Light of the World: An Animated Film Shining Light on the Love of God

For a Christian, or really anyone, a very good place to start is Scripture. It opens a vessel of grace to aid any endeavor. The movie, Light of the World, does just this when its opening frame is the verse John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” Already, this film has found its beginning and heart in Scripture. But does it continue to do so?

The directors of Light of the World unfold Jesus’ missionary work from the perspective of young John, one of Jesus’ apostles. This way viewers have an up-close look into Jesus’ life. Light of the World makes its moral lessons clear without making the presentation of them awkward. The thoughtful dialogue sprinkles in creative lines with hidden deeper meanings. An example is when young John seeks out Jesus’ mother, Our Lady, to ask who Jesus is. This is a gentle, poignant nod to the beauty of the Blessed Virgin’s intercession in one’s prayer life and something every Catholic watching the film will appreciate.

Often Christian movies receive a bad rap for being too clunky. In the case of Light of the World, the people involved in the film seem to know what they were doing as the overall presentation was smooth, engaging, and aesthetically satisfying.

In an article that appeared in CHVNradio.com, John Schafer, the director of the film, states that the film is for people of all ages and also “[written] in mind for people who may not have a concept of Jesus or the Bible," Light of the World has a nostalgic feel in the animation that mimics Disney pictures from the 90s. This is really quite fitting, as the co-directors, Tom Bancroft and his twin brother Tony Bancroft are two legendary Disney artists. Among other pictures, Tony Bancroft was also a co-director of Disney’s Mulan.

A recurring source of debate in Christian films is the interpretation of Scripture, and rightly so, for it is one of the pillars of Christian Faith. In one of his articles, Steven Greydanus, a well known movie reviewer and Catholic, asks two questions pertaining to reviewing films with Biblical narratives. “First, what does the film add to the biblical story? Second, what does the film take away from the biblical story?”

Light of the World naturally takes most of its inspiration from the Gospel of John as his perspective is highlighted in the movie. Many of its scenes have added imaginative elements, which are natural and can be positively effective. Introducing color and relatability to the characters adds to the Biblical story. However, there are scenes in Light of the World that blur timelines or take lightly important passages of the Gospel, like the movie’s depiction of the naming of Peter as Rock. Depictions of the Gospel like these could be seen as unimportant to some but lacking to others. The characters in this film, like young John, have colorful personalities and traits which make them interesting and engaging, but some aspects of their portrayal might conflict with one’s understanding of their portrayal in Scripture which is why guidance from a parent or other Christian adult is always a good idea when viewing a Christian film with children.

It is also important to note the goal of the film which is to bring the light of the Gospel to children and adults, and this film does just that. The directors stuck to their themes and morals consistently throughout the film using their artistic liberties. They are able to engage people of all ages in a comforting, heartwarming way. The love of Christ is shown through the way Jesus loves young John throughout the film.

A good Christian film is like tasty food that is also good for you, as opposed to food that is good for you but not palatable. As an adult who has cared for many children, I am sure that both children and their parents will enjoy Light of the World and take away important Christian truths from it.

However, it should not end there for those who watch this film. I believe many viewers will be inspired and encouraged to open a Bible and read the original, divinely inspired words of young John in order to really ponder, grasp and share the heart of the Light of the World.