In His Steps (1964) watch online HD

I was disappointed with this film. The acting was stilted at best, but my real beef concerns the content.

While it loosely followed the book of the same title, it was not true to the book in several ways. Most important is that it didn't once use the phrase "What would Jesus do?". The book uses this phrase as a practical way to follow in Jesus steps. The film was just a nice story without any real practical application. It changed the impetus from following in His steps to "getting religion". I believe the book's intentions were to spur Christians on to developing a closer Spiritual walk with their Savior. The film seems to miss the point.

"In His Steps," is based on the 1896 novel of the same name by Charles M. Sheldon. I have not read the book, although I certainly intend to after seeing this film, so I cannot say how faithfully it follows.

The premise of the film is the inspiration of the origination of the popular modern day question, "What would Jesus do?" It follows a group of Christians, including an aspiring actress and a newspaper publisher as the main characters that accept their pastor's challenge to seek a deeper relationship with Christ, and ask themselves, "Is there more to Christianity than faithfully attending church and being a good person?" I would be giving nothing away in the film by telling of this group's discoveries to the faithful few that already know, but I want to ensure my review is not omitted due to "spoilers."

Concerning film quality, it's not bad for 1964, and although I do not know this for fact, I would venture to say that it was funded and produced by a church group, because I just can't see Hollywood doing it, given the depth of the subject matter.

"In His Steps," falls short of a perfect rating because I felt there could have been much more depth to the characters, and how their renewed commitment to Christ affected their lives and those around them (the film's run time is only 1 hour and 13 minutes). Also, while it did not affect my rating, I feel the story presented in the film desperately needs to be updated to present day, but the message is still there, powerful and true.

The film's key verse: "Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow in his steps." 1 Peter 2:21.

This film had many good moments, especially coming from the preacher. However, when it was over all I could think of was how the people dealt with their faith in extremes. For instance, how the young woman interacted with her mother: she could have stood up for herself and made her points without being so cruel - her mother might even have been more open to her daughter's new faith. The daughter seemed to have no compassion whatsoever and was cold as a fish. When a girl from the poor side of town whom she was mentoring dies she also reacts robotically. I also don't believe the daughter had to give up acting. The newspaperman didn't have to go so extreme that he lost everything. I believe most people of faith these days can live in "normal" society *and* witness for Christ, walking in His steps.