The Lion of Judah 720p - (2011 Lang: English)

Seriously Clever Film! A Must-See Movie If Ever I Saw One!!!

The Lion of Judah is a 2011 American 3D computer-animated Christian comedy-drama film produced by Animated Family Films, distributed by Rocky Mountain Pictures and starring Scott Eastwood, Georgina Cordova, Sandi Patty, Anupam Kher, Michael Madsen, Alphonso McAuley, Omar Benson Miller, Vic Mignogna and Ernest Borgnine. It is the sequel to the Christmas short film Once Upon A Stable, taking place 30 years earlier in a Bethlehem stable as The Stable-Mates witness the birth of "The King". Lion of Judah had a limited release to theaters starting June 3, 2011, and a domestic DVD release Easter 2012.

Follow the adventures of a bold lamb (Judah) and his stable friends as they try to avoid the sacrificial alter the week preceding the crucifixion of Christ. It is a heart-warming account of the Easter story as seen through the eyes of a lovable pig (Horace), a faint-hearted horse (Monty), a pedantic rat (Slink), a rambling rooster (Drake), a motherly cow (Esmay) and a downtrodden donkey (Jack). This magnificent period piece with its epic sets is a roller coaster ride of emotions. Enveloped in humor, this quest follows the animals from the stable in Bethlehem to the great temple in Jerusalem and onto the hillside of Calvary as these unlikely heroes try to save their friend. The journey weaves seamlessly through the biblical accounts of Palm Sunday, Jesus turning the tables in the temple, Peter's denial and with a tense, heart-wrenching climax, depicts the crucifixion and resurrection with gentleness and breathtaking beauty. For Judah, the lamb with the heart of a lion, it is a story of courage and faith. For Jack, the disappointed donkey, it becomes a pivotal voyage of hope. For Horace, the, well the dirty pig, and Drake the ignorant rooster, it is an opportunity to do something inappropriate and get into trouble.

For a lower budget animation this film really hits the mark. This is a great family picture. The characters are well thought out and the animation is pretty good. Now that it is in 3D its even better. I liked how they used the bible as a back drop and didn't make it preachy. The music was amazing. A lot of original tracks, well composed and written. I liked how they used humor to tie together several touchy subjects.

The story really takes off as the crew heads out after their new friend. They meet all kinds of new and interesting characters along the way. The horse was my favorite character. He reminds me of the giraffe from Madagascar.

Seriously pleasantly surprised!!! The last days of Jesus our Christ on this earth before sacrificing himself for our sins, shown from the perspective of the animals involved; some from Jesus' birth in the barn, all the way to that final, selfless moment when He was crucified. I would recommend this movie to everyone. Forget about criticizing the little this's-n-that's; see it for the incredible message and meaning - and the absolutely clever way of relaying this true account of our Lord & Savior. It truly tells the story very well from that point-of-view, including moments when lumps will form in your throat and your heart will feel like swelling right out of your chest! And for the budget, it really is a nicely done animation. As for all the animal lovers out there, a joyous ending (beginning!!), indeed; not only for the animals involved, but for the viewers witnessing this precious, little, hidden gem. Go see it... You won't be sorry - especially if you're in it for the reason you should be in it for! God bless. :)