experiences as a follower of Jesus. She is pictured as an eyewitness to the accounts of Jesus healing and helping the women mentioned in the Gospel narratives. Her friends ask her questions in the storytelling scenes and she responds with comforting and encouraging answers. The film should appeal to women generally and especially to those who suffer from shame, oppression, neglect, or hopelessness. The film is culturally appropriate and accurate.
Limitations
Guy Birtwhistle played the part of Jesus in the Gospel stories that were added to the original Luke film. When one looks closely one can see that he is not the same Jesus as in the original film (which was played by Brian Deacon), but the matching is quite good. The voice matching with the original is done very well. Mary Magdalene, portrayed by Rebecca Ritz, is also a new actress in this film. The producers have done a good job of combining the new scenes of her and supporting characters with portions from the original film.
Guidelines for Use
This film is well-suited to show women how Christ cares for them.
Where to Obtain
Link to Producer or Source Organization
Cost
$12.95 per copy; $19.98 for packet of two copies.
Producer/Owners
Author/Artist/Producer
Nardine Productions
Current copyright owner
Inspirational Films Inc.
Other Information
Nardine Productions in association with Inspirational Films, Inc.
Reviewed by
Helen M.
Date
February 2008
