Introduction: To Every Nation is a 2010 movie that chronicles the life of a young man named James O. Fraser, who left his home in London in 1910 to live and work among the Lisu people of China. The movie follows his journey as he learns about the language, culture, and customs of the Lisu people and becomes one of the first missionaries to bring the Christian gospel to this remote and isolated corner of the world.
Plot:
The movie begins in the early 1900s, with James O. Fraser, portrayed by Nick Alexander, living in London and feeling a strong calling to become a missionary in a foreign land. He is initially rejected by the China Inland Mission because he does not meet their qualifications, but he persists in his desire to serve and eventually wins their approval.
He arrives in China in 1910 and is immediately struck by the beauty and mystery of the country. He soon sets out for the remote Yunnan province, where he hopes to live and work among the Lisu people, a group of tribespeople who have never before heard of Jesus Christ or the Christian message.
As Fraser settles into life among the Lisu, he encounters many challenges, including the difficult language and the harsh living conditions. He slowly begins to win the trust of the Lisu people and becomes known as "white-haired brother" among them.
Over time, Fraser begins to see the impact of his work as the Lisu people begin to embrace Christianity and, in many cases, abandon their old ways of life. However, this progress is not without its setbacks, including persecution and violence from those who do not accept the new religion.
As the movie progresses, Fraser must navigate the complex political and social environment of China, which is facing widespread unrest and upheaval. He finds himself caught between his desire to share the gospel and his obligation to respect the local customs and traditions.
Throughout it all, Fraser remains steadfast in his faith and his commitment to the Lisu people, even as he faces enduring hardships and setbacks. His work ultimately lays the foundation for the modern Christian church in China and inspires many others to follow in his footsteps.
Acting:
Nick Alexander delivers a convincing performance as James O. Fraser, portraying the character as a man of deep conviction and quiet courage. He does an excellent job of conveying the challenges and joys of living among a remote people group and brings a sense of depth and humanity to the character.
Scott West also delivers an impressive performance as the supporting character, Pastor Nie. He plays the role with nuance and subtlety, capturing the tension between the traditional Chinese culture and the new Christian teachings.
Direction and Cinematography:
To Every Nation is a well-made movie that boasts impressive production values and strong direction. The cinematography captures the beauty and grandeur of China's remote landscapes, and the score complements the tone and mood of the movie.
The directing by David Kiern is also top-notch, balancing the need for historical accuracy with the need to tell an engaging and emotionally resonant story. He handles the subject matter with sensitivity and grace, and the result is a movie that is both enlightening and entertaining.
Conclusion:
To Every Nation is a powerful and inspiring movie about faith, courage, and sacrifice. It tells the story of one man's journey to bring the gospel to a remote and isolated corner of the world and serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of mission work.
The movie is well-acted, expertly directed, and beautifully shot, and will appeal to anyone who appreciates a good historical drama. Highly recommended for anyone interested in learning about the history of Christianity in China or the life of James O. Fraser.
To Every Nation is a 2017 animated movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 9 minutes.
