Polycarp

Polycarp is a 2015 Christian historical drama directed by Joe Henline and presented by Henline Productions and Burns Family Studios. The film showcases an inspiring story rooted in one of the lesser-known eras of Christian history, featuring excellent performances by Garry Nation, Eliya Hurt, and Rusty Martin.

The film revolves around the life of Polycarp, played by Garry Nation, a Christian martyr from the 2nd century AD who was a disciple of John the Apostle. The movie embodies a universally relatable story of faith, forgiveness, and resilience in the face of adversity while unveiling some of the hidden narratives of the early Christian church.

Through the perspective of a young slave girl, Anna, portrayed by Eliya Hurt, the audience is transported back to the times of the Roman Empire and its brutal mistreatment of Christians. Anna is taken into the household of Justin Martyr, and under Justin's careful tutelege and motherly care of his wife, the slave girl begins to discover the teachings of Christianity.

Rusty Martin plays the role of Germanicus, a young believer whose unwavering faith is central to the narrative's progression. Germanicus acts as a pillar of courage and inspires the community with his commitment to his faith, even under the most horrific circumstances, thereby helping to stretch the thematic canvas of the movie beyond the life of Polycarp.

The film does an excellent job of sketching the social and political dynamics of the period – the religious intolerance prevailed at the time and the relentless persecution Christians faced from the Roman authorities. The complex relations between the Christian community and the often hostile Roman empire are explored through powerful performance and strong direction.

Polycarp, despite being set in a time of high tension, takes the time to reflect the intimate moments of the Christian community. Through these individual stories of journey into faith and moments of doubt and discovery, the film manages to create narratives that are deeply personal yet universal in appeal.

This historical drama beautifully illustrates the deep faith of Polycarp and his extraordinary resilience to hold onto his teachings in the face of brutal oppression by the Roman empire. It also paints a vivid picture of the hardships faced by early Christians, their unwavering belief in the teachings of Christ, and their awe-inspiring courage in the face of severe persecution.

The acting performances in the film are commendable, with each actor truly embodying their character. Special mentions must go to Garry Nation, Eliya Hurt, and Rusty Martin. Nation on the one hand displays immense range in reflecting Polycarp's age, wisdom, warmth, intellect, strength, and ultimate courage. Eliya Hurt, on the other hand, showcases a captivating metamorphosis of Anna, from an innocent girl with little understanding of the complex world around her to a devout follower of Christ with her own beliefs and convictions. Rusty Martin's portrayal of Germanicus is truly stirring, leaving a lasting impression on audiences and elegantly depicting faith and courage.

Narratively, Polycarp is more sophisticated than most faith-based films and manages to avoid a heavy-handed approach to its exposition of Christianity. The movie engages without forcefully pushing dogmatic views and embedded in it is a humane tale of survival, courage, faith in the face of adversity, and the idea that love and kindness can form the basis of resistance against tyrannical authority.

The film is a careful blend of drama and historical events with a substantial focus on exploring individual characters' growth and journey. Its production value greatly complements the epic nature of the story the filmmakers are attempting to depict. Thoughtful set design and costumes lend authenticity to the ancient Roman backdrop, making the movie visually appealing.

In conclusion, Polycarp as reborn in the cinema is immersive theatre of Christian history that is engaging, entertaining, and enlightening. It’s appropriate for family viewing and serves as a relevant historical backdrop to modern discussions on faith, religious tolerance, and freedom of belief. The film is not just an exploration of the past but a lens through which we can examine our present, a testament to its timeless relevance.