January 2007 - Jesus Camp

© January 2007 - Jesus Camp Film Review - By Bryen Dunn, Toronto,
Info@bryendunn.com

Jesus Camp is one of those documentary pieces that make you shake your head in disbelief as you gain an in depth look into a world unbeknownst to many. It’s a left handed look at the right-winged indoctrination of children by the Evangelical Church. There’s a growing movement by Christian revivalists to capture the youth and train them on the teachings of the Lord, in hopes of recapturing the roots of religion in the United States. Right wing fundamentalists believe it’s time to stop the world destruction happening at the hands of their President, by promoting a positive Christian course of action. Bush is actually idolized by the preachers, thereby questioning the integrity of mixing religion and politics.

Concerned parents round up their children and send them off to Pastor Becky Fischer's Kids on Fire summer camp in Devil's Lake, North Dakota, where they are taught to become dedicated Christian soldiers in 'God's army'. These children are being taught the good of the Lord everyday, some even being home-schooled to ensure less chance of encountering the evil of the real world. They see the world through a different set of eyes, and several are leaders in their own right, some as young as 10 years old. From dancing to Christian metal music to handing out literature on the street, this ‘army’ is on the move.

It’s not so much a leftist view of the whole situation, but more of an awakening as to how some people feel our society has deteriorated severely over the past couple of decades. Whatever side you take, you must admit something needs fixing out there. As the Pastor remarks, “Other societies teach their children how to use guns at an early age, we are teaching our children about the good aspects of society as presented by God.” It’s a compelling and thought provoking film.

Mongrel Media releases Jesus Camp on DVD January 30th. Most chains will have the film available for rent and the SRP is $34.95. Special features include a Directors Commentary and an elaborate collection of deleted scenes. It is one of fifteen documentaries currently short listed for a 2007 Academy Award nomination.

Jesus Camp, 85 Minutes, USA 2006, Directors Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady
Rating – 4 Stars

Jesus Camp, www.jesuscampthemovie.comMongrel Media, www.mongrelmedia.com

Published on juicystuff.ca