Product Description

Based on the best-selling novel by Joseph Girzone that touched the lives of millions Joshua is an inspirational story about a stranger whose mysterious "supernatural" powers inspire a small town.When Joshua moves to the outskirts of Auburn he awakens the curiosity of the sleepy town. The locals aren't quite sure what to make of him. They don't know who he is or where he came from but no one can shake the feeling that they've known him for years. Known only by his first name his wisdom and compassion place him at the center of the town's attention. This attention intensifies as Joshua shatter prejudice and misconception and even seems to perform miracles. Despite this benevolence and selfless work in the community some remain suspicious. There are those who feat that no one in today's world would do something for nothing. Just what exactly is Joshua up to? In the end it is the answer to that question which is nearly as extraordinary as the discovery of that same transforming power in each of their own hearts. Tony Goldwyn Academy Award winner F. Murray Abraham and Academy Award nominee Giancarlo Giannini star in this film complemented with a film score byiMichael W. Smith. Features: Full Screen Version 2.0Dolby Stereo Surround Joshua Behind-the-Scenes Joshua Trailer Joshua TV Spot Production Notes Cast and Crew Information Scene IndexSystem Requirements:li>Running Time:90 Min Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: DRAMA Rating: G UPC: 012236130598 Manufacturer No: 71490

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4414 in DVD
• Brand: LION'S GATE ENTERTAINMENT
• Released on: 2002-10-22
• Rating: G (General Audience)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD-Video, Full Screen, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .20 pounds
• Running time: 90 minutes

Amazon.com
The world can be divided into two camps: those who will watch Joshua reverently and gratefully, and those who will not touch it with a 10-foot pole. The reverent probably own Joseph F. Girzone's bestselling novel about a mysterious but friendly loner who shows up in a small American town and blesses every life he touches. Whites and blacks, Catholics, Protestants, and Jews will work side by side as newly recognized brethren; an estranged couple will resolve to save their marriage; the lonely and disconnected will embrace and be embraced by community; etc. The message--the healing power of Christ's love--is beyond reproach, the intentions of the filmmakers entirely benign, but there is not one whit of dramatic tension or narrative complication to any of it. The cast is stronger than usual in such religious projects (Tony Goldwyn, Oscar^® winner F. Murray Abraham, Giancarlo Giannini as the Pope), but no one has a prayer with a script that posits the hero's Christhood on the fact that 12 people show up for his going-away dinner. --Richard T. Jameson

Customer Reviews

A wonderful, sweet parable
Watch this with your family (all ages invited) or thoughtfully alone. It's a story, from the Joseph Girzone novel, of a stranger that arrives in a small town. The tale unfolds obviously into a 21st century mirror of Jesus' experiences in the 1st century gospel story . . . healing, Pharisees, patience and compassion, persecution, love.

Without question, any believer will take issue with SOME theological difference they can locate in this presentation. But if you are a follower of Jesus, or Yeshua if you prefer, I encourage you to set aside theological wrangling and don't miss the opportunity to enjoy this. Let your imagination run with this "what if" of a visit by Jesus.

Some critical production observations -- the hometown scenes early in the movie are indeed a bit trite. Much of the humor is corny, and some of the "good people" a bit oafish, many examples of over-characterization. The town is too clean. Even the ruins of a destroyed church are orderly (a typical Hollywood treatment). Kind of a made-for-TV feel, but still, this keeps it safe for kids. There is much wisdom in the story (the Gospel story!), so please try to get past some of the Hollywood weaknesses and think about the tale. By the way, Kurt Fuller delivers nicely as Joshua, and F. Murray Abraham is spot on as an unlikeable priest.

The payoff -- the story builds toward a trip to the Vatican for Joshua and an audience with the Pope. A bit of awesome footage of that location, and a very profound ending.

I'll give it 4 stars for enjoyability and the inspiring story. It could have been handled more carefully, I'll reserve a star for that. I expect that you will enjoy it.

Amazing Movie
One of the absolute best Christian movies available. Very touching. Keep watching it over & over.

good movie
The best reason I can think of for owning this movie is to be able to watch for the little details the second time you watch it that you might have missed. (look for the Challah bread!) My family and I really enjoyed this movie. Some of the parts of the movie were very clever in how they used passages from the bible in the context of this story (for example, "I am what I am").