The Pilgrim's Progress

The 2019 CGI-animated adaptation of John Bunyan's "The Pilgrim's Progress" is a visually captivating interpretation of this timeless allegory, directed by Robert Fernandez and featuring the vocal talents of David Thorpe, John Rhys-Davies, and Kristyn Getty.

"The Pilgrim's Progress," originally a 17th-century Christian allegorical tale, influences this movie—a modern-day CGI adventure, providing depth and richness to the narrative. The film explores the protagonist’s arduous spiritual journey from despair and darkness into a world of faith and enlightenment.

David Thorpe voices the lead role of Christian Pilgrim, a man who embarks on a dangerous expedition from the "City of Destruction" to the "Celestial City". His journey, full of daunting challenges, frightful enemies, and improbable hurdles, symbolizes a believer's spiritual path towards salvation and enlightenment. Thorpe's earnest representation brings a raw humanity that resonates with the audience, instilling compassion and empathy.

John Rhys-Davies, renowned for his roles in "The Lord of the Rings" and "Indiana Jones", lends his voice to Evangelist and Envy. Rhys-Davies is already well-versed in fantasy realm portrayals, and his performance in this movie, with its unique blend of wisdom, guidance, and a hint of duality, adds a new layer of complexity to the narrative.

The music by Kristyn Getty provides a beautiful background score, appropriately guiding the audience's emotions through the different trials and tribulations encountered by Christian on his quest. The composition masterfully evokes the intended sense of inspiration, desperation, hope, fear, and joy that underlines this epic journey.

The film begins in a dystopian city dominated by sorrow, fear, and despair. It is in this context that our protagonist, Christian Pilgrim, receives a revelation, motivating him to seek a better place, the "Celestial City".

As in the original story, Christian isn't alone in his journey. Along the road, he encounters individuals and faces situations that reflect real-world experiences and spiritual challenges. These are skillfully depicted through well-developed characters like Faithful, played by Tristan Beint, and Hopeful, played by Justin Butcher, who accompany Christian on his path, adding depth and diversity to the narrative.

The movie's animation, lush and immersive, also deserves significant praise. The striking visual representation of imagined creatures and entities from Bunyan's story—like the Swamp of Despondency, the Slough of Despond, Vanity Fair, or the intense battle with the demon Apollyon— wonderfully elevates the narrative's allegorical meaning.

Furthermore, the precise depiction of Christian's armor, particularly his shield of faith and the sword of the spirit, illustrates the theme of spiritual warfare that runs throughout the course of the narrative. This symbolism often serves as a reminder of the spiritual armor we must wear to face the challenges of life. Whether you recognize the Christian allegory or not, the film is a vivid, exciting, and engaging watch with universal themes of perseverance, faith, and courage.

However, the movie goes beyond merely reforming a timeless classic. It infuses a sense of modernity to the tale through its animation glitches and imprisonment themes subtly hinting at the digital age's existential crisis.

One of the most distinctive aspects of this movie adaptation is how it retains the original text's essence while reinterpreting it for a contemporary audience. Screenwriters Robert Fernandez and Scotty Curlee seamlessly merge Bunyan's 17th-century language with modern-day dialogue, making the film more accessible without compromising its profoundness.

"The Pilgrim's Progress" also succeeds in its attempt to adapt an intricate and symbol-laden text into a children-friendly format. The narrative is straightforward enough for younger viewers to follow, while the underlying themes offer deeper insight for the adults, making it an ideal film for family viewing.

In conclusion, "The Pilgrim's Progress" from 2019 is a vibrant, compelling modern adaptation of Bunyan's iconic allegory. With its powerful vocal performances, enticing storyline, and stunning animation, the film offers an engaging cinematic experience while prompting viewers to reflect on their spiritual journey.