Review

The Lion of Judah

Common Sense Media says

Amateurish animation mars Christian animal tale about Jesus.
Age
6
Quality
 

  • The movie depicts several New Testament stories (Jesus and the Money Changers, the crucifixion, the allegory of Jesus as sacrificial lamb, Peter's denial of Jesus, the resurrection) that would be educational for any family looking to teach their children biblical tales.
  • Many positive, Christian-themed messages about Jesus' life, death, and love. The animals learn the value of sacrifice and friendship as they try to save Judah.
  • All of the animals are willing to risk their safety to find and save Drake and Judah. Jesus' actions and sacrifices aren't too closely examined, but he is, of course, a divine role model to Christians.
  • Two menacing ravens terrorize a few animals and try to catch a rat. The Gospel story of Jesus cleansing the temple (expelling the money changers) is depicted, as is Jesus being hit (briefly) and the crucifixion (but nothing bloody is shown). The death of Jesus and possible slaughter of Judah may upset young children, especially since the protagonist animals are so upset.

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that since this animated drama follows animals that encounter Jesus right before the crucifixion, it will primarily appeal to Christian families who are looking to teach their children more about New Testament themes. Since Jesus (who is referred to as "the King" by the animals) is shown being jostled, hit, and eventually flogged and crucified, some very young children may be disturbed (although most of these scenes are brief and don't show any details). Judah the lamb is also nearly slaughtered (as the sacrificial lamb) but is saved at the last moment. While the film will be educational for Christian children, families of other faiths may be less comfortable with the movie's subject matter and overtly evangelical message.


This review of The Lion of Judah was written by

Most useful reviews by all members

Parent
March 27, 2012
 
A good film that parents can safely take their children to
With a title like "The Lion of Judah" the theme is going to be Biblical. Everyone knows this. Taking into consideration that 75% of the American population are Christians and that Christianity is the largest faith in Europe as well, I am sure that most people would be interested in this film only for this: it is an oasis among a barren world of films on sheer nonsense, hatred, sex, occult and various forms of propaganda. While it is amateurish, this is mostly because no big company would support an openly Christian-themed animation project in this so-called 'post-Christian world' of the media and various anti-Christian reviewers. For example, rotten tomatoes 'reviewers' gave this 0% in the tomatometer when the audience liked it well enough (66%). Some reviewers are so desperate that they point to a 'violent' scene on the crucifixion: what hypocrisy! When the average cartoon on television shows vampires, demons, witches and so forth with far more violence than what appears in this film there is no mention whatsoever about this. Families should see this if only because the animation animals refer to Jesus Christ as 'The King'. There are good Christian messages throughout the film and in a land barren of anything good, this is one must see animation.

Parent of 3, 6, and 8 year old
March 27, 2012
 
Good for older kids,not for your youngest tots.
A bit of scary stuff when Jesus is crusified,but i let my 3,6,and 8 year olds watch it the two older ones didn't mind, but my youngest was scared silly.I wouldn't let any kids under 5 watch it as they might be frightened

Kid, 11 years old
August 26, 2012
 
Horrible movie!
I thought this was the worst movie I've ever seen!!!!!

(G, 2002)

Entertaining, humorous take on biblical story.

(G, 2008)

Like steamed veggies: Good for you, but bland.

(NR)

Reimagined holiday classic with strong faith-based message.