Today’s Prayer Focus

MOVIE REVIEW

Hillsong: Let Hope Rise

also known as “Hillsong—Let Hope Rise”

MPA Rating: PG-Rating (MPA)

for some thematic elements.

Moral Rating:	Not Recommended
Moviemaking Quality:
Primary Audience:	Adults Teens
Genre:	Music Documentary
Length:	1 hr. 43 min.
Year of Release:	2016
USA Release:	September 16, 2016 (wide—815 theaters) DVD: December 20, 2016

Relevant Issues

Music in the Bible

Worship

Jesus Christ: His Identity, Life, Death andResurrection

About JESUS CHRIST—Answers to frequently-asked-questions

Is Jesus Christ a man, or is he God? Answer

If Jesus is God, how could he die? If Jesus died on the cross, then how can he be alive today? Answer

Was Jesus Christ God, manifest in human form? Answer

Is Jesus Christ really God? Answer

Featuring	Hillsong United (band)
Director	Michael John Warren
Producer	Cantinas Entertainment Grace Hill Media MediaWeaver Entertainment
Distributor	Pure Flix Entertainment, a subsidiary of AFFIRM Entertainment, a Sony Company

Here’s what the distributor says about their film: “Capturing the on-stage energy and off-stage hearts of the Australia-based band Hillsong UNITED, HILLSONG: LET HOPE RISE is a new motion-picture genre: the theatrical worship experience. The film explores Hillsong’s humble beginnings and astonishing rise to prominence as an international church whose songs are sung every Sunday by more than 50 million people worldwide.

‘Hillsong: Let Hope Rise’ chronicles the spectacular and unlikely rise to prominence of the Australia-based Christian band, Hillsong UNITED. The music of Hillsong is so popular it is estimated that on any given Sunday, more than 50 million churchgoers around the world are singing their songs.

Routinely performing to sold-out stadiums, the 11-member band, led by Joel Houston, are all volunteers or employees of Hillsong Church, founded by Joel’s parents, Brian and Bobbie Houston.”

Editor’s Note: A helpful series of articles for discerning followers of Christ: “Hillsong & Worship: The Gospel According to Hillsong” by Cameron Buettel and Jeremiah Johnson. Is Hillsong’s doctrine Biblically sound? Is their central message “more concerned with your present satisfaction and fulfillment than your eternal well-being”? Is it “a gospel of success, self-esteem, and sensuality—what they summarize as a blessed life”?

Hillsong & Worship—November 28, 2016

Hillsong & God—November 29, 2016

Hillsong & Man—December 1, 2016

“Hillsong Postscript”—December 9, 2016

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.

Positive
Critics

Positive

Positive—This film was very uplifting and inspirational. We loved the worship songs and the behind the scenes insight. It was like a small taste of Heaven. While I realize we will not stand around praising God the whole time in Heaven, it took me to a place where I could imagine throngs of worshipers doing just that. Very uplifting and encouraging. Maranatha, Maranatha, come quickly Lord Jesus! A definite Must See.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Excellent! / Moviemaking quality: 5

Sheila C, age 61 (USA)

Positive—When I saw this documentary/biopic in the theater, it tugged me at the heart and didn’t let go. It is a true film. As the other comment reviewer said, it was a little taste of Heaven. Truly amazing. Everyone needs to see this documentary/biopic.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Excellent! / Moviemaking quality: 5

Stephen Jacewicz, age 21 (USA)

PLEASE share your observations and insights to be posted here.

Movie Critics

…has world-changing power… The legitimacy and authenticity of the band and its members… are undeniable. …[4½/5]

Shawn McEvoy, Crosswalk

… a wonderful, inspiring music documentary… entertaining and the music is so powerful that it’s hard not to sing along. …[3/4]

Ted Baehr, Movieguide

…a winning, friendly, and at times moving film… delivers winning musical experience… It’s not necessarily innovative, but it is insistent, effective, and quite often, moving. …

Dave White, The Wrap

…cuts a fine balance between the band’s sky-rocketing career and the humanitarian side shown by the band members… the documentary to an extent, is boring and superficial. …

Nabanita Maji, Morning Ledger

…these tunes won’t keep you awake… rated PG (Parental guidance suggested) for blinding heavenly light.

Andy Webster, The New York Times

…a conversion experience for the already converted …Structurally, “Hillsong: Let Hope Rise” is hopelessly confused, jumping back and forth in time and space…

Katie Rife, AV Club