Revival!

Revival! is an imaginative musical drama from 2018 blending different artistic styles to narrate one of history's most iconic stories – the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This film is a spirited, gospel-infused take on the Biblical story which aims to deliver a message of Love, Joy, and Redemption that's as much about the life and vitality of African American church culture as it is about Christian beliefs.

Helmed by renowned actors Harry Lennix and Dawnn Lewis, the film strives to create a uniquely contemporary vehicle to share an age-old story that's central to Christianity. In the role of Christ, four-time Grammy nominee Mali Music offers a compelling performance, lending his emotive musical prowess to the film's diverse and lively musical score.

The film starts in modern times, introducing us to a church community that is deeply rooted in its faith. Churchgoers witness an innovative sermon narrated by the eloquent minister, beautifully portrayed by Lennix. The pastor seeks to engage his congregation by rendering the life of Christ in the neighborhood's vernacular, thereby grounding the spiritual tale in reality. This creates an instantly accessible touchpoint for audience members, regardless of their amount of Biblical knowledge.

Revival! relies heavily on dreamy storytelling and blends multiple forms of artistic expression including spoken word, modern dance, traditional gospel music, and theatre. This unique montage of arts creates a riveting and emotional intensity that engages audiences and conveys the story’s profound emotional and spiritual depth.

The film weaves its narrative in a creative way, employing a virtual who's who of notable entertainers and leaders to reinterpret the Passion story through an urban lens. As an ensemble piece, it features performances from Chaka Khan, Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child, Wendy Raquel Robinson, and T'keyah Crystal Keymah, among others. These dynamic performances bring an added layer of contemporary relevance and emotional relatability to an ancient tale.

However, the film isn’t just melodic performances and dances. It also deals with the more profound subjects of betrayal, sacrifice, and, of course, revival. Through its narrative, it portrays the message of forgiveness and the human ability to transcend the sins and pain of our past to commence a spiritual awakening and renewal.

One cannot review Revival! without emphasizing its exceptional musical score. A wide-ranging, soulful blend of contemporary gospel, jazz, R&B, hip-hop, and chorale work makes the music as lively and spirited as the performances themselves. The original compositions, underscore the film's message of love and salvation, becoming almost as much a character in the film as the performers themselves.

Visually, Revival! brings a fresh and distinctive approach to an ancient story. The producers creatively employed a combination of live action, animation and still imagery to illustrate the life of Christ. The film employs vibrant colors, dynamic animation, and striking cinematography that add to the texture of an already mesmerizing story.

Revival! is far from a standard, by-the-books rendition of a Bible story. It is a bold and inventive blending of gospel music, spirituals, and uplifting status quo-defying storytelling. It capitalizes on the power of art, music, and faith to explore the good news of the Gospel in a new, inclusive, and ground-breaking way.

Throughout the film, the key to its resonance is its heart. Behind all of the musical numbers and innovative storytelling, there is a heart and soul that shines, drawing viewers into the universal humanity that underlies religion. It is a musical celebration of the story that has inspired billions over millennia, a story told this time with a unifying theme of love, redemption, and community spirit. It's an all-inclusive journey that reminds us of His teachings and their power to heal and unite communities.

Revival! provides an emotionally moving experience making it a genuine homage to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ with an emphasis on the potency of empathy, forgiveness, and transformation. The film in essence serves as a vibrant serenade that encapsulates the power of faith and the human spirit. Despite being set 2000 years in the past, it is equally relevant in today's context and succeeds in creating a poignant portrait of Christ's life and teachings.