Wednesday, March 8, 2017

THE SHACK

Today I watched the movie THE SHACK.  I read the book, and did it slowly, as I perceived that it was not one to rush through.  I realized what thoughts, messages and feelings were there and knew it needed to be read with deep consideration. My book is marked up with notes and feelings. It has meant so much to me.  The movie is strong and if you watch it with open heart and mind, you will be ready to receive the messages there.  I wept, not because of sadness, thought there was some, but also with deep emotion, joy and spiritual understanding.  That is what you must enter with and leave with so much more.  
The author of the book, William Paul Young, says The Shack "is a metaphor for the places you get stuck, you get hurt, you get damaged...the thing where shame or hurt is centered."
I will not tell you about how the main character, Mack, arrives in his "lost and painful place," but give some notes on a few of the characters. 
 Mack receives a note in his mailbox from "Papa," (which is how his wife refers to God) saying that he would like to meet with Mack that coming weekend at the shack
He journeys alone to the shack. 
When he arrives he initially finds nothing, but as he is leaving, the shack and its surroundings are supernaturally transformed into a lush and inviting scene. He enters the shack and encounters manifestations of the three persons-- God the Father takes the form of an African American woman who calls herself Elousia and Papa; Jesus Christ is a Middle-Eastern carpenter; and the Holy Spirit physically manifests as an Asian woman named Sarayu.
 Later on he meets Sophia, the personification of God's wisdom. At the end of his visit, Mack goes on a hike with Papa, now a man, who shows him a cave. I will not tell what is inside.
Here is one scene.
I was very impressed with the variety of actors chosen and the wonderful ethnicity diverseness.
"Papa" aka God, is played by two characters--Octavia Spencer, an African American woman. She is what Mack needs at that time, a mother figure.  Later on Graham Green, a Canadian Oneida Indian actor from the Six Nations Reserve is Papa when Mack needs a stronger one.  
Both played the parts beautifully and touchingly.
Jesus is played by Avraham Aviv Alush, an Israeli actor of Tunisian heritage.  He was perfect for the role and brought such life into it.
Sumire Matsubara, a Japanese actress, played the lovely Sarayu, the Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost.
Alicia Braga, a Brazilian, played a role as the personification of God's wisdom and she has a short but important part.
The starring role of Mack Phillips was played by an English actor, Sam Worthington. 
Sam Worthington brought emotion, feeling and anger to his role and did it justice.
I think all of them should be proud and honored.
Mostly what I want to say is go see this film. Don't enter ready to be judgmental or ready to criticize, but ith open heart and mind. Listen to the messages. Let words flow through you, into you, and touch you. That is what it is meant to do.



7 comments:

  1. Thanks for the review. Love love, Andrew. Bye.

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  2. Read the book and need to see the film. You make it sound so good. Mom

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  3. It's on my list. Good to have another's opinion. Carrol

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  4. I really must read the book or watch the film. Thanks.

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  5. I appreciate you mentioning this to me and I will certainly take the time to watch this.
    I really must get the book again.

    Have a beautiful week~~

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  6. Hi Rose, I loved the book and the movie too. I agree completely with your review. If you haven't seen it yet, bring tissues too ;)

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  7. Rose, I thought that the previews of the movie looked good. I had a friend that tried to read the book and hated it. Maybe she was not reading it with an open heart.
    hugs,
    Jann

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