First of all, this is no film for children. Its PG-13 rating should be taken seriously. The story of Noah is a popular children’s story, but the actual Biblical story recalls the greatest destruction the world has ever seen. It is an apocalyptic story that shows God’s saving grace in the midst of unspeakable evil. The real horrors of the flood eclipse our worst nightmares.
There is, however, another reason this film is not appropriate for children. The film takes dramatic liberties with the Biblical story that will capture their attention and likely cause great confusion in their minds. For example, scholars have been fascinated with Genesis 6:1-4 which possibly describes supernatural and giant sized beings dwelling the earth in the days of Noah. No one knows exactly what these verses mean—it is a great mystery of the Bible. The movie creatively casts them as anthropomorphic rock formations that look like extras in a Transformers movie. Certainly with God all things are possible, but this really isn’t the image you want your kids fixed on when it comes to teaching Noah’s story.
I saw the film too close to publication time to research Christian reviews of the movie, but I suspect they will be largely negative because of significant Biblical inaccuracies. The movie makers themselves admit they present a highly embellished account and invite viewers to read the story in Genesis. I won’t point out all these obvious inaccuracies lest I be a spoiler, but there are plenty.
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Don’t conclude that I have nothing supportive to say about the film. While “Noah” isn’t in the league of “Son of God” or “The Ten Commandments” in terms of Biblical theater, there are certain themes underneath the surface that may provoke engaging faith conversations. Here are two I found....(click here for the full editorial)
