REBEL WITH A CAUSE

THE ANGELUS TRUMPET            ENTERTAINMENT 

REBEL WITH A CAUSE: THE SUBVERSIVE MANIFESTO

Coming to Local Theaters January 22, 04:12:23

by Matt Hughes

It is not often that sequels manage to surpass the original work, but I was pleasantly surprised with the energy and pathos that was generated in the new release of Freeing the Oppressed 3 titled, “Rebel with a Cause: The Subversive Manifesto”. FO1 was an original panoramic treatment of the Exodus. Ezra and Nehemiah magnificently took on the rebuilding of Jerusalem in FO2. And now FO3 has again avoided the overdone work covering the theme. It steered clear of much that has dismayed me in this genre, like the sometimes-gruesome shorts of the Judge family; the ponderous epic scripts of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel; and the pessimistic shorts from Joel, Micah, and that noted Italian film director Malachi that portend the apocalyptic end of the world.  

Using out-takes from earlier scripts and stock footage, Rebel quickly establishes the violence of the times, the cosmic struggle between good and evil, and then a prolonged picaresque community-organizing journey demonstrates the power of the people in the face of big-brother government.

As the cameras begin shooting, an early freedom fighter, who has been arrested, hands the torch to the new leader. Even while the movement’s headquarters are relocated, the director recalls the history of oppression. Faces of former oppressors who have been overthrown are juxtaposed on the screen with those of battered but victorious heroes of the past who rose above their circumstances to create a better life for the people.

The early restatement of the movement’s manifesto, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near”, sets the stage for new, young adherents to the cause to leave their jobs for what is only a speculative future. We are reminded that change is something for the young even as it depends on the older generation’s understanding and blessing.

This production bogs down in a few spots, but the overall treatment of the subject manages to pay homage to the past and has a fresh message of hope for the future. It includes power struggles and political in-fighting as it explores the themes of trust and betrayal. It portrays the mindset of the oppressed and their fear of confronting their oppressors, and it explores the disillusionment of inevitable outcomes of power politics with a twist.

It has taken many angels to make this production possible, and I think that it is ultimately worth it. I give it 4 (traveling) stars.