Watch The Green Pastures

The Green Pastures from 1936 is a classic, ground-breaking movie that provides a unique perspective on the Bible by bringing it to life through the eyes of African American children. The movie was adapted from Marc Connelly's Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name, which had a successful run on Broadway in the 1930s. The movie starts with a heavenly courtroom scene, where the characters are introduced as biblical figures, such as God, Adam, and Eve. These characters are played by African American actors, who bring a fresh perspective to the biblical story, which is usually told by white actors.

The movie then moves on to the story of Creation, which is narrated by a young African American boy. The boy imagines himself and his family in the Garden of Eden, where their daily lives are shown with a sense of childlike wonder and joy. The movie seamlessly switches back and forth between the biblical story and the boy's vivid imagination, giving the audience a unique insight into African American culture and religion.

One of the highlights of the movie is the character of God, played by Rex Ingram. Ingram's portrayal of God is a revelation, as he brings a sense of humor and compassion to the role that is rarely seen in biblical movies. God is shown as a kind, loving father figure who is always looking out for his children, even when they make mistakes.

Another noteworthy character in the movie is Gabriel, played by Eddie "Rochester" Anderson. Gabriel is the archangel who serves as God's messenger and greets the arriving souls in heaven. Anderson's portrayal of Gabriel is both comical and poignant, as he brings a sense of humanity to the character that is often lost in biblical movies.

The movie also deals with several complex themes, such as sin and redemption, which are handled with sensitivity and nuance. The story of Noah's Ark, for example, is retold with a sense of empathy for the sinners who are washed away in the flood. The movie suggests that God's mercy extends even to those who have strayed from the path of righteousness, which is a powerful message that still resonates today.

The Green Pastures from 1936 was a groundbreaking movie that challenged the prevailing stereotypes of African Americans in movies. It was one of the first movies to feature an all-African American cast in a mainstream Hollywood production. The movie received critical acclaim upon its release, with audiences and critics alike praising its unique perspective on the Bible.

In conclusion, The Green Pastures from 1936 is a classic movie that provides a fresh perspective on the Bible through the eyes of African American children. The movie is a beautiful, moving portrayal of God's love and compassion that is still relevant today. The performances by Rex Ingram, Eddie "Rochester" Anderson, and the rest of the cast are superb, and the movie's message of redemption and forgiveness is as powerful now as it was in 1936.

The Green Pastures is a 1936 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 74.