The Gospel is a well-loved, musically inspired film produced in 2004 by The Gospel Productions. Starring Boris Kodjoe, Idris Elba, Nona Gaye, Omar Gooding, Tamyra Gray and Clifton Powell, The Gospel is a thought-provoking, tear-jerking and laughter-inducing story.
The Gospel Story
After the death of his mother at a young age, David Taylor loses respect for his father and the church in which he grew up. Musically talented, David leaves the church and gospel music behind and becomes a famous secular artist. In the meantime, New Revelations Church, which David left behind is struggling under the guidance of his father and young Minister Charles Frank, a friend from David’s teen years. When he hears that his father is seriously ill, David returns to a life he left behind fifteen years before.
After all those years away, David finds himself working with the New Revelations Church choir and doing everything he can to help the church out of its struggles. Realizing what it is that he left behind marks the beginning of a journey of self discovery for David and for those around him.
The Gospel Lessons
The film is much like a modern representation of the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-31). Beyond that, it is a movie about what happens when hopes are discouraged and when ambition and pride get the way of good works. The film reveals that no one is perfect, no matter how hard anyone tries. It reveals that even in the church, misplaced motivation can lead to the wrong attitude when it comes to priorities.
As the Reverend Taylor says “we should spend a little less time looking good and a little more time actually being good,” David learns that his musical talents are better used in the church than anywhere he had put them before. And along with David’s personal revelations, New Revelations Church is headed for a revelation of its own.
The Gospel Music
The Gospel is infused with gospel music that can make an audience smile, bob heads and even find a few tears. The music in itself is a powerful inspiration, and the story around it gives it a little extra shine. The music is a big part of what makes the movie enjoyable. The music can touch hearts and lives just as much as the story around it.
This film is well made and enjoyable, but it is more than entertainment. It is inspirational, thought-provoking and includes toe-tapping gospel music.
Michelle Wright - Michelle is an avid reader and writer, with a focus on book, film and music reviews, gluten free recipes, and fiction writing "how-tos."
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