Pilgrim's Progress

Its an old movie, give credit where credit is due. WAY easier than trying to read the Old English. Keep in mind it was written in the 1600s. I tried reading this after several recommendations to no avail. If ya know the Bible at all, you will like all the references, hidden Easter eggs. No big name actors except for Liam Neeson, who plays the Evangelist, so, so young in this. Its almost like watching a play. There is a short introduction, in the beginning explaining the book, the author and the time (era) it was written in. Filmed in Ireland, great landscaping throughout the entire film. Length is just over an hour. Give it a chance.

In today's generation, film making has often been accused of straying from storytelling to cash grabbing. Some critics feel that high-budget, flashy effects are not what make a movie great, but simply the heart of the story. If this is what catches your attention, the 1989 film: Pilgrim's Progress will surely live up to your expectations.

Ken Anderson's film version of the famous book, also called The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan, is a Cristian allegory covering the trials and temptations of Pilgrim, a man who's learned that he's doomed to be destroyed in his current state. His journey to the Celestial City is illustrated with characters and environments that represent the various difficulties that a person following this life path might encounter.

Since these elements each represent a single part of his life, they are used up in quick succession, which makes them hard to really understand and relate to. I never got to learn what they were about, excluding their characteristic names. This was the mistake I made when watching this film, trying to understand these sections, because the truth is, they are not meant to be viewed as individuals. They are quite literally supposed to feel like "cogs in a machine", guiding Pilgrim through his journey. If you find it hard to appreciate this, consider the fact that every main character, aside from Pilgrim and his companions, is portrayed as either strictly good or evil, with a single actor for each. What the filmmaker is trying to tell you is that there are always two forces, pushing and pulling on Pilgrim. In the real world, these forces would be spread out to many people, but not here. It's a simple idea conveyed in different aspects.

In terms of film quality, Pilgrim's Progress unfortunately fails to convey emotion or intensity. Some people try to pin this on the vast amount of material needed to be covered in such a short time, or the novelty of film tech at the time, but it unavoidably falls into amateur direction and writing. The dialogue is very boring and unnatural, and the filming underdeveloped. It's another movie doomed to be eternally compared to the masterpiece of its original book. I really hate to lean on the book so much, but it's necessary to point out that this was an action-packed story, amazingly illustrating the Christian's journey. The movie feels more like an annoying hike through the wilderness, with the devil desperately trying to stop Pilgrim from achieving something that we never truly get to understand the importance of. It's slow paced, which many people will find dispiriting. The entire minute long end fight with Apollyon has no music and so dark it's extremely hard to see what's happening.

On the other hand, the film carries a good message throughout. The way Pilgrim relies on outside help at most steps of the way shows that a Christian's walk is never accomplished solo. Small details, perhaps carried from the book, also enhance the story, like how the echoing voices change tone after Pilgrim's burden is released and his view of God reformatted. The symbolic elements are usually easy to pick up on and understand.

Pilgrim's Progress is a film with strong religious themes but struggles in its execution. The allegorical elements and symbolic details from the original book are present but are not effectively conveyed. The film is slow-paced and lacks emotional intensity, making for a lackluster viewing experience. While the message about the importance of relying on God and outside help is beautiful, it is masked in this film adaptation. Ultimately, those looking for a high-quality cinematic experience may want to look elsewhere, but those in search of a leisurely afternoon activity to learn character growth and mental fortitude from, should consider checking out Pilgrim's Progress.

John Bunyan's novel wrote at Baresfordshire's prison under the bridge for long eleven years, he was put in jail as heresy without a proper trial by the Church the book became a best seller, today remains his valuable literary work, John Bunyan's book influence many eggheads on the late 17th century, The Pilgrim's progress was one most challenger and influential book at it's time telling a metaphor or allegory through a suppose journey of a Pilgrim, who left the city of destruction with his heavy burden to the Celestial city, on the way he will meet with several characters as the Pliable as a name spoke by himself, the Devil disguise in many character to swerve him as Wiseman, Mr. Legality and so on, however advised by good characters as Evangelist and Goodwill, travelling through Swamps, narrow ways he reach at Jesus, after that he can left behind his heavy burden at last, now he becomes Christian, he is no longer is called Pilgrim, after others short cuts he learns that has just on way to reach to The Celestial City, the straight one, sadly the picture is too short and compress all book in just 72 minutes and didn't got pass the entire meaning of the book, aside it be an allegory is quite sure a strong subliminal message for those who get read the John Bunyan's masterpiece!!

Resume:

First watch: 2011 / How many: 3 / Source: DVD / Rating: 7

The Story is about a Pilgrim who is escaping the city of destruction leaving his family behind and traveling to the Celestial city which he has read about in the Bible. He faces many troubles, temptations, trials, disappointments, failures. But in the end he finally reaches the Celestial city!Not perfect but good presentation. Acting was good as well as the story.The story is easy to understand and relate to. The movie really helps you to prepare for the Eternal Kingdom (Heaven) and how to be a faithful, helpful and hopeful Christian while on earth.You even have young Liam Neeson as the Evangelist,Help,etc various characters. Do watch this movie and stay blessed.

This movie has been a real life-changer, articulately written and directed amazingly which has contributed all the more to its wonderful script! For those of you who know John Bunyan would truly know the value of this novel he wrote and all the pain he put into beautifully upbraiding the gist of the whole story. Though this movie's just a part of the whole book and left many parts untouched, it has truly proved the point. To those you who really applaud Christian-based epics and so forth, The Pilgrim's Progress would indeed be of a great help in knowing more about the inherent truths about the like to a great depth.

I give it a 10/10 for the script and the performance of all the actors in this wonderful journey!!! Don't MISS IT!!