Film Summary"Apocalypse" is a 1996 end-time movie directed by Peter and Paul Lalonde, part of the 'prediction movie theater' genre that dominated Christian film in the late 1990s. The film is an adaption of the Bible's Revelation prophecy and focuses on a Biblical view of the End Times while showing how these may play out in a contemporary setting.
Plot SummaryThe plot begins with the press reporters, Bronson Pearl (Richard Nester) and Helen Hannah (Leigh Lewis), covering a war in Israel in which an individual, Franco Macalousso (Nick Mancuso), moderates a peace treaty. As the world starts to embrace Macalousso, they disappear in the middle of mayhem, which is the first indication of "The Rapture" - an occasion prophesied in the Bible as the beginning of the end.
The Rapture results in the disappearance of all true Christians, leaving their belongings behind, representing their entrance to paradise. This was mainly unpropitious for those left behind, including Bronson and Helen, who immediately see the vacuum and misery their world has actually descended into.
Characters and DevelopmentPearl, an agnostic who formerly enjoyed belittling faith, begins questioning his beliefs and examining the matter more seriously. Helen, on the other hand, unwillingly accepts the reality of what has actually taken place. Believing Macalousso's participation in the odd happenings, she discovers he is the Anti-Christ, vying for international domination and eventually the end of the world.
At the same time, Macalousso, utilizing the panic-stricken world as leverage, pitches the implementation of a hightech system, called O.N.E., as an option. The system would unify the world into one currency, language and law system, a subtle nod to the "Mark of the Beast" associated with the Anti-Christ's reign.
ConclusionHelen becomes a fugitive, aiming to reveal Macalousso's true intentions to the global audience by hijacking a global broadcast. Despite heavy opposition, Helen handles to get onto the broadcast, where she earnestly recommends the people to stay obedient to the genuine God and to prevent the counterfeit god - Macalousso. She unbelievely leaves the scene with Pearl, who then admits his faith in God, hence signifying his improvement. The story ends ominously with the revealing of the Anti-Christ's true type.
Important Reception"Apocalypse" was kept in mind for groundbreaking unique impacts, but its general production was extremely modest. The film received blended reviews. Critics praised the performing, particularly Leigh Lewis for her role as Helen Hannah, and the storyline's appealing take on Christian eschatology. Nevertheless, it was also criticized for its excessive Christian imagery, often viewed as hard-hitting propaganda. The film's strength depends on the powerful symbolic connection to the scriptural prophecy, making it a thought-provoking watch on the interaction of faith, mythology, and technology.
Influence and SequelsIn spite of its reviews, "Apocalypse" undeniably left its mark within the Christian film category. It stimulated the development of a series of films, with 3 sequels following the original, concentrating on various aspects of the End Times prophecies, and emphasizing the Bible's warnings about the last days.
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