The Chosen is an award-winning TV series based on the New Testament accounts of Jesus’ life. It is currently filming its fifth season, and over 100 million people have watched at least some of it through its app and streaming platforms.
The popularity of the show is partly due to the unique mix of personable actors, clever screenwriting and impressive visuals. But its strength is in its ability to bring the gospel accounts alive by developing backstories for characters that, while not based in historical fact, give colour and a down to earth portrayal of what happened 2000 years ago.
Unlike so many productions of biblical events, Jesus is portrayed as a down to earth, relatable character and because the show spends so much time on character development, key cast are not cardboard cutouts, but rather people you can easily identify with. Which is also the show’s weakness: So much time is spent on character development that you find yourself eager to see the story develop. The gospel accounts of Jesus’ life provide so much drama, one wonders why some episodes don’t make more use of the history.
That said, it’s an engaging and at times, a very moving and powerful telling of the world’s most influential story. You can catch the first series on Netflix or the entire four series for free once you log into The Chosen website.
One caveat needs to be made: Viewers need to be careful not to confuse fact with fiction. Like so many historical dramas these days, it’s hard to tell where the facts end and fiction begins. But nevertheless, the show opens a door into first-century life that is easily accessible for those not familiar with the biblical story.
To that end, we at Christchurch are screening the show on Mondays at 1pm at the church Rectory on Middle Beach Rd. All are welcome, and after the screening we spend half an hour discussing the episode and comparing it with the historical events as they occurred.
Of course, if you’ve never read the original accounts for yourself, reading, say, John’s gospel is a great way to get across the story that changed the world. But having the chance to interact with this particular portrayal of the story is a refreshing and intriguing exercise that we’d love to have you join us for.
For more details, ring Ray Robinson 6563 2051