Cast
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Kirk Cameron
as Buck Williams
Brad Johnson
as Rayford Steele
Clarence Gilyard Jr.
as Pastor Bruce Barnes
Janaya Stephens
as Chloe Steele
Gordon Currie
as Nicolae Carpathia
Chelsea Noble
as Hattie Durham
Krista Bridges
as Ivy Gold
Lubomir Mykytiuk
as Rabbi Tsion Ben Judah
Christopher Bondy
as Steve Plank
Christie MacFadyen
as Irene Steele
David Macniven
as Chris Smith
Leslie Carlson
as Witness Eli
Louis Negin
as Witness Moishe
Elias Zarou
as House Speaker
Rudy Webb
as WMF Representative
Crew
Director
- Bill Corcoran
Producer
- Peter Lalonde
- Nicholas Tabarrok
Reviews
Wuchak
***Effective low-budget rendition of the second book in the popular series***
After millions of people all over the earth mysteriously disappear, the world turns to a charismatic man to lead them, the new president of the U.N. (Gordon Currie). A small band of believers in Chicago recognize him as the Antichrist and work together as the “Tribulation Force” to save as many as they can. The group includes a renowned reporter (Kirk Cameron), a formidable pilot (Brad Johnson), his daughter (Janaya Stephens) and the pastor of their assembly (Clarence Gilyard Jr.).
Released in 2002, "Left Behind II: Tribulation Force" is the follow-up to “Left Behind” (2000) with the same cast, which was remade in 2014 with a bigger budget and truncated plot.
The story is based on prophetic accounts of end-time events from the Bible. I have studied eschatology (end-times prophecies) and do advocate the pre-Tribulation "Rapture" based on scriptures like 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and Luke 17:24,34-35. Of course the Left Behind series is a fictional story and you don't have to believe in the Bible whatsoever to enjoy the movie for what it is, a "What if the Rapture really happened" mystery/drama/thriller. I don't believe in powerful androids that time-travel from the future, but that doesn't prevent me from enjoying the Terminator flicks.
This sequel cost a little less than the 2000 film ($3.8 million) and is less busy story-wise. It has the confidence to take its time with convincing acting in challenging roles. I read the book and wondered how it could be made into a compelling movie because it’s more dramatic than the first one; in other words, there’s far less thrills until the last act, not to mention a considerable romantic subplot. The screenwriters did a great job of cutting out the fat and strategically adding some well-done evangelical bits, which aren’t overdone. The apocalyptic ending of the book was obviously omitted because it would’ve added 20-30 minutes to the runtime and would’ve cost significantly more. The filmmakers did a good job of finding the right place to close.
Being shot in Toronto, I was wondering how they would pull off the Jerusalem sequences at the end, but they did a splendid job with the studio sets, particularly considering this is a low-budget flick.
The film runs 1 hour, 34 minutes. ADDITIONAL CAST includes Krista Bridges as the journalist’s assistant and Chelsea Noble (Cameron’s wife) as a flight attendant working for the Antichrist.
GRADE: B
Nov 14, 2019
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Left Behind II: Tribulation Force examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Bill Corcoran brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2002, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Left Behind II: Tribulation Force took approximately 4 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 96 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 121 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 329 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2002, when this film is released:
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Left Behind II: Tribulation Force shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Bruce Almighty, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Left Behind II: Tribulation Force offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Thy Will Be Done and The Penitent Thief explore similar territory, Left Behind II: Tribulation Force stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 29, 2002
- Runtime: 1h 36m
Where to Watch
