Full of Grace (2015) Reviews

• Redemption

  jop-842712018-07-25

  Great Film. All about Redemption. Why should prostitutes be shunned and abhored when they put in a good day's work and gave everything of themselves in an hour and toiled to make money? The answer: they shouldn't. This film shows you that they too can be revered and respected. In the old days a prostitute had to pretend she never had sex and it was all immaculate conception (and other Star Wars fantasy crap). We are better than that now. Honesty. Film.

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• Absolutely breathtaking!

  shamrockrosetreasures2018-08-30

  I cannot recommend this movie highly enough! The actress who portrayed Mary was absolutely stunning! Not "made up" stunning.... I mean, naturally, organically, spiritually stunning! After watching this film, I felt like I had just spent the evening in conversation with Mary and Jesus' Disciples.

• A Quiet,Contemplative And Reflective Film About The Blessed Virgin Mary

  Desertman842016-10-30

  Bahia Haifi stars in Full Of Grace,an independent drama by Andrew Hyatt that narrates the story of the Blessed Virgin Mary during the last days of her life.Noam Jenkins co-stars. The screenplay was set ten years after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus.We get to see the Blessed Virgin ponders on her life with Jesus as she shares her experiences with him to the apostles as they anticipate the arrival of Peter.Mary lived thirty years before Jesus started his public ministry and has a lot of interesting events to share such as the revelation that she is going to be the mother of the Son of God,her and her husband's flight to Egypt,losing the child Jesus in Jerusalem, and the events leading to the death of Jesus on the cross.When Peter arrived,he tries to draw inspiration from Mary after he narrowly escaped death during his travel preaching the gospel.These conversation with Mary allowed Peter to gain encouragement after he learns more about the truth. While I was expecting another biographical film about the Blessed Virgin Mary,I was surprised with Full Of Grace as it wasn't. Instead,it provides the viewer a quiet,meditative and contemplative film that involves with the Mother of God.We get to learn more about the truth from her especially during her conversation with Peter as well as how much she learned from the joyful and sorrowful experiences of her life with Jesus.Finally,the viewer will definitely draw inspiration from her especially when we face trials and challenges in life.A great Christian film.

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• A remarkable film

  aficionadoKD2016-10-22

  This film is visually stunning, with a beautiful soundtrack and powerful acting performances. It continues to haunt me weeks after seeing it. Somehow it manages to portray two larger-than-life historical figures, Peter and Mary, in a way that makes them very human and remarkably current. At the same time it remains true to the saintly nature both surely possessed, and provides insight into the historical struggles of the early church. The film manages to remain non-denominational, such that Christians of any background, and perhaps even spiritually oriented non-Christians, can enjoy it. By the end of the film I had been moved to tears more than once, I felt I could relate to Mary and Peter in a way I never had before, and I felt closer to Christ, despite his not appearing in the movie at all. A true triumph of independent film making.

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• Peter'Struggles and Goes to Mary

  barbourjohn-633-6089322018-01-24

  Full of Grace is a movie about Mary, the mother of Jesus. It sounds promising, but it disappoints on every level. On the superficial viewing level, it is slow moving and boring and on the deeper and more theological level, there are many parts that are unbiblical, troubling and difficult to watch. The title of the book is misleading as well. It is just as much about Peter as it is about Mary. It could be called "Peter's Struggles". The climax and highlight of the movie occurs about 2/3rds of the way into the movie where Mary gives a good "hearts, hands, flesh, blood" pep talk to the apostles, who at that point, seem to be collectively struggling with doubts and fears. It's a good talk about the Incarnate Word in Mary with flashbacks to the birth, crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. I should have known that it was Roman Catholic. They are the ones that translate Luke 1:28 as "full of grace" from the Latin Vulgate instead of the original Greek text which is more appropriately translated, "the one who is graced - favored - blessed". The passive participle indicates that Mary is the recipient of this favor or grace. But even as a Roman Catholic, I would have objections to this movie. For one thing; It presents a very weak Peter, who is unsure of himself. Remember, he is supposed to be the rock- the first pope. It also presents a Christianity where explanations don't seem to matter. It is a mindless Christianity that provides no reasons; it is almost other worldly and gnostic. It is an inner light in opposition to a light shining outwardly on a dark world. How does this square with all the doctrine, dogma, creeds, and catechisms of the Church? The movie is one long dialog between Peter and Mary with others chiming in. Peter doubts and questions; Mary answers and offers wisdom. Contrasted with the Bible, and the movie comes up short. Here are few of the problems: 1. On the cross, Mary was presented to John, the apostle, not Peter. So, why Peter? And where is John? (John 19:26-27) Later he does show up in the movie with other struggling apostles. 2. Mary had other sons and daughters. Why are they not taking care of their mother along with John? And why does Mary now live alone with a servant? (Matthew 13:53-56) 3. Peter, along with the other Apostles were given the Holy Spirit to guide them into all truth. Why does Peter and the others now need Mary to tell them the truth? (John 14:25-26; John 15:26-27; John 16:12-15) 4. Mary is sick, and Peter is doubting just 10 years after the resurrection. This contradicts the Acts of the Holy Spirit in Holy Scripture. (For example, Acts 5:15) 5. Mary tells Peter that the light will fade, yet this contradicts the power of the resurrection, John 1, and the view of the Church fathers. (For example, St Athanasius said, "And to sum the matter up: behold how the Savior's doctrine is everywhere increasing, while all idolatry and everything opposed to the faith of Christ is daily dwindling, and losing power, and falling. And thus beholding, worship the Saviour, Who is above all and mighty, even God the Word; and condemn those who are being worsted and done away by Him. For as, when the sun has come, darkness no longer prevails, but if any be still left anywhere it is driven away; so, now that the divine Appearing of the Word of God has come, the darkness of the idols prevails no more, and all parts of the world in every direction are illumined by His teaching." ("On the Incarnation" 55:2-3) 6. The movie depicts Peter as the head of the Jerusalem church whereas the reality is that James, the Lord's brother, was the leader. (Acts 15). Clement of Rome, who is supposed to have succeeded Peter as bishop of Rome and therefore, according to Roman Catholic dogma, the first pope, called James, the "bishop of bishops, who rules Jerusalem, the Holy Church of the Hebrews, and all the Churches everywhere". 7. Speaking of James; the movie has the disciples toasting James the son of Zebedee and asking him to pray for them. At best, we can say this is an anachronism. 8. Peter eventually overcomes his struggle and serves the eucharist to his fellow apostles and extreme unction (last rights) to Mary. 9. It ends with Mary dying outside of Jerusalem at a young age. What happened to the Ephesus tradition? I feel like I should like this movie because Mary does tell the story of Jesus in a unique way but there are too many obstacles in the way for the impact. Perhaps this is the trouble with Roman Catholicism; the gospel is there, but it is dressed up with so many trappings that it is not clear and appears to be only intended for the initiated.

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