littleamos

This is a great look at portions of the Israeli desert, carried forward with a story made interesting by conflict between two men. People who have been there will appreciate the way the land is portrayed, even in this 1974 snapshot. The Yom Kippur war is never mentioned, and it is instructive to see how Palestinian arabs and Palestinian Jews really do sometimes cooperate in Israel.

Ustinov, the older trucker, is concerned about finances to the point of being afraid when he should take a chance. The younger trucker (Perry King) is kind of a swashbuckler, with his own style of getting things done. The nun (Francesca Annis) not only serves as a nurse, she also pries their souls open a tiny bit, so that hardship changes their relationship with each other. She also serves as a translator and liaison to the local arabs, who generously rescue them and their truck from a difficult situation in the Israeli desert.

Curiously, Ustinov's character is never given a name. I would have liked to see a little more authenticity in the truckers. The only Hebrew they used was "shalom!" But for the most part, it was an enjoyable movie.

There are so many reasons that this is a play everyone should see. The soliloquy by Antony Sher, who played the mysterious tzaddik "Akiba" was so powerful! I can't watch it without crying.

The only criticism I have is the way the last line was directed and played.

Andre Oumansky as Jacob has the very last line in the play... the crucial line that answers the accusation presented by the tzaddik Akiba and the verdict handed down (or up) by the court.

Emily: And was their prayer answered? Jacob: (referring to the Jewish people) They're still here...

"They're still here!" The Jewish people are still here! God IS true to His promise! Those lines should have been carefully set up, slowed down, well pronounced, and emphasized. Instead, they are hurriedly mumbled as the two get on the bus. Those two lines were the whole play.

Am Yisrael Chai!

I came here hoping to find some sort of explanation for this story line. I can't imagine what Hitchcock was thinking. Nothing makes sense.

Predictably, you will see two different types of ratings. The movie gets generally high marks from believers, despite the valid criticisms from those who are not quite as enthusiastic. Why is that? One reason is the history of Christian film making is different from that of other types of studios. We in the church are used to seeing movies with actors and extras who are (probably unpaid) church members or Bible college students. We do not expect to be knocked out of our seats by a great star or astounding special effects. Not only that, but the thrust is different. Movies are made primarily to get a message out, not to make money. Believers are more interested in the purity of the message than its package.

The purity of the message of "China Cry" makes it a great movie and well worth the time of anyone.

There are certain people that will not "get" this movie.

People that do not understand that there are values that endure past generations.

People that do not understand how precious it is when someone is able to look past the values of his generation and see the Eternal.

People that are looking for Hollywood-type action and editing.

Others will be able to rejoice in the truth, and enjoy the way God was able to do great things with a simple man that was just willing and obedient. May we have more Sheffeys in our world today! May be have the good sense to listen to the Sheffeys we have.