Redeeming Love - Hugh Jackman as the lead!

It is so interesting that the women I have met who are directly or tangentially involved in trying to get Francine River's wonderful book, Redeeming Love, made into a movie, have seen Hugh Jackman as the lead. Look at this picture of Mr. Jackman - can't you just see him as Michael Hosea praying to the Lord to strengthen him in his calling to love the broken Angel?

For those who have read the book, I defy you to suggest any other actor who could play the role! For those of you who haven't read the book, get it today, read it and be blessed! I am referencing my former blog posting that was published years ago re: my hope and prayer that this anointed book gets made into a movie. http://carolinefriday.blogspot.com/2014/03/book-review-redeeming-love.html

For those of you who want more of Francine Rivers, you MUST read her Mark of the Lion series. Absolutely fabulous! I just posted my review of it from several years ago.  http://carolinefriday.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-mark-of-lion-series.html

Thank you to a blog follower who reminded me of how we need to keep praying for special projects to make their way to the big screen (or even TV) so that people can be blessed by these timeless stories of unconditional love and forgiveness. Thank you to her for this wonderful picture!

Blessings to you all!

The Mark of the Lion Series

The Mark of the Lion series consists of three books, A Voice in the Wind, An Echo in the Darkness, and As Sure as the Dawn. A fascinating tale that is a combination of One Night With the King, Gladiator, and the HBO miniseries, Rome (but without the R rated elements), this compelling drama focuses on the life of Hadassah, a young Jewish/Christian slave who is brought to Rome after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. Hadassah is pure and sweet and brings her newfound faith in God to the wealthy Valerian household, where she serves the beautiful Julia Valerian. Despite being surrounded by the decadent, immorality of Roman culture, Hadassah draws strength from her faith and impacts the lives of every member of the family, particularly Julia’s handsome brother, Marcus. She wins his heart, but convinces him to restrain his passion out of respect for her beliefs—she is a Christian and cannot be united with an unbeliever. It is this tension between the two that keeps the story moving forward so that the pages practically turn themselves. Their relationship paints a picture of the power of the Roman world battling against the gentle, child-like faith in the Christian God.

Added to the romantic thread of Hadassah and Marcus, is the story of Atretes, a Germanic tribal prince, who is captured and brought to Rome as a gladiator. Wildly handsome and strong, Atretes wins the favor of the arena crowds, as well as the affections of Julia Valerian. Bent on revenge, he refuses to embrace the power and fame of being an undefeated fighter, opting instead to keep his heart hardened and cold. But through his trysts with Julia, he encounters Hadassah and sees in her the hope of something beyond what Rome has to offer.

With the powerful love story, political and societal intrigue, not to mention the blood and gore, this story has all the makings of a wonderful, compelling TV miniseries. The lavish Roman setting of wealth and splendor—from the hair and clothes, to the furniture and architecture, even the abundance of various food and drink—adds a rich texture to the story, providing a beautiful backdrop for the characters to play out their destiny. And of course, the scenes in the arena, including chariot racing, sword fighting, and battles with lions and other wild beasts, would satisfy the most blood-thirsty of television viewers. But it is the consistent theme of faith in God and Messiah prevailing in even the most unlikely of circumstances that gives the story its heart. Even in an opulent culture that existed thousands of years ago, money, fame, and power were insufficient to bring the joy and fulfillment to life that are embodied in the life of a sincere Christian. The light of truth that Hadassah brings to everyone she encounters is what gives her the ultimate power—for in her spirit, she bears the mark of the lion of the tribe of Judah.

I would think an epic story like this could attract the attention of the top directors in Hollywood, as well as an all-star A list cast, provided the Christian themes were presented truthfully and not in a heavy-handed manner. Because of the embodiment of history, extravagant sets, and special effects, there is no reason a secular audience wouldn’t fall in love with this story, like they did Russell Crowe’s Gladiator. In fact, this could be a classic shown to generations to come—and even in schools—as an excellent picture of what Roman life was like. It would also introduce this fabulous series to the next generation of readers, both Christian and secular alike, and to all the other works written by the great Francine Rivers.

For those of you out there who haven’t picked up this series because of the complexity of the story or the number of pages, don’t wait for the miniseries—read it now. But make sure you have all three books in hand or you will deeply regret it! The only time I remember racing to the library before the doors closed, was after I finished book one in this series. It is a treasure that certainly deserves all the best that Hollywood has to offer.

Book Review - Redeeming Love

I was introduced to this wonderful story about a decade ago by my neighbor who, after finishing it, literally ran down the street hollering (that’s southern for “yelling”) at the top of her lungs that I had to read this book and make it into a movie. Being a Christian friend and neighbor, and a screenwriter, I thanked her for it – I had never heard of Francine Rivers or the CBA at that time. Was it some sort of Christian government agency? Anyway, the title and the fancy, romantic cover put me off initially, so the book sat on my night stand for a full year! And then one evening, for some reason, I picked it up, not expecting much, until I started reading the first chapter. I think I finished the entire book in about three long sittings, cried a river of tears, gave it to my husband, friends, bought copies for all of my bible study ladies, my sister, and even my nonbelieving Dad (who hasn’t read it yet)…you get the picture. And I became one of Francine Rivers’ number one fans, having read all of her novels to date.

For those of you who know the story, it is a nineteenth century, wild-west version of Hosea the prophet who was called by God to marry a prostitute, Gomer, and stay faithful to her, despite her adulterous behavior—even purchasing her out of self-induced bondage and servitude. Likewise, in Redeeming Love, Michael Hosea, a gentle, yet ruggedly handsome man of God, is called to marry a local prostitute, known only as Angel. Angel suffers from a long life of abuse that began when she was just a child. Beautiful and captivating, yet emotionally scarred beyond repair, she is the last woman a man like Michael Hosea would desire to marry, but out of obedience to God, he agrees. Sparks fly as Angel’s emotional state fractures under the pressure of Michael’s unconditional love—something she has never known—and when the demons from her past come back to suck her back into a life of prostitution. It is the epitome of the Christ story, with all the romance, passion, emotional trauma, evil, violence, betrayal, conflict, twists and turns that a major motion picture needs to be a success.

As a Christian screenwriter, I have to say that adapting this story into a film would be an absolute dream of mine! I have visualized many of the scenes in my head for so long, that if given the opportunity, I could probably knock out a 120 page script in no time. As of about a year ago, the movie rights were held by a major Hollywood producer who is a Christian and just released a summer blockbuster that happens to be a favorite of my thirteen year old son. No hints, but the leading star in this blockbuster would be the same as my first choice to play Michael Hosea: a handsome, supremely talented Aussie who can send many a lady’s heart aflutter. I should know as I first saw him on the London stage years ago as Curly in Oklahoma – and from the front row where the view was most optimal. Hugh Jackman is his name, and he would be PERFECT as Michael Hosea. Can’t imagine anyone else to be honest, especially after seeing him in Australia with Nicole Kidman recently. And as for Angel, my first choice would be Katherine Heigl, but Angelina Jolie would be fantastic as well. Both of them have the beauty, talent and emotional range, not to mention, Hollywood A list reputation to carry the film.

I’m sure the delay in getting this story produced is the same bump in the road so many other independent producers stumble across: coming up with the money. It is expensive to make a quality, theatrical film which will attract box office talent and secure proper distribution for an audience that extends beyond the Christian moviegoer. However, there is no reason this story couldn’t attract a secular audience, particularly with the amount of conflict in the romance between Michael and Angel and the return of her abuser, Duke, who is a deliciously, colorful villain. Think Christian Slater. Ok, now I’ve just added another fistful of millions to the budget. But with the right script, I’m convinced a number one movie could be made, going all the way to the Academy Awards – to Best Picture. Wouldn’t that be magnificent?! And it all begins with the right script - and the right screenwriter, of course.