Is the movie ‘Jesus Revolution’ based on a true story? 

Is ‘Jesus Revolution’ based on a true story?:  ‘Faith-based movies are films that seek to communicate a message of religious or spiritual significance. These movies typically deal with themes such as redemption, forgiveness, faith, and the power of prayer and are often made with the intention of inspiring and uplifting viewers who have lost their ways. While this feels like a noble purpose, some of these movies often exploit minds seeking to deepen their understanding of faith or trying to find solace in difficult times. They tend to implicate the fragility of people and use it as a tool to manipulate them. This is the reason why mainstream media has had such a love-hate relationship with them. 

Some faith-based movies are based on true stories, while others are fictional accounts that aim to convey universal truths. Regardless of their specific approach, these movies often draw upon various storytelling techniques, including drama, comedy, and musical numbers, to engage and entertain audiences. In this article, we’ll be looking at the latest faith-based movie ‘Jesus Revolution’ directed by Jon Erwin and Brent McCorkle. 

What is the movie Jesus Revolution about? 

Jesus Revolution is the tale of a young hippie’s quest for purpose and freedom in the 1970s. As a struggling Greg Laurie (Joel Courtney) is raised by his single mother, Charlene (Kimberly Williams-Paisley), he embarks on a journey that takes him to sunny Southern California, where he meets a sea of young people searching for truth and liberation.

In this tumultuous era, Laurie’s path intersects with two influential figures – the charismatic hippie-street-preacher Lonnie Frisbee (Jonathan Roumie) and Pastor Chuck Smith (Kelsey Grammer). Together, they throw open the doors of Smith’s ailing church to welcome the lost and wandering youth, leading to an unprecedented spiritual awakening that reshapes the course of history. As rock and roll music fills the air and newfound love abounds, a twist of faith ignites a Jesus Revolution that transforms a counterculture movement into a revival. 

Is the movie ‘Jesus Revolution’ based on a true story? 

Yes! Jesus Revolution, which became a surprise hit at the box office, is indeed based on a true story. Mostly, the movie follows the “Jesus freak” movement in the late 1960s and 1970s, as seen through the eyes of youth minister Greg Laurie (Joel Courtney). 

The movement was based in California and aimed to fuse the beliefs and practices of the hippie counterculture with Evangelicalism, resulting in both conflicts and a surge of young people finding a new lifestyle through born-again Christianity.

Despite some real-life controversial beliefs held by the movement’s leaders, which are not explored in the film, Jesus Revolution is mostly an accurate representation of the religious movement that history has largely overlooked. 

During the 1960s and 70s, a cultural movement known as the Jesus Movement emerged in California and rapidly spread around the world. This movement aimed to merge the values of the counterculture of the 1960s and the individualistic attitudes of the 1970s with the tenets of evangelical Christianity. After years of rejecting mainstream American values, young people found solace and novelty in the Jesus Movement’s rebranding of traditional Christianity.

Many of the movement’s adherents lived in communal settings where they could blend a progressive alternative lifestyle with conservative social principles. In essence, the Jesus Movement succeeded in attracting rebellious youth while remaining true to their Christian faith. The movement gained widespread recognition from mainstream media, particularly when Time magazine featured it on the cover in June 1971.

The Jesus Movement is also widely recognized for pioneering and popularizing the Christian rock music genre. This emerging style of music infused popular sounds with lyrics centered on Christian themes, making religion more accessible and relatable to young people.

Christian rock music became a powerful tool for the Jesus Movement since it helped in attracting and retaining its followers. The new sub-genre also become a major force in the music industry, with numerous successful artists and bands garnering widespread popularity and critical acclaim.

Can I stream ‘Jesus Revolution’ on Netflix? 

No! Jesus Revolution is not streaming on Netflix. As far as we can see, it wouldn’t be available to stream on Netflix for the foreseeable future because it’s a Lionsgate-produced and distributed movie. However, you can stream a lot of faith-based movies like ‘2 Hearts,’ ‘Blue Miracle,’ ‘Persecuted,’ ‘Voices of Fire,’ etc., on Netflix instead. 

Additionally, you can head here to learn how you can stream Jesus Revolution from the comfort of your homes.

Is ‘Jesus Revolution’ worth watching for kids? 

The movie is rated PG-13, so it’s recommended not to let young kids watch it. Jesus Revolution delves into mature topics like drug abuse, marital issues, and near-death scenarios through intense scenes that may not be appropriate for young children. 

While older teens can gain valuable insights from watching it, parents and guardians should exercise discretion as to whether their children are ready to handle its mature themes.