17 reviews
The story of Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand is my favorite romance. Ever since I first read Sabina's story in her autobiography, "The Pastor's Wife," I've hoped to emulate her. So I went into this film with high expectations, and it met almost every last one. One of my all time favorite parts of Sabina's story became the focal point of this tale, much to my delight. There were a few creative liberties taken with the story, but for the most part, to discuss them would be nitpicking. There was a healthy amount of humor, and all of that humor served a purpose to either advance the plot or to drive home an important message. And the locations they chose for filming were often quite breathtaking, being set in the landscapes of Romania (where the story takes place) and Northern Ireland.
The choice to have Raluca Botez reprise her role as Sabina, but two decades before the start of the previous film, was a bold one, but it worked for the most part. There were points when you could really tell they had an older actress playing a young woman. Emil Mandanac, on the other hand, looks like he hasn't aged a day.
I gave the movie an 80% rating on account of two primary complaints. First, I wasn't overly fond of the editing at the very opening of the movie. Scene transitions were sharp and sudden, and it could be a bit confusing in the first 5-10 minutes. It was unclear whether the movie would have exposition in the form of subtitles throughout until Sabina started narrating, and their excuse for speaking English felt, to me, as contrived as the pilot episode of Hogan's Heroes. It is, in fact, accurate to many of the Wurmbrands' interactions with people whose native tongue they did not speak, but this fact gets lost in the way they present it. The jarring transitions didn't last throughout the film, but the narration acted as a constant reminder that they were there.
Second was the unusual decision to have the Wurmbrands seemingly distance themselves from their Jewish heritage after they became Christians. The Wurmbrands made a VERY firm point about being born Jews, to the point that Richard even rejected the opportunity to hide his heritage outright when a friend in the Reich bureaucracy gave him the chance. When a few characters, one of them a soldier, ask Richard if he is a Jew, Richard answers that he is a Christian. In real life, the answer would've been, "Yes, I am a Jew, as is my Savior." They did this because the pastor who baptized and trained them, Isaac Feinstein, also wore the star without shame. It didn't sit well with me to see these unashamedly Jewish Christians correcting anyone who asked them if they were Jewish. And if I could change just one part of the film, that would be it.
Overall, this is a beautiful film with a beautiful message, and it captures the love between Richard and Sabina wonderfully. I came for the romance and stayed for the message. It truly is a wonderful summary of what it is to be a Christian, especially in times of trial and persecution. "The heart of the gospel is forgiveness."
The choice to have Raluca Botez reprise her role as Sabina, but two decades before the start of the previous film, was a bold one, but it worked for the most part. There were points when you could really tell they had an older actress playing a young woman. Emil Mandanac, on the other hand, looks like he hasn't aged a day.
I gave the movie an 80% rating on account of two primary complaints. First, I wasn't overly fond of the editing at the very opening of the movie. Scene transitions were sharp and sudden, and it could be a bit confusing in the first 5-10 minutes. It was unclear whether the movie would have exposition in the form of subtitles throughout until Sabina started narrating, and their excuse for speaking English felt, to me, as contrived as the pilot episode of Hogan's Heroes. It is, in fact, accurate to many of the Wurmbrands' interactions with people whose native tongue they did not speak, but this fact gets lost in the way they present it. The jarring transitions didn't last throughout the film, but the narration acted as a constant reminder that they were there.
Second was the unusual decision to have the Wurmbrands seemingly distance themselves from their Jewish heritage after they became Christians. The Wurmbrands made a VERY firm point about being born Jews, to the point that Richard even rejected the opportunity to hide his heritage outright when a friend in the Reich bureaucracy gave him the chance. When a few characters, one of them a soldier, ask Richard if he is a Jew, Richard answers that he is a Christian. In real life, the answer would've been, "Yes, I am a Jew, as is my Savior." They did this because the pastor who baptized and trained them, Isaac Feinstein, also wore the star without shame. It didn't sit well with me to see these unashamedly Jewish Christians correcting anyone who asked them if they were Jewish. And if I could change just one part of the film, that would be it.
Overall, this is a beautiful film with a beautiful message, and it captures the love between Richard and Sabina wonderfully. I came for the romance and stayed for the message. It truly is a wonderful summary of what it is to be a Christian, especially in times of trial and persecution. "The heart of the gospel is forgiveness."
- atarahderek
- Nov 8, 2021
- Permalink
I was blessed to meet Richard and Sabina back in 1991. This film was acurate to their stroy of a Jewish couple who rescued many from the Nazi gas chambers. After the war when the Soviets took over Eastern Europe Richard was sent to a prison camp for sharing his faitn in Yeshua (Jeusus) with other people. This persecution still takes place in many countries. It is ironic that this film should come at as the Russians are starting to invade Ukraine and families of refugees are now pouring iinto countires that once housed concetration camps.
- dleavitt-805-83873
- Mar 10, 2022
- Permalink
I was not familiar with the Wurmbrand's story. I thought the production was solid as well as the acting. The story is told well. Not on the level of Ghandi, but a great "true story" about forgiveness.
- darinrose-15558
- Nov 8, 2021
- Permalink
Great movie! If you're like me and are reading reviews hoping to see if this is okay for kiddos to watch, this is for you. My girls are 5, 11, and 13. While the youngest didn't really have any interest, this movie is safe for them to watch. There was implied violence etc, but no actual violence was shown that I can recall (there are obviously some fearful scenes because of the plot and setting). There was some alcohol and partying (mostly before the couple got saved, and the bad guys). I didn't hear any curse words. If you feel your children are old enough to understand the impact of this type of movie, I'd say it's a good one. It shows the importance of accepting Jesus Christ as your personal savior, and how He can change your life to make you more like Him. My husband, our kids, and my in laws really thought this was a solid movie (and my in laws are extremely conservative and will barely watch any TV or movies). Watch it, and spread the word.
- christincarnell
- Mar 10, 2022
- Permalink
This was better than what I expected!
So well done, the characters looked exactly like the original people!
What a story... it's unbelievable that people had the bravery and depth of faith these two had!
I want to purchase the DVD of this!
Is there a way we stream this for those how missed the movie in the theaters?
Thank you!
Nancy.
So well done, the characters looked exactly like the original people!
What a story... it's unbelievable that people had the bravery and depth of faith these two had!
I want to purchase the DVD of this!
Is there a way we stream this for those how missed the movie in the theaters?
Thank you!
Nancy.
I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into when I decided to choose this movie as a personal girls night out. There is an option to watch a thriller but I thought just the cover page seemed interesting so I chose Sabina. Didn't actually know it was a fully enveloped Christian movie but I wanted to see just how an atheist could choose to love an enemy through God whom they didn't believe. What a tremendous story, I loved how they started off and the ending was worth waiting for. I was held through the whole entire movie, it was exciting, and many instances I could relate being that I'm an African American, and the fact that I am a true forgiver I immediately went home and pre-ordered the DVD in hopes to show it as an Easter movie in church. What the world needs now is love soaked and forgiveness it's the only way in this movie expressed it so beautifully. It gives me the desire that every chance I am broken and hurt by people to forgive immediately so that the love of God shows through and saves the world.
- appleapplepies
- Nov 23, 2021
- Permalink
The lengths that this family and this man and these people went through during such a time to live out and spread the faith is remarkable.
I'm grateful I watched this and was sent this by my church community.
To God be the Glory through His Son Jesus Christ's name.
Imitation of Christ is lived out by these beautiful believers during this time in the Soviet Union. It's inspiring.
I'm grateful I watched this and was sent this by my church community.
To God be the Glory through His Son Jesus Christ's name.
Imitation of Christ is lived out by these beautiful believers during this time in the Soviet Union. It's inspiring.
- anthonydapiii
- Nov 10, 2021
- Permalink
Wife found out about the film and its Christian historical message and we attended with hope that movie quality and production would appeal to us and curious movie goers. The first third of the movie was a bit quick to introduce the characters and develop relationships but once the leading male character began acting on his new faith the "care" for the characters and their mission solidified the story. Dramatic elements were good and cast and production were solid. It was a bit jarring to feel how the Jewish Star of David forced to be worn by the Jews and the papers looked at by the Nazis to identify and control the Romanian Jews is being played out with Covid Vax docs now in America. Watch the movie with someone important to you and you will feel challenged with how we spend our lives and react to adversity and fear for our safety.
- brianwhahappen
- Nov 8, 2021
- Permalink
This movie is one of he best ever produced. The story is incredibly powerful as Sabina shows us the gospel practically in her life in such an amazing and sacrificial way I wonder if I would in such circumstances, I would be able to do the same. One of my all time favorites. If you haven't seen it yet, just go WATCH IT NOW.
- reformstead
- Mar 10, 2022
- Permalink
This movie is probably the perfect double -edged sword.
On the one hand it is absolutely perfect. Perfect actors, perfect movie sets, music et al. But this movie is obviously not about performance, although the VOM has apparently invested a lot into it, to have their donations rolling.
It is about an incredible story of salvation of the Wurmbrand's, and at least the physical salvation of others, while we are not aware through this movie if spiritual salvations occurred.
My two favorite quotes will give you a glimpse of what awaits you in this movie:
Richard "... it reveals to us the death of our sinfulness, our deep need for a Savior. No, I think, no, I do not want a Jesus who has been calculated, explained and believed in. I want a real Jesus. Is that such an impossible ideal?"
Sabine "From the day of my wedding forward, I only ever kissed two men, one my husband, and two, a man who murdered my family."
Now why a double -edged sword?
Because the producers could not take their hands away from the Anglican and Lutheran church. It is incomprehensible why such a movie had to be ruined through denominational divisions. Why could Wurmbrand not simply have found his salvation in a church building which had not been hastily decorated with a big print of 'Anglican Mission to the Jews'? Why did the producer commit the incredible error to involve Luther's name in this movie?
The only reason I see to have included Luther into this movie, -and it would have been a perfect opportunity- would have been to apologize in the name of the Reformed / Lutheran Church for the Holocaust which would probably not have existed without Luther (very hard words but we cannot ignore this well-known truth). But to present now precisely a Lutheran as savior of those who suffered the ugly consequences of Luther's antisemitism, is ridiculous at best, it is audacious.
I deeply respect Wurmbrand for what he has done and suffered, no matter the denomination. But precisely this denomination should have been left out of the movie. It would have been so easy to leave the church door blank and to let him be just a Christian pastor.
On the one hand it is absolutely perfect. Perfect actors, perfect movie sets, music et al. But this movie is obviously not about performance, although the VOM has apparently invested a lot into it, to have their donations rolling.
It is about an incredible story of salvation of the Wurmbrand's, and at least the physical salvation of others, while we are not aware through this movie if spiritual salvations occurred.
My two favorite quotes will give you a glimpse of what awaits you in this movie:
Richard "... it reveals to us the death of our sinfulness, our deep need for a Savior. No, I think, no, I do not want a Jesus who has been calculated, explained and believed in. I want a real Jesus. Is that such an impossible ideal?"
Sabine "From the day of my wedding forward, I only ever kissed two men, one my husband, and two, a man who murdered my family."
Now why a double -edged sword?
Because the producers could not take their hands away from the Anglican and Lutheran church. It is incomprehensible why such a movie had to be ruined through denominational divisions. Why could Wurmbrand not simply have found his salvation in a church building which had not been hastily decorated with a big print of 'Anglican Mission to the Jews'? Why did the producer commit the incredible error to involve Luther's name in this movie?
The only reason I see to have included Luther into this movie, -and it would have been a perfect opportunity- would have been to apologize in the name of the Reformed / Lutheran Church for the Holocaust which would probably not have existed without Luther (very hard words but we cannot ignore this well-known truth). But to present now precisely a Lutheran as savior of those who suffered the ugly consequences of Luther's antisemitism, is ridiculous at best, it is audacious.
I deeply respect Wurmbrand for what he has done and suffered, no matter the denomination. But precisely this denomination should have been left out of the movie. It would have been so easy to leave the church door blank and to let him be just a Christian pastor.
- fitforfaith-ministries
- Oct 12, 2024
- Permalink
This incredible true story was beautifully told in this movie. Not only was the storytelling captivating but the actual production and cinematography of the movie was good. I typically am very picky about the movies I watch but this movie deserves the full ten stars.
- angelbabyac
- Jul 15, 2022
- Permalink
While the overall story was powerful, we did have some issues watching it. There were many points in the movie where the soundtrack and/or background noises were too loud to hear what was being said and there was no option for subtitles on the VOM platform we watched from. This is my reason for the rating. We read later that Sabina was one of the founders of VOM which was not mentioned in the movie or even at the end, an important and interesting fact that we felt should have been mentioned.
- shesastargazer
- Mar 10, 2022
- Permalink
So inspiring; Forgiveness is the heart of the gospel. This movie for sure draws someone to Christ and encourage someone to keep the Faith and fight for the truth. Jesus forgave us, why should we not forgive others?
- nancywangui-59298
- Mar 10, 2022
- Permalink
We showed this movie in our church and it really touched peoples hearts. It is the most incredible movie on forgiveness and that forgiveness is the heart of the Gospel. This is a must see for everyone!
This is a story that altho hard to watch at times, needs to be seen. It is a story of not only change but of determination, courage, faith and so much more. Well made and beautifully acted.
I approached this independent production with major doubts that this powerful story could be told as successfully as would be needed. Within the first 10mins, I was marvelling at the look and feel of the high production values - which just kept getting better as the story moved into its more dramatic historical facts. Not many factual faith based stories offer such stylish art direction (Medeea Enciu) and cinematography, full credit to Mark Chamberlin and Silviu Stavila, working superbly with above-average writer/director John Grooters.
Set in war-ravaged Europe, it recounts the grueling journey of two Romanian Jews who became Christians, Sabina, and Richard Wurmbrand - as they take on the invading Nazis by hiding and transporting persecuted families--without concerns for their own safety. What some people achieved during these hideous years challenges us all to wonder if we could have endured the threats, persecution, and pain throughout these long, dark, war years. Their strength shines as a beacon to us all.
Taking us through their superficial early lives, during the decadent pre-war era, to their remarkable later achievements, this picture keeps you spellbound to the finale. Some may have already read books authored by these strong people, if not; this movie re-telling may encourage you. Not to be missed by lovers of quality cinema.
Set in war-ravaged Europe, it recounts the grueling journey of two Romanian Jews who became Christians, Sabina, and Richard Wurmbrand - as they take on the invading Nazis by hiding and transporting persecuted families--without concerns for their own safety. What some people achieved during these hideous years challenges us all to wonder if we could have endured the threats, persecution, and pain throughout these long, dark, war years. Their strength shines as a beacon to us all.
Taking us through their superficial early lives, during the decadent pre-war era, to their remarkable later achievements, this picture keeps you spellbound to the finale. Some may have already read books authored by these strong people, if not; this movie re-telling may encourage you. Not to be missed by lovers of quality cinema.