Tribulation (2000)

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Tom Canboro is a police detective with a Christian sister, Eileen, a brother, Calvin, a wife, Susan, and eccentric brother-in-law, Jason. One night, Jason seemingly goes insane and tries to kill Eileen, calling her a "hater". Tom soon realises this may be a conspiracy going as far as devil worship, but as he speeds in his car to get help, he suddenly looses control and crashes. Waking up in a strange hospital, he finds years have passed and people all over the world are wearing the mark of 666 on their right hands, and all those who don't are being killed off. Franco Macalusso, the believer in world peace Jason was fond of, now controls the world, and is trying to bring the world together as it was at the tower of Babel. Meanwhile, the "Haters" or Christians are hiding out and airing TBN tapes on the air for people to realise the Messiah is really the Antichrist, but their leader, Helen Hannah, is arrested... Written by The Extra in the Background

Film Overview
"Tribulation" is a thought-provoking mix of a suspense thriller and a religious drama released in 2000. Directed by Andre Van Heerden, the film stars Gary Busey, Margot Kidder, and Howie Mandel. The movie belongs to the Apocalypse series produced by the Christian-based production business Cloud Ten Pictures. "Tribulation" alternatingly shocks and soothes, providing viewers with a suspenseful expedition of the end times from a Christian viewpoint.

Plot Summary
The plot of "Tribulation" revolves around the character Tom Canboro (Gary Busey), a police detective who, after a cars and truck mishap, falls under a coma that lasts numerous years. When he awakens, he finds himself in a radically altered world where an overbearing one-world government, led by Franco Macalousso (Nick Mancuso), exerts control over the population.

This brand-new world order states Macalousso to be the Messiah, and those who contradict this figure as their saviour are identified as terrorists. Individuals are needed to bring a special recognition called "the mark" and those without it are pursued and persecuted. Tom's family, including his sis Eileen (Margot Kidder) and brother-in-law Jason Quincy (Howie Mandel), have actually likewise succumbed to this brand-new world values.

Spiritual Themes and Symbolism
"Tribulation" discuss fundamental Christian themes and scriptural predictions including the rapture, the Anti-Christ, and completion times, checking out these ideas within a modern context. The idea of 'the mark' resonates with the scriptural prediction of the Book of Revelation, symbolizing the variety of the monster. In addition, the film encapsulates the notions of faith, redemption, and spiritual awakening.

Main Characters and Performances
Gary Busey delivers a convincing performance as Tom Canboro, showcasing his journey from skeptical police to a believer. His character arc, slowly revealing the reality and finding faith in the divine, forms the core of the narrative. Margot Kidder as Eileen and Howie Mandel as Jason Quincy effectively enhance Busey's character, showing the change and manipulation of common people under the influence of a sinister figure.

Crucial Reception and Conclusion
"Tribulation", like other films of its category, received blended reviews. Critics applauded its well-crafted suspense, engaging property, and the efficiencies of its leading actors. Nevertheless, some critics discovered that the film's heavy dependence on Christian themes pushed away viewers not knowledgeable about the biblical end times.

In spite of its particular target market, "Tribulation" engages audiences with its facility of a dystopian future under a dictatorial ruler, drawing parallels with George Orwell's "1984" and other works of dystopian fiction. The central style of the expedition of faith amid tribulation provides a deep edge to the suspenseful story. Ultimately, "Tribulation" is more than a suspense thriller-- it's an invitation to introspect on faith, redemption, and the strength to keep one's beliefs throughout dire times.

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