Common Sense Media Review
By Grace Montgomery
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Religious cartoon is strong on role models, weak on plot.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Iesodo: Believe
What's the Story?
In "The Gathering," a beautiful white dove named Iesodo (which means "the way of Jesus") has started gathering together all the birds in the Holy Land so they can hear his message of hope. Rocky, a Bulbul bird, relates how each of the birds in the land heard about Iesodo and how Iesodo helped them in some way. Meanwhile, the Hoopoe birds worry that Iesodo is trying to change their traditions and to convince the birds they shouldn't follow him. In "Believing Is Seeing," Iesodo helps Luke, a blind finch, fulfill his dream to fly and helps him regain his sight, much to the amazement of the other birds.
Is It Any Good?
IESODO: BELIEVE is a very clean, simple film that most likely will appeal to parents who are looking for a wholesome way to teach their children about the Christian faith. Unfortunately, it probably won't appeal to many others. The film is pretty saccharine and heavy-handed, and the characters all are one-dimensional. There's also not much of a plot, especially in "The Gathering," beyond simply introducing Iesodo and saying how amazing he is.
Very young children may simply enjoy the different bird characters, but older preschoolers may get bored. Parents looking for an enjoyable biblical tale for young children would be better off looking to the VeggieTales TV show and movies, which present Christian-themed stories in a much more engaging format.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the Hoopoes. Why do you think the Hoopoes didn't like Iesodo? Why were they threatened by his message?
Do you think non-Christian viewers will still enjoy the film? What messages does it share that can apply to everyone?
The film shows a lot of types of birds. Which one is your favorite? Why is it your favorite?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 15, 2013
- Cast : Tony Oliver , Erin Bethea , T.W. Gibis
- Director : Brian E. Ray
- Studio : Zaya Toonz
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Run time : 50 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 20, 2019
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