God's Outlaw: The Story of William Tyndale

God's Outlaw: The Story of William Tyndale is an inspiring, yet challenging historical drama that centers around the controversial life and death of the 16th-century scholar, translator, and Protestant reformer, William Tyndale. This film was brought to theaters in 1986, directed by Tony Tew and featuring performances by Roger Rees, Bernard Archard, and Keith Barron.

The film captures the conviction and tenacity of Tyndale, portrayed by Roger Rees. Tyndale is shown as a man with a relentless pursuit of truth and a poignant dedication to ensuring that the common people of England could read the Bible in their own language. The movie is set in a period when the English language did not have a version of the Christian Holy Scriptures, and reading the Bible in vernacular languages was a criminal act.

Rees' portrayal of Tyndale is fair and nuanced. He brings to life Tyndale's passion for spreading the word of the Holy Bible to the people of England while maintaining his humanity, flaws, and complexities. The audience is allowed to see Tyndale as a revolutionary with deep love for the scriptures and a desperate desire to see them accessible to every individual, irrespective of their class or status.

Bernard Archard is cast as Sir Thomas More, a staunch Roman Catholic who held the position of Lord Chancellor under King Henry VIII. His performance perfectly captures More's combative and zealous fight to preserve the Church's control over the dissemination of religious texts. Archard's portrayal of More is a formidable adversary to Tyndale's mission, representing the Church's strong opposition to religious reform during a volatile time in England's religious history.

The movie does an excellent job highlighting the integral role Tyndale played in the Protestant Reformation. While Tyndale wasn't as recognized as Martin Luther or John Calvin, his contribution to religious history was no less significant. His translation of the New Testament was a significant step towards the broad religious reform that would eventually lead to the establishment of Protestant denominations.

The film artfully addresses the idea of faith as a personal journey, distinct from the heavily mediated religious experience of the era. The socio-political climate serves as the backdrop against which individual characters, each with their faith and ideologies, are seen wrestling with power dynamics, religious dogma, and their personal convictions.

Director Tony Tew combines stunning historical detail with powerful performances to take audiences on a cinematic journey back to 16th-century England. Tew does not shy away from depicting the dangers and persecution faced by Tyndale and his followers. The plot smartly draws the viewer into the intricacies of the political and religious upheaval of the time.

The balance between historically accurate details and narrative elements in God’s Outlaw keeps audiences engaged throughout the film. It offers audiences a gripping exploration of power, faith, and the unyielding spirit of a man determined to follow what he believed was God's calling. The narrative is enriched by the tension between Tyndale and the Church, as well as the interpersonal relationships between characters, thus keeping the audience invested in the story.

Despite the historical and religious themes, God's Outlaw appeals to a broad audience. For history buffs, it offers an intense and informative look into a pivotal period in England's history. For those drawn to stories about individuals who stand against the odds for their beliefs, it delivers on inspiration and heroism.

In all, this film provides a unique perspective on a figure who, in the face of immense opposition, dared to challenge the ecclesiastical and political status quo for the purpose of universal access to the Bible. The fact that many of the English versions of the Bible we read today are based on Tyndale's translation underscores the importance and timeliness of his story. God's Outlaw captures this journey, making it both a captivating and essential viewing for anyone interested in history, religion, or timeless tales of courage and conviction.