THE RIOT AND THE DANCE

Name: THE RIOT AND THE DANCE
Item: THE RIOT AND THE DANCE
Author: Steph Manthe

"Finding God’s Glory in the Mundane"

Content: +3 Some minor questionable elements. (Media-wisdom is suggested to discuss.)

Entertainment Quality:

	None	Light	Moderate	Heavy
Language
Violence
Sex
Nudity

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What You Need To Know:

THE RIOT AND THE DANCE is a nature documentary following Dr. Gordon Wilson as he travels the world in search of animals, both rare and common. From Montana to Mexico to Sri Lanka, Dr. Wilson shows viewers snakes, seals, buffalo, and other animals. Far from sugarcoating the world, Dr. Wilson tastefully reveals the beauty and horror that are intertwined within our fallen world. This world is our charge that we are called to not only live in it; but, to give it our protection. All creation needs redemption.

THE RIOT AND THE DANCE is beautifully produced with stunning footage and intelligent, interesting narration. Dr. Wilson’s hands on approach and wide variety of scenery and animals is sure to be a treat for the whole family. He also does a wonderful job tying in Scripture throughout the movie, making the experience not only entertaining, but also spiritually encouraging. However, parental discretion for young children is advised due to some footage of dead animals, some potentially scary video of animals fighting and snakes striking and tasteful references to seal “harems” and males fighting over females.

Content:

(CCC, BBB, V, S, M):

Dominant Worldview and Other Worldview Content/Elements:

Very strong Christian, biblical worldview with an emphasis on Scripture, glorifying God, the dominion mandate from the Book of Genesis, creationism and Christ’s triumph over Satan;

Foul Language:

No foul language;

Violence:

Images of dead animals, including some being eaten, light trickle of blood shown from a leech bite, animals fight, reference to monkeys trying to kill other baby monkeys;

Sex:

Reference to seal harems and seals trying to steal other females, implied seal trying to mate with female and then fighting other male seal;

Nudity:

No nudity;

Alcohol Use:

No alcohol use;

Smoking and/or Drug Use and Abuse:

No smoking or drugs; and,

Miscellaneous Immorality:

A reference to “greedy lizards,” potentially frightening video of snakes striking.

More Detail:

THE RIOT AND THE DANCE is part one of a two-part nature documentary put out by Fathom Events and Gorilla Poet Productions.

Dr. Gordon Wilson and author of THE RIOT AND THE DANCE: FOUNDATIONAL BIOLOGY, narrates the movie and gives scientific and spiritual insights into God’s beautiful creation. Dr. Wilson rarely focuses on any one animal for long, but rather takes us on a beautiful journey around the world to explore new climates and creatures, showcasing their intricacies and rejoicing in the One who made them. Whether it be the dessert, mountains or beach, viewers are treated to stunning and inspiring footage. From the ant, to the frog, to the seal, to the snake, each new creature is an opportunity to praise God for His creativity and majesty. Far from sugar coating creation, Dr. Wilson explains that when mankind fell, creation fell with him. With this insight viewers not only see the beauty, but also the pain and horror. They see harbor seals living together in unity, and elephant seals fighting over mating rights. They see monkeys with their young and then learn about their genocidal tendencies. In short, they see life and death.

While people may hate certain fallen attributes of these creatures, Dr. Wilson encourages people to refrain from proclaiming a hatred for an animal that God has chosen to create. Instead, people should love God’s creation while realizing that animals, along with people, need God’s redemption. Dr. Wilson beautifully ties in the Bible throughout the movie, emphasizing the importance of seeing the world through the lens of Scripture. Dr. Wilson believes that, since we’ve been called to take dominion of the earth, it is incredibly important that we learn all that we can about our charges and how to take care of them.

THE RIOT AND THE DANCE is beautifully made with stunning footage of land and beast. Although more detailed information about each individual animal would have been preferred, the narration was nevertheless intelligent and engaging with a strong Christian focus. Children and adults of all ages can enjoy this movie, but parental discretion for young children is advised due to some footage of dead animals (including animals being eaten), some potentially scary video of animals fighting and snakes striking, and tasteful references to seal “harems” and fighting over females.

Watch THE RIOT AND THE DANCE →

Quality:

- Content: +3