Rhemalogy

Reviews are like a pair of eyes. Everybody has them, but what do they see? However, I have come to observe some reviews are not always based on cinematics, but on politics. Yet in the final analysis, it is the fan who determines the outcome of the box office results. We can all be watching the same thing and have different perspectives. Therefore, this review is my unbiased perspective.

I had been trying to get my hands on this movie for days at Red Box. Quite unsuccessfully and so frustrating. I finally broke down and purchased it as a three day rental from Amazon. This movie has a lot of political overtones. However, since this site is Christian-based we shall address those attributes.

At the movie’s start, in the night you see three poachers going into the Moors trying to capture fairies. Two of those poachers are caught red-handed by a shadowy image with horns. It’s not who you think. One poacher escapes with a fairy and an unknown flower. Which he brings to someone working in the castle. You only see a hand giving him a couple of coins and snatching the flower. It reminds one of a modern day Judas Iscariot.

The next day all of the creatures in the Moors are happy with anticipation. This is to be the happiest of days because Prince Phillip (Harris Dickinson) is about to propose to Queen Aurora (Elle Fanning). Who before his proposal gives him one of her own. She asks, “Do you think there could be a union between Ulstead and the Moors?” To which he replies. “A union?” Aurora replies “Yes, to connect the lands with harmony and peace. I have imagined a bridge.” Phillip then answers. “Oh yes a bridge. I believe a union is a wonderful idea if both sides are willing.” Aurora says hesitantly. “I’m working on it.” Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.(Matthew 5:9)

Prince Phillip proposes and assures her, “If love has a true and serious mind. There is no magic or curse that could ever turn me away from you Aurora.”

This news is not well received by Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) when Diaval (Sam Riley), her trusted companion and conscience, announces the proposal. Her infamous “Well, well”, upon confronting Aurora, is met with all sorts of defenses for the prince. After she once again shoos away Aurora’s three fairy aunts; she tells Aurora, “Love doesn’t always end well beastie.”

Upon arriving at Castle Ulstead, Prince Phillip tells his mother and father Aurora accepted. King John (Robert Lindsay) is quite elated, “Two kingdoms united at last!” The king then gives Phillip his sword as an emblem of peace and tells young Phillip, ‘Take it and wear it to know you will never have to use it.”

Unknown to the king; the enemy is within his own palace walls. (Matthew 10:36) Queen Ingrith (Michelle Pfeiffer) is behind the fairy kidnappings and is preparing weapons of mass destruction in the dungeon. This is all part of the queen’s elaborate scheme to kill Maleficent upon their dinner invitation. Then annihilate all the creatures in the Moors so she can take possession. This is the baseline of the entire film.

Upon their arrival, at the dinner table; Queen Ingrith is constantly antagonizing Maleficent with iron plates and silverware to which she knows Maleficent is allergic. But pretends she doesn’t. And continues to insult her with all sorts of accusations until Maleficent goes into a destructive rage and tells the room “There is no union—there will be no wedding!” King John suddenly takes ill thinking Maleficent placed him under some kind of curse. But did she really?

This is why we as children of God need the gift of discernment to see in the spirit. And not to take everything we see at face value. (Malachi 3:18) Maleficent tells Aurora she did nothing and insists they leave. Aurora sides with Queen Ingrith assuming Maleficent did curse the king. Upon Maleficent’s exit she is shot down with an iron pellet and falls into the sea. But is rescued by another of her kind (Chiwetal Egiofor). The queen is quite disappointed in hearing this report.

Imagine thinking you were the only one. To find out there are more of you in hiding. Still you are the exception since you are the last descendant in your special bloodline. That possesses great power and authority. 

Queen Ingrith wanted war, for which she deceptively instigated. The queen’s entire persona wreaks mixed messages. Wearing all white committing evil deeds. White has always represented purity and good. While black represents the mystical and evil. But what happens when the white is cloaked with the shadow of evil? Good will never be evil and evil will never be good. (Isaiah 5:20) Imagine Aurora’s surprise when the truth is revealed. How ironic, the villain is depicted as a scapegoat at film’s end. (Leviticus 16:26)

As previously mentioned, this movie has many political overtones. But its’ Christian attributes are the ones our young people should be getting—Specifically:

• Love not hate is our strongest weapon.
• Fear is the greatest culprit of division.
• We should treat all people with the same respect we expect.
• Knowing who we are in God helps us to defeat the enemy on many levels.
• In the darkest of situations the truth will forever stand and be heard.
• Your secret sins will be found out.
• Always stand up for what is right. Even if you must stand alone.
• There are constantly peaceable solutions; if we search hard enough we can find them.
• The true power of love can change even the blackest hearts.
• God can resurrect our lives; even out of the ashes of our greatest defeats.

This is an excellent film. Angelina Jolie and Michelle Pfeiffer were the real adhesive to the true story line and delivered it! There are many positive lessons that can be learned. It has beautiful costumes, unbelievable battle scenes and phenomenal special effects.  However, the side of caution should be taken with the younger children as some of the scenes, to them, could be frightening.

We give Maleficent Mistress of Evil

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