Story
It’s AD 30 and the people of Judaea suffer under the oppressive Roman Empire. Heavy taxes drain families of their livelihood, and those who can’t pay are imprisoned. Yet hope remains, because prophecies tell of a coming Messiah who will save everyone. John (voice of Benjamin Jacobson) and his older brother James (voice of Dylan Leonard) grow up hearing these stories from their mother, Salome (voice of Erin Mathews). Their father, Zebedee (voice of Dave Pettitt), urges caution, insisting they keep their heads down and take care of themselves.
But when the tax collectors threaten to arrest Zebedee, John turns to his neighbour Andrew (voice of Vincent Tong) for help. While searching for Andrew, John meets a carpenter named Jesus (voice of Ian Hanlin), who can perform miracles – turning water into wine and healing the sick and dying.
Convinced that Jesus is the Messiah they have been waiting for, John, James, Andrew and Peter (voice of Sam Darkoh) set off on a journey with Jesus and the other disciples. Together, they witness acts of divine power, profound teachings, and the events that will change the course of history – the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.
Themes
Death; oppression; betrayal; family conflict
Violence
Light of the World has some violence. For example:
- John accidentally smacks a soldier in the face with a net of fish, causing the soldier to chase after him.
- James is knocked over. He hurts his elbow and needs a sling.
- A character is chased by bees after being handed the hive’s honeycomb.
- John runs from soldiers brandishing swords. He jumps off a building to escape.
- We learn that a close friend of Jesus is arrested and killed by the Romans.
- Peter slices off a soldier’s ear as the soldier tries to arrest Jesus. Jesus subsequently heals the man.
- The scene of Jesus being slapped by the Pharisees is reflected on a wall.
- Jesus is presented to a crowd, beaten and bloody.
- Jesus is whipped and has rotten fruit thrown at him as he carries a cross meant for his crucifixion.
- Jesus wails in pain as his hands and feet are nailed to the cross. He is hung on the cross, and the entire city shakes at the moment of his death.
Sexual references
Light of the World has some sexual references. For example, Adam and Eve are shown in the Garden of Eden.
Alcohol, drugs and other substances
Light of the World shows some use of substances. For example, people often drink wine, particularly at the wedding at Cana.
Nudity and sexual activity
Light of the World has some nudity and sexual activity. For example, Jesus and other men are sometimes shown shirtless.
Product placement
There’s no product placement in Light of the World.
Coarse language
There’s no coarse language in Light of the World.
Ideas to discuss with your children
Light of the World is a 2D hand-drawn animation produced by the Salvation Poem Project and directed by John Schafer and Tom Bancroft. The movie retells and slightly reimagines the story of Jesus Christ, primarily from the perspective of John the Apostle.
Because of its violence and scary scenes, Light of the World is unsuitable for children aged under 7 years. We recommend parental guidance up to 10 years.
The main messages from Light of the World are scriptural. The movie highlights many key teachings of Jesus, including ‘loving your neighbour’ and having faith. John’s journey and experiences also show how even one person can have a big influence.
Values in Light of the World you could reinforce with your children include religious faith, family, forgiveness, courage and compassion.
Light of the World could also give you the chance to talk with your children about the real-life consequences of betrayal and greed. For example:
- Judas’s betrayal of Jesus highlights the consequences of disloyalty and selfish ambition.
- The Pharisees’ greed and desire for power leads them to crucify Jesus.