In My Honest Opinion

  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...

  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...

  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...

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 ...