Pendragon movie review

"As the Barbarian fleets descend on the coast, the people of Britain are left to defend themselves... 

The first independent Christian film of its kind, Burns Family Studios presents Pendragon: Sword of His Father, an epic adventure set in Britain’s Dark Ages. 

With riveting action, stunning visuals, and a powerful score, Pendragon’s message of faith, courage, and vision is sure to inspire your family for generations to come." 

"The One who gave the vision still calls..."

Details:

110 Minutes

By the Burns Family Studios

Directed by Chad Burns

Rated: G

Released 2008

Negative Elements:

This was the first film by the Burns Family Studios, a homeschooled, Christian family. Because of that fact, the acting and some other details of the movie were not professional. I watched this when it first came out, and, as a young viewer, I didn't mind any of those aspects...thus, if you're just wanting a clean, Christian film, this is a wonderful option. I still enjoyed watching it despite the amateur elements. =)

This movie has fighting and war, but none of it was gruesome. Although enemies are fought and killed, there isn't a lot of blood or close-ups that make you squirm. I didn't have a problem with any of this at all. (but take it into consideration for your particular family and preferences)

I am glad to say that this movie didn't have any crude language. References are made of "the gods", but it is spoken by characters already shown as less than admirable.

My Review:

As soon as I watched this movie back in 2008, it became my favorite. I loved the historical details, the tight action, and the beautiful story of fighting for one's country, romance, etc. Now that I'm older, I'm able to see some amateur acting and similar qualities. Nevertheless, our family enjoys this Christian production that focus on themes of remaining courageous, keeping one's word, having faith, and focusing on what God has called you to do. The plot was confusing for me when I was younger, but now that's not a problem. I enjoy the historical accuracy, especially in the costumes and props. (they have such historical clothes... ;) ) For a family's first film, this is amazing, and we greatly enjoy watching it!

Other Notes:

The Burns Family Studios released their second film in 2015 - Beyond the Mask. Ahhhh! It is so good and one of my favorite movies. Think historical fiction, Christian themes of salvation and forgiveness, sweeping action, and a beautiful romance story. =) *happy sigh*


Have you seen Pendragon? Do you have a hard time watching nonprofessional films if they have a good story-line and themes? What is most important for you in a good movie? Comment below!

An Update

Dear Reader,

You may not have noticed, but I've made a few changes to my blog.  For one, my profile photo was very overdue for a change.  As the week goes on, I might make some other slight changes...be forewarned.  ;)  But one of the biggest that I want to share here is that I no longer have an "about me" page.

Why?  Well, I've been thinking about this for a little while.  Do I really need a page talking all about myself?  I know you, as a new friend, might want to know more about me.  Don't fear, you can still read the important details on my sidebar. =)  But because of that change, I added a new page.  One that is very close to my heart.  It's a story of love.  An analogy that has been growing in my heart.  Instead of reading about me and my blog, I want to you read this story.  Read about redemption, His love, and our Ransom.

But here's a quick preview if you're interested.  =)

Once Upon a Time, there was a beautiful land ruled by the King and His Son.  The country was free from famine, doubt, and fear, although evil lurked in the mountains far to the west.  The King guarded his people wisely, caring for them as a father to his son.  He loved them.

When pestilence came to a distant land, the King opened his arms wide to accept the battered strangers.  They poured in by the thousands – torn, tired, and ragged.  One in particular, a shabby orphan girl, caught the Prince’s attention.  She was not beautiful; her clothes were mere rags.  But the Prince loved her and waited for the right time to show her His affection.  She was foreign without the typical light complexion and gentle smile of the Kingdom’s citizens.  Lines creased her forehead and her hair was matted down her back.  Despite her appearance, the Prince waited, yearning for her to return his warmth, his love.

But she didn’t.

The girl was brought into the village, fed, clothed, and cared for.  Without parents to guard her, she was vulnerable.  Thus, the King showed her special favor, watching out for her tenderly.  But the feelings were not mutual.

As enemies from the west stormed into the country, the maiden exchanged grace for treason.  She joined the enemy and gave them vital information to the castle’s security.  Her heart turned black and twisted.

Who could trust one like her?  As the King and his Son once again returned peace to the nation, the enemy carried her away to the west.  They mistreated her.  They beat her without mercy.  They tore her heart and trampled her soul.  And finally she was left in a dark dungeon as her life blood poured out onto the ground.  Her eyes closed, her breath became shallow.  But worse than that was the horror and scars.  She had betrayed a friend and received her due.

But as the sun set one last time on her horizon, her swollen lips opened with a final plea.

“Help me.”

It wasn’t a demand for justice.  As a babe reaching out to her father, her heart yearned for someone she could trust.  Someone who would love her.  Tears raced down her blood-stained cheeks.

“Help me.”

The words echoed through the dungeon, mocking her as she sank back against the cold stones.  Her strength was gone.  The color faded from her cheeks as the moon rose high above the defensive castle walls.  There were no stars to lighten the darkness of night.

But her words were not lost.  They traveled on the wind past the western mountains.  Still they carried on, until a Prince in a castle far away heard them.

He heard them.  And the plea touched His heart.

Read more here.


What else is coming up on Having a Heart Like His?

On Friday, I am posting a movie review before we jump into a new topic that is one that I struggle with at times... and I think many of you might as well.  I hope to see you next Tuesday for the first of that series.  =)

I love you all!  Keep living for our Savior and Prince.  ♥

Abiding in Christ, a Continual Story

Back in February we started talking about what it means to truly abide in Christ.  I shared how I wanted to know God intimately instead of know about God  (read here)  We explored many of the Names of God, talked about how idols can get in the way of our relationship with Christ,  and how we want our lives to make a difference in the world.  There were many other posts, intriguing comments, and interactions that made me think differently about the all-important topic of abiding in Christ.

One thing I realized was that abiding in Christ is a continual process.  It isn't something we can master in a day or even a year.  Abiding is a lifetime story.  Every single minute we must make the decision to either live for Christ or live for ourselves.

Thus, each post I write that touches on an area we struggle in, an aspect of the power of God, or anything else relating to having a heart like His will ultimately be about abiding - living every moment for Jesus Christ our Lord.

But over the next few weeks, I want to focus on a slightly different topic.  It's another area of life that we often struggle in... thus, it's also related to the journey of becoming more like Christ.  Yet before we move on I want to discuss what abiding is.  I also want to hear how you are building a personal, intimate relationship with Christ each and every day.

Here are some questions to get conversation started, but I want you to just share your heart.  Share what God has been showing you in this area.  And please comment on other reader's thoughts as well so we can share fellowship together. =)

How do you define "abiding in Christ"?  Do you believe it encompasses every aspect of life?

What is the hardest part of remaining focused on the eternal?  What distractions often arise that you need to fight with the Sword of the Spirit?  What "good" things do you need to replace with the "best" things?

Is it easier for you to make Godly decisions when they are big, life-changing decisions or small, every day decisions?  How can abiding in Christ influence the decisions we make?

Do you ever find yourself becoming burned out because you serve God too much instead of just focusing on Him and building a relationship?  Do you find yourself sometimes in a Saber (know of) relationship instead of a Conocer (know intimately) relationship with God?  What changes should we make?

Here's another side of the spectrum:   Because we want our lives to make a difference in the world how can we make that practical and start right now?  Today?  Does it help you to make goals, have accountability, etc.?

Let's share together before we move on to another subject.  =)  How are YOU striving to abide in Christ?

Catching Up | Jeremiah 29:11-14

Hello my friends!

This is my first week of summer break - no school!  Yippee!  =)

But I also have blog comments to respond to, emails to write, praying to do, and overall, just a lot of catching up as I adjust to this new "freedom".  Thus, I won't be posting a normal blog post this week.  I will be responding to all your far-too-long-ago comments that I haven't been able to answer over the last few weeks of finals and busyness.  =)  I also have some changes that I will be doing to Having a Heart Like His (nothing big...don't worry!).  Keep an eye out for those this week.  ;)

But I don't want to leave you without something to think about... so here's some verses I've been chewing on recently.  Perhaps you have thoughts to share on what they mean and how to apply it practically in our day-to-day life...?  I would appreciate insight.  =)

Jeremiah 29:11-14   "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive."

"...when you search for Me with all your heart..."

What does that look like practically?  How do we search for God with all our heart?

I've missed interacting with you recently!  Hopefully we can get back into the normal flow of things soon... ♥

Sunshine Blogger Award Vlog | 100th Post

Hello my friends!

This is my 100th post!  How crazy is that?!  This blog has been such a blessing, and I'm so thankful for every single one of you that God brought into my life. ♥

Emily tagged me for the Sunshine Blogger Award.  I haven't done a tagged post in a while, but, due to a busy week of finals, here it is...and I recorded my answers in a vlog!  Enjoy!

(I'm getting over a cold right now...hence, the coughing)  =)

Here are my favorite Christian Living posts that I've read/posted this last month...with easy-to-click links.  ;)

My Post: Blossoms and Thorns | the Love in Easter

Seeing Everything Else: Don't Forget to Keep Your Sacred

(And that book I couldn't remember the name of by Beth Moore is called A Heart Like His: Intimate Reflections on the Life of David...a wonderful devotional book, although I couldn't remember the title!)  =)

~ ♥ ~ My Questions ~ ♥ ~

• What is a non-fiction book that changed your life?
• What are five of your favorite blogs and why?
• Who is someone you greatly respect and strive to live like?
• Is there a story behind your blog's name?
• What is your ultimate goal for your blog in three words?
• What is the last movie you saw, and how did you like it?
• What is one tip you would give bloggers who are trying to reflect Christ in all their posts?
• What is a childhood book that you still love?
• What is one of your best memories from 2017 so far?
• What is your favorite Christian Living post that you've read/posted in the last month?
• Tell us about one of your siblings.  ;)

Thanks for watching, and happy 100th post!   Thanks for sticking with me for so long.  ;) Feel free to answer some of the questions in the comments or do them on your own blog (I would love to hear your voice in a vlog...)!

~♥~

PS – My friend Jordy is soon to be releasing her very first book!!!!  I'm very excited for her, and I encourage you to hop over to her blog to see her newly-released cover, be a Beta reader, and even sign up for her future blog tour!!  =)  I already read it, and it's a wonderful book with an even better message!  What are you waiting for?