This Faith-Based Movie Doesn’t Water Down the Gospel Message
By Movieguide® Contributor
THE FORGE stars Priscilla Shirer and Aspen Kennedy are sharing what the movie means to them.
“Who knew that we would be in a day and age and a generation where there would be faith-based films that don’t water down the message but also have excellence in storytelling and cinematography?” Shirer said in an interview with Movieguide®. “The fact that I get to be a part of that feels like a gift to me.”
Kennedy agreed, saying, “I’ve come to the conclusion over the years [that] I don’t want to be a part of projects that just entertain people, but impact people, because some of the most impactful films were some of my favorite films.”
“The opportunity to pour into someone and impact them — that’s what I want my life to reflect, as well as glorify God in that process,” he continued.
The pair also spoke about what they hope viewers take away from THE FORGE.
“I hope that it inspires them as parents but also as grandparents,” Shirer said, “to know that you’re not out of the game.”
Kennedy shared his hopes for the movie’s impact as well — “Surrender is a beautiful thing when you can also trust those who are following the Lord to lead you…just encouraging people to trust the Lord and trust their mentors, who God has placed in their lives.”
Check out the rest of Movieguide®’s interview with THE FORGE stars here:
A description of THE FORGE reads, “Isaiah Wright has some growing up to do. A year out of high school with no plans for his future, Isaiah is challenged by his single mom and a successful businessman to start charting a better course for his life. Through the biblical discipleship from his new mentor, prayers of his mother and a prayer warrior named Miss Clara, Isaiah begins to discover God’s purpose for his life is so much more than he could hope for or imagine.”
THE FORGE is the latest movie from the Kendrick Brothers, whose previous credits include WAR ROOM and OVERCOMER.
“We hope the church wants to grow in their discipleship,” Alex told Crosswalk Headlines. “We don’t need more lukewarm Christians in churches. We need to see people that are devoted to Jesus, that truly want to glorify and honor the Lord and walk more intimately with Him. This movie focuses on what that could look like.”
Stephen added that this generation “desperately” needs discipleship.
“They’re emotionally disconnected,” he said. “When people watch THE FORGE, they are going to laugh; they’re going to be inspired. It’s a family-friendly movie. But hopefully, they’re going to be encouraged in their own surrender to walk with the Lord. And they’re also going to be challenged to look at the next generation and say: This isn’t rocket science. I can share what God has poured into my life. And I can begin to mentor and have a relationship and share God’s truth and example with this next generation.”
Movieguide® previously reported on THE FORGE’s message:
THE FORGE explores how having strong leaders can make an incredible impact. While this is true for all areas of life, it is especially true for faith, where having somebody to shepherd you through can be the difference between whether or not you form a relationship with Christ.
“[THE FORGE] is family-friendly, but it is intense and exciting. In some different places, it is an emotional roller coaster. There’s some funny humor that’s in the movie, but most importantly, it’s this call to discipleship—that we need to get busy about leading people into an abiding surrendered walk with Jesus because that’s the greatest thing in the world,” said Stephen Kendrick.
“We believe the Lord is going to stir up this focus in the body of Christ, and so we’re very grateful to have worked on a movie like this,” Alex Kendrick added. “It was challenging for us but edifying for the body of Christ because we need to be salt and light like never before.”
