Movie Review: Sabina - Tortured for Christ
Movie Review: Sabina - Tortured for Christ
20 August 2022
In the biopic ‘Sabina: Tortured for Christ’, we witness Sabina and Richard Wurmbrand forgive the people who imprison and persecute them.
I enjoy watching movies that are based on actual events. The fact that the backdrop of Sabina: Tortured for Christ is Communist Romania in World War Two made this movie inspiring.
We are introduced to Sabina (Raluca Botez) and Richard Wurmbrand (Emil Mandanac), who are both born Jewish, and what follows is a Christian film that characterises their journey of love and romance.
The love story between Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand overcame years of imprisonment, suffering and distance. The couple would remain married until Sabina’s death in 2000. Richard was promoted to glory the following year.
Despite the Nazi Regime, they converted from radical atheism to Christianity in 1938 and became co-founders of the non-denominational organisation ‘The Voice of the Martyrs’, which supports persecuted Christians across the globe.
Created in partnership with the non-profit, this film was awarded the Best Feature Film at the Christian Worldview Film Festival in 2021.
Throughout the film, we learn about the couple’s incredible bravery and sacrifice. Sabina was ultimately imprisoned and subjected to forced labour for three years as she continued the underground missionary work she began with her husband.
Meanwhile, Richard was imprisoned and tortured for 14 years. Despite this, their choice to forgive and love the Nazi soldiers they encounter makes Sabina and Richard role models for Christians across the globe.
I recommend this movie to anyone who wants to explore their walk with God. I hope and pray that this will encourage anyone to go deeper in light of the significant historical events that made way for the creation of ‘The Voice of the Martyrs’.
Sabina: Tortured for Christ is rated PG for thematic content, some disturbing images and violence. Available on DVD from Christian bookstores.
Comments
I approached this independent production with major doubts that this powerful story could be told as successfully as would be needed. Within the first 10mins, I was marveling at the look and feel of the high production values - which just kept getting better as the story moved into its more dramatic historical facts. Not many factual faith based stories offer such stylish art direction (Medeea Enciu) and cinematography, full credit to Mark Chamberlin and Silviu Stavila, working superbly with above-average writer/director John Grooters.
Set in war-ravaged Europe, it recounts the grueling journey of two Romanian Jews who became Christians, Sabina, and Richard Wurmbrand - as they take on the invading Nazis by hiding and transporting persecuted families--without concerns for their own safety. What some people achieved during these hideous years challenges us all to wonder if we could have endured the threats, persecution, and pain throughout these long, dark, war years. Their strength shines as a beacon to us all.
Taking us through their superficial early lives, during the decadent pre-war era, to their remarkable later achievements, this picture keeps you spellbound to the finale. Some may have already read books authored by these strong people, if not; this movie re-telling may encourage you. Not to be missed by lovers of quality cinema.