The Forge has a positive message to convey, but it fails to convey it in a way that doesn’t feel like a Sunday school lesson or an expensive church play.

About the film

The current golden age of religious entertainment owes a lot to the Kendrick brothers. Although they were scathingly criticized by mainstream critics, Against the giants And Brave helped establish “Christian films” as a legitimate film genre. Since then, companies like Angel Studios and Kingdom Story Group have taken up the baton and taken the genre to new heights. With The ForgeThe Kendrick brothers show that although they have witnessed the changes in the industry around them, they have remained the same – for better or for worse. The Forge has a positive message to convey, but it fails to do so in a way that doesn’t feel like a Sunday school lesson or an expensive church skit.

Films like The Forge are difficult to review because they are different from other films in Hollywood. The Forge is technically a movie, but it doesn’t really do what other movies do. While many Hollywood movies have underlying themes or even overt messages, The Forge is not a “movie with a message,” but rather “a message conveyed through a movie.” Every cinematic element – characters, plot, dialogue, scenes – is subordinate to that message. The film arguably has more in common with a Bible study than with the other films in theaters this week.

Therefore, it is perhaps best to look at this film as two different things: a film and a message. Every film should be judged on its artistic merit, and religious films are no exception (one could argue that they should be judged by an even higher standard). But with The Forge, I suspect that many in the target audience are indifferent to artistic quality and just want to validate (or be validated) a message that aligns with their personal values. If you’re in the latter group, feel free to skip the next two paragraphs. For everyone else, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.

I don’t want to be overly negative, but I won’t sugar coat it either. Aside from the uplifting and pleasant nature of the core message (I’m very pro-Jesus and discipleship), The Forge is subpar in every way. It seems to have been created by pastors who enjoy preaching rather than storytellers who love or respect cinema. The Forge uses film as a tool, not as an art form. There is a (largely outdated) stereotype that religious films are merely gospel tracts in disguise. The Kendrick brothers heard this criticism and said, “Hold my Welch’s grape juice…” The Forge is essentially a tract of the Gospel without the disguise. In fact, there is even a scene in which a character literally Gospel tract and reads it aloud (for the benefit of the audience). The characters on the screen do not actually talk to each other each other just as they are mouthpieces for the film’s sermon.

The blunt moralizing would be easier to digest with a little sugar to help the medicine work. But not much actually happens between the various scenes in which the characters impart life wisdom to each other. The plot lacks tension. The first brief hint of character drama doesn’t occur until a full hour in. There’s also a surprising lack of humor and few interesting camera angles or framing. The film is predominantly dialogue-driven (often accompanied by tears and swelling music) and not much is conveyed visually or through action. Even prayer becomes a handy ploy to turn otherwise silent moments of inner struggle into expository monologues.

Despite all its many flaws, the film also has its positive sides (for those who skipped the last paragraphs: welcome back!). To its credit, it must be said that The Forge succeeds in being exactly the kind of film it wants to be, and viewers who crave a religiously-influenced story will likely leave the theater with a satisfied stomach. Viewers who want to see Christian values ​​represented in a film in a clear and straightforward manner are in the right place with the Kendrick brothers.

The Forge may be more of a message than a movie, but its message is an important one. While it doesn’t skip the obligatory “Christian conversion” moment, the film sets itself apart by continuing this story through to the “what’s next” phase of the Christian journey. As one character says, “People want salvation, but not everyone wants to follow Jesus as a disciple.” Not surprisingly, the film is accompanied by a whole host of Bible study materials. I pray that these resources will challenge and equip Christians not only to be disciples themselves, but to disciple others as well – especially the next generation.

Overall, the Kendrick brothers have a worthy sermon for Christian audiences. I just wish they had used a better medium than this film to do it. Like Luke Skywalker in the cave on Dagobah, most viewers will take from this film exactly what they give it. If you are looking for entertainment with Christians talking about pleasant Christian things, then watch this film. If you prefer movies in the theater, then this one is not for you. I believe there is still a place for the kind of films the Kendrick brothers make that “preach to the converted,” but The Forge feels like a missed opportunity. Cinema has so much more potential than just giving Christians another Bible study to attend.

On the surface

For consideration

Beneath the surface

Hire the film

Discipleship

There is nothing “beneath the surface” about this film, but it is not lacking in messages. Although it offers a diverse mix of Christian teaching topics (forgiveness, prayer, redemption, responsibility, evangelism, etc.), the focus is on the importance of Christian discipleship. The film attempts to provide a model for discipleship as a multi-generational structure in which disciples are empowered to make disciples themselves.

One character explains, “Discipleship comes at a price.” The speaker demonstrates this lesson by giving up golf. The young adult he is teaching gives up video games. The film tries to show that what one gains from following Jesus – peace and purpose – is far more satisfying than the earthly things one gives up. The film offers viewers a template to find their own “forge” of men (and presumably women) of multiple generations bearing each other’s burdens.

It’s an uplifting message. But there’s one aspect that bothers me. I don’t mean to offend the baby boomers, but the film’s perspective on the next generation has something of a “boomer fantasy” about it. It paints today’s young adults as apathetic and lazy drifters who waste their time on trivial activities like video games and desperately need a lesson from the older generation to grow up. Growing up Is important and instructions Is necessary. But this film is more about talking To young people, instead of talking with them. The main character essentially develops into a “good boomer” who has little time for his passions or friends as he becomes routine in going to church and working long hours. He becomes more responsible as the film progresses, but also loses most of his personality in the process. While well-intentioned, it’s a call to conformity that doesn’t meet young people where they are or recognize the complexity of their lives or the unique value they have to offer. It reminded me of an older lady who used to volunteer at my youth group, not out of love for teenagers, but just to “set them on the straight and narrow.”

masculinity

In a broader culture that has sought to redefine, minimize, or even demonize masculinity, The Forge offers a countercultural picture of biblical masculinity. It does so not by denigrating women or advocating alpha male dominance, but by challenging men to take responsibility through “tough love”: “Part of being a man is showing up.” While the portrayal of young adults may turn off young viewers, the film teaches young men some important “dad lessons” about giving a firm handshake, maintaining eye contact and showing up on time.