Persecuted is a Timely Faith-based Film that Deserves Recognition
Are we losing our religious freedoms in this country? Are Christians being pressured to keep silent when laws they biblically disagree with are being passed? This is the subject matter of the new movie, Persecuted, written and directed by Pueblo, Colorado native Daniel Lusko. The PG-13 rated picture just opened on July 18 and is currently showing at Celebration! Cinema North, South and at River Town Crossings Mall. Its runtime is 91 minutes and a lot of action and hot potatoes are featured in the movie.The synopsis for the movie is as follows: Nationally acclaimed evangelist John Luther is the last obstacle in the way of sweeping religious reform in the States. When a U.S. Senator and Luther’s own supporters abduct and frame him in the murder of an innocent teenage girl, an unprecedented era of persecution is unleashed. Out on personal recognizance, Luther escapes police surveillance in search of the truth. And suddenly, a once-normal life is targeted by a team of ex-military operatives who wage a relentless campaign to eliminate the incriminating evidence. As evangelist turned fugitive, Luther vows to expose anyone involved with or profiting from the girl’s murder; a mission that brings him face-to-face with the coming storm of persecution that will threaten the entire Christian community in America.
The film contains powerful dialog as the courageous Luthor makes statements like, “You cannot legislate the power of God.” Accused of intolerance, he makes a stand for the religious freedom of the people. He must deal with scandal, government surveillance, and censorship.
In one eloquent comment, Luthor says, “If you take away a man’s right to speak his mind in a country founded on that very principle, you don’t really have a country, now do you?”
James Remar is terrific as Evangelist John Luther and the movie features Dean Stockwell, Bruce Davidson and Natalie Grant as well.
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The movie features a strong theme and that is that one man can make a difference. John Luthor, world famous evangelist, reaches more people than the evening news. Senator Donald Harrison (Davidson) pressures him to join with a newly formed faith movement which is attempting to unite all religions as a one world religion. Luthor recognizes his powerful world-wide influence and is unbending in his resolve to not compromise his Christian beliefs. Senator Harrison hatches a plot to frame Luthor for the murder of a young woman. Now on the run, Luthor seeks his father’s help, a Catholic priest, and his father tells him there are only two options: face up to being caught or prove his innocence before he is captured. Luthor decides to prove his innocence and the fast-paced plot moves forward as he attempts to come up with evidence of his innocence while avoiding the pursuit of the law.
This powerful and dramatic movie contains a strong message of redemption and of standing up for one’s faith. The acting is excellent too. However, a caution should be given that it does contain some violence, including a few scenes of characters being struck in the head with bullets and some shedding of blood. It is a compelling watch and certainly is current with today’s issues regarding religious freedoms. I recommend that Christians watch and support it.
