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The Book of Esther (2013) – A Drastic Rewrite of a Biblical Classic

The Bible Story That Never Mentioned God – But He Was Always There The Book of Esther is one of the most intriguing stories in the Bible, and for one unique reason—it never once mentions God. Yet, His presence is woven throughout the narrative, demonstrating that He is always at work, even when He isn’t explicitly named. The story reminds us that what may seem like coincidence is actually divine sovereignty. With that in mind, let’s talk about The Book of Esther (2013), directed by David A. R. White ( God’s Not Dead ) and starring Jen Lilley, Joel Smallbone, Robert Miano, and Thaao Penghlis. Right from the start, the movie signals that we won’t be getting a faithful adaptation of the biblical story we know. And that, dear reader, is where things start to go sideways. Not What It Seems: A Biblical Retelling Gone Off Course This movie doesn’t take the expected route of telling Esther’s story as written. Instead, it introduces an unusual central question: If the commands of God clash wit...
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What If Saikati (1992) Was Remade in 2025?

  Imagine this: Saikati , the classic 1992 film about a young Maasai woman fighting for her dreams, gets a modern-day reboot. The original tackled arranged marriage, the struggle between tradition and ambition, and the pursuit of education in a time when women’s opportunities were limited. It was a film with a blended cast, sweeping shots of Kenya’s landscapes, and an undeniably nostalgic soundtrack. While it had its flaws, it was an enjoyable watch with a meaningful message. But what if it was made today? How would it change? Who would be cast? What would be different about the themes and storyline? Let’s break it down! The Themes The 1992 Saikati centered on arranged marriages, showing how many young women were expected to prioritize marriage over education and personal dreams. In rural communities at the time, marriage was often seen as a way to bring wealth to a family, while city life presented a different reality—women pursuing careers and independence. Would this theme stil...
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Saikati (1992): The Kenyan Classic That Almost Got It Right

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  What happens when you're promised in marriage with no say in the matter? What if running away from your past means running toward an uncertain future? And is leaving family behind ever truly an option? These are the haunting questions at the heart of Saikati (1992), a film directed by Ann Mungai and starring Lynette Mukami, Susan Wanjiku, Richard Harrison, and Hugh Mainwaring. This Kenyan classic follows the journey of a young Maasai girl, Saikati, whose dream of becoming a doctor is threatened when her uncle arranges her marriage to the chief’s son. Faced with no other choice, she flees to Nairobi, hoping for a better future—only to find that city life isn’t as welcoming as she expected. The Strengths: A Cultural Showcase Saikati shines in its authentic portrayal of Kenyan culture. The film’s use of traditional Maasai settings, language, and music creates a world that feels lived-in and immersive. The cinematography takes its time showcasing the beauty of Kenya—from the sweepi...
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Christian Movies About Deception: When Pretending Leads to Redemption

  Why do people lie? Why do they find it easier to pretend instead of being their true selves? That’s what we’re exploring today—not in thrillers or soap operas, where deception is the backbone of the story, but in Christian movies. Can pretense lead to real faith, or are these films justifying deception? Let’s dive in and find out by looking at the different kinds of pretenders we encounter in these films. The Many Faces of Deception in Christian Movies 1. The Outsider Trying to Belong ( The Resurrection of Gavin Stone , 2017) Let’s be honest—we all want to belong. But sometimes, we believe that pretending to be someone else is the only way to fit in. That’s exactly what happens to Gavin Stone, a notorious Hollywood bad boy sentenced to community service at a church. When he learns they’re planning an Easter production, he pretends to be a Christian so he can land the role of Jesus Christ. Initially, Gavin’s deception is self-serving—acting is his passion, and he sees this as a wa...
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Believe Me (2014) Movie Review: A Thought-Provoking Take on Faith and Deception

The first time I watched Believe Me , I wasn’t sure what to think. And honestly? I’m still not sure. But one thing’s for certain—this is the kind of movie that sparks conversation. If you're looking for something to dissect during family movie night, this just might be it. Directed by Will Bakke and starring Alex Russell, Zachary Knighton, and Christopher McDonald, Believe Me takes an interesting approach to faith, deception, and the power of perception. Christian rapper Lecrae even makes a brief appearance, though blink and you might miss it. The story follows Sam Atwell, a college senior who’s on track to graduate—until he finds out he still owes tuition money. With no way to pay and only two weeks until graduation, he comes up with a desperate (and highly questionable) plan: start a fake Christian charity. After all, he’s seen how generous Christians are when it comes to giving to mission work. With the help of his friends, they launch a fundraising scheme that quickly catches ...
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Movie Single Parents: The Accidental, The Overwhelmed, and The Unstoppable

  “Your son is awake.” “Until dawn, he is your son.” Sound familiar? Mufasa knew what he was talking about. But let’s acknowledge something – this is banter between two parents working together. Not everyone is so fortunate. Not everyone has someone to whom they can say: “Until dawn, he is your son.” And that brings us to this discussion. Movies are filled with single parents. Some inspire us to do better, while others… well, don’t. Let’s get into it.  The Accidental Single Parent I know what you’re thinking – there’s nothing ‘accidental’ about having a child. Biology is biology, after all. But in movies, some parents don’t even know they have a child until one shows up at their doorstep, flipping their world upside down. These unexpected arrivals force them to adjust their lives, and in doing so, they change for the better. A perfect example is An Instant Dad (2023). The main character, Ricky, is a bachelor who loves partying with his friends. But one day, a young girl appea...
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An Instant Dad (2023) Review: A Heartfelt Comedy with a Touch of Drama

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  A carefree bachelor. A surprise daughter. A crash course in fatherhood. An Instant Dad delivers all that and more. Directed by Jennifer Gatero, this 2023 film takes what seems like a lighthearted premise and infuses it with unexpected depth. While the title suggests a simple, comedic transformation, the movie dives into themes of loss, responsibility, and personal growth—making for a more layered and engaging watch than you might expect. Starring Blessing Lungaho, Hannah Wanjiku, Torrey Wachanga, and Alice Ngina, An Instant Dad follows Ricky (Lungaho), a man fully immersed in the party lifestyle—drinks, women, and no real commitments. His world is turned upside down when a young girl named Amy shows up at his door, claiming to be his daughter. Suddenly faced with the reality of fatherhood, Ricky must decide whether to rise to the occasion or run from it. But as he wrestles with this new responsibility, it becomes clear that his biggest struggle isn’t just parenting—it’s confron...
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