Polycarp

If you are looking for stunning visual effects and dramatic action sequences, this may not be the film for you. However, if you, like me, are looking for moving, challenging Christian films with a strong message and deep, engaging characters, you couldn't find better. The CGI is imperfect, as may be expected considering the budget they had to work with, but does come across as cheesy or phony looking-- just a little fuzzy. The acting is excellent and the script could not be better. The characters are engaging and the set is fantastic. I only hope the Henlines make more films soon because they are masters of historical fiction.

Im a 52 year old devout conservative Christian so I actually really love christian movies.

I don't care if they seem a bit amateurish, because the story is the most important thing and no need to waste millions of dollars to tell a Christian story, especially since most people will just bash Christian movies anyway. I find reviews bashing Christian movies because they're Christian movies, lolwut?!?! If you don't like Christian movies, don't watch christian movies!

I always go into these movies really wanting to like them. I love Christian movies the best because they have a good message on how to handle life situations and problems, or trials of faith or persecution. This one was about persecution, based on a true story. Unfortunately, this movie wasnt interesting to me. It was slow and boring. I hate to say that.

Before writing this review I checked Wikipedia out for Polycarp and found his birth and death years. He was a remarkable 86 years old when he was martyred and I have to say that Garry Nation who did a fine job in this film in the title role did not look anything like 86.

This is not a linear biography of Polycarp of Smyrna. The film is seen through the eyes of Aliya Hunt who was bought at a slave market as a child and the life of Polycarp in his final dozen years or so is seen through her eyes.

Hunt is bought by Christians at the market to be set free and raised within the community. Back then they really believed it took a village. Head of the growing but still persecuted Christian community is Polycarp the bishop. Now he's revered as one of the founders of the Eastern Orthodox church.

Until Emperor Constantine became a Christian, Rome alternately relaxed and persecuted religious minorities. The current governor of Smyrna Gary Boesek has decided to turn up the heat particularly on the point of now worshiping Caesar as a god. Not something Polycarp can tolerate.

This was a good film and well cast. I would also like to single out for praise Rusty Martin as teenage Germanicus, a kid who enters martyrdom in the arena. It's a simple, unaffected, and moving bit of acting.

Polycarp should get more than church basement showings.

An exceptional historical depiction of believers who remain steadfast in the face of persecution and hardship. This movie will cause you to reflect on how you would choose to defend your belief and stand for God regardless of the consequences.

So inspiring. Watch it, especially if you fear the tribulation, it will inspire you to be brave :)

Don't trust negative reviews, they are probably from haters of Jesus. This movie shows what it takes to be a true disciple of Christ. The path to the kingdom of Heaven is not easy and it requires faith, courage, love. Please watch this with your family.

Jesus is coming back soon, so it is better to be prepared and to be ready to withstand trials that might lie ahead of some of us. Fear not, repent, and come to Jesus today. It might be too late tomorrow.

God Bless and may Jesus save you and your loved ones.