Rating: Summary: Excellent Example Of Christian Cinema Review: I was 16 when I saw this movie for the first time. It cleared up a lot of questions I had about why a person must be "Saved". I made a decision for Christ shortly afterward. Since I have watched all four and consider the cornerstone of any Christian media library as it is a reminder of what is in store for this world and us. The thing that gets me the most is that what these other reviewers fail to understand (and it is not their fault) is that Christians watch a Christian film not for its originality (the story is over 2000 years old!)and its ability to appeal to all audiences at all times however (It is a Christian Ministry Tool!), it is always been the message. The story line and entertainment is just a welcome add on. These same reviewers could probably say that the Passion of The Christ film was a "rehash" of older Biblical movies and it was not done in a certain manner to suit a particular segment of the population yet it is one of the most highest grossing movies of all time. We are not embarrassed of these films; we embrace them and enjoy them. I recommend this film to all. Use it as a ministry tool for the youth. I was 15 when I first saw these films in 1995 so they are as much relevant now as they were then.
Rating: Summary: Classic Christploitation Genre Review: Made in 1972, A Thief in the Night has been an endless source of embarrassment for Christians, and a righteous 76 minutes of entertainment for the perpetually stoned. This film was the first in a series of 4 films made by Mark IV Pictures about the Book of Revelation and the alleged "end times" predicted by evangelical Christians. Not the "best" of the series, but it does entertain without dragging on too much. A solid introduction to characters we will meet up with in the rest of series is made in this film; and the early 70's fashion statements of hardcore handlebar moustaches, and polyester EVERYTHING are abundant. The film literally hurls us into an "evil world", where God's spirit has been taken away along with the Christians in the "Rapture." The once benevolent "United Nations" has now turned into "UNITE" under the Antichrist and has initiated a one world government hell-bent on punishing those who resist the mark of 666. The story centers around one young woman and her group of friends, some of which disappeared with the Rapture, and some......who are part of this new world order and plotting her demise. I took particular interest in the young preacher man who was later taken in the Rapture; many of his scenes show this wiley young preacher dressed in the shortest daisy dukes I have ever seen in my life. Pay special attention to the mowing scene during the Rapture, when he's dressed only in his daisy dukes and nothing else. Is it worth your time to watch, let alone buy this film? The answer is yes, in fact, you should see the whole series if you can; and of course, renting is always better than buying if you can find this series. I say WHEAT, definitely WHEAT for this film and the whole series of Mark IV films; they are all highly entertaining in my opinion. You mileage may vary, but I don't think you will walk away disappointed if you buy. These films are underground classics, long hidden but not forgotten in the closets of embarrassed Christians. Mark IV Pictures Prophecy Pack, and you get: A THIEF IN THE NIGHT, A DISTANT THUNDER, IMAGE OF THE BEAST,THE PRODIGAL PLANET with Tribulation Map I have the tribulation map and put it to good use every day tracking world events, hallelujah!
Rating: Summary: The Classic Christian Apocalyptic Movie Review: This movie is important in that it began the whole Christian apocalyptic genre. In 1972 Thief in the Night was cutting-edge church drama. Of course the acting seems a bit stiff, the dialogue forced, the message delivered without a hint of sublety. However, this effort served as a catalyst for the many sophisticated media presentations of a popular Christian view of how the world as we know it ends (and begins). I remember seeing Thief in the Night roughly a quarter of a century ago--how it inspired me to greater dedication, and how a number people became serious about their faith for the first time. Seeing The film today is akin to watching some of the earliest Star Trek episodes. The dated styles, the archiac technology, and the paper-shuffling government authorities are fun to remember. Yet, in spite of the 30 years that have passed since its production, Thief in the Night's message remains timely. Perhaps the reintroduction of the Thief in the Night series will garner new appreciation for such modern productions as Left Behind, and the Apocalypse series. Religious producers still do not have the budgets and tools available on the scale Hollywood uses. Nevertheless, meaningful messages are being meaningfully done. Bottom-line: Thief in the Night will prove most interesting to Christians who came of age in the 70s and 80s. The acting is stiff, but not sloppy. The message lacks nuance, but communicates clearly and realistically. As a pioneer effort in the genre, the movie earns a solid 4 stars.
Rating: Summary: Dated Biblical Rapture Story Review: This story (the first of a four movie series) based on Apocalyptic events as described in the Bible seems very dated thirty years later as long sideburns and clothing styles have changed. Still the acting was earnest though the script was a bit heavy. The story line does follow the Bible relatively faithfully, (as does the second movie) - it starts going off on a tangent in the third or fourth movie. I really can't remember which; this review was based on a viewing of all four movies in this series in 1987.
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