Covered: Alive in Asia

Covered: Alive in Asia is a compelling, spiritually uplifting documentary film that hit the big screens in 2016. The movie showcases the experience of multi-platinum gospel artist, Israel Houghton, as he takes his music to the vast continent of Asia. Capturing the dynamic vibrancy of the Asian cultures, music, and worship, the movie masterfully presents an amalgamation of sound, color, and divinity that transcends borders and language barriers.

The film is directed by Micah Bickham and stars a remarkable cast, featuring revered musicians including Yolanda Adams, Rance Allen, and Isaac Carree, among others. Their performances in the film, alongside Houghton's irrefutably captivating stage presence, create an energy so tangible that it virtually embodies the power of faith and music in the most stirring form.

Yolanda Adams, the Grammy Award-winning gospel singer, is absolutely captivating in this film. She further enriches Houghton’s dynamic stage performance with her powerful voice and impactful delivery, leaving audiences in awe. You can feel her passion, dedication, and unwavering conviction when she sings, bringing forth an unmatched musical experience that resonates with the audience on a profound spiritual level.

Rance Allen known for his unique musical style that combines rock, soul, and gospel, brings his distinctive sound to the tour. His performance is a seamless blend of his powerful voice with an engaging visual treat that enhances the overall vibrational frequency of the film. It’s not just about the music, it’s about his persona, his aura, and how he reaches out to the audience, creating an unforgettable impression in their hearts.

Isaac Carree, also shines in his role in the film with his smooth vocal quality and varied music styling that ranges from traditional gospel to contemporary R&B. His soothing voice, coupled with his great stage presence, not only adds more soul to the music performed in the film but also uplifts the overall spirit of the enterprise.

The film allows viewers to embark on a journey across Asia, witnessing the various cultural and spiritual landscapes firsthand, all the while enveloped in the beauty of music that is transcultural and universally alluring. Throughout the movie, Houghton and his ensemble deliver electrifying performances in several locations across Asia, including a breathtaking concert at Japan's Budokan Stadium, among other iconic venues.

The movie covers the spiritual journey of Houghton, who leads worship at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, when not on tour. It provides an intimate insight into his life, showing his struggles, his triumphs, and his unwavering faith in the power of worship. Interwoven with the musical journey are the stories of faith, resilience, and hope from people across the different cities that Houghton and his crew visit.

Audience members who don't consider themselves religious will find the film's deliberately inclusive nature and the palpable passion of its body of performers appealing. Covered: Alive in Asia not only leaves its global audience with a sense of spiritual upliftment but also portrays the power that music holds in uniting people beyond boundaries.

Throughout the feature, the filmmakers skillfully blend breathtakingly shot concert footage with behind-the-scenes moments and insightful interviews. The inclusion of these candid, off-stage moments provides an engaging contrast to the polished performances and adds a layer of authenticity to the film. This film captures not only the magic of the performances but also the dedication, work, and faith that go into making each show a success.

In the end, Covered: Alive in Asia is a true testament to the universal language of music and its remarkable ability to unite us all. Its first-rate performances, a well-planned narrative, and a thematic coherence that is maintained throughout make this film a must-watch. Whether you’re a fan of gospel music, a keen traveler, a student of diverse cultures, or a film buff who appreciates good cinema, this film offers something for everyone. Covered: Alive in Asia will inspire, move, and entertain you in ways you didn't envision – a cinematic and musical journey that will imprint itself on your heart.