Noah, the Movie: a deluge or a wash-out?

As in Genesis, "Noah" the movie starts with judgment and ends in mercy. But while the judgment is God's, the mercy is man's, and that's the fundamental flaw with this latest Hollywood blockbuster from Paramount. But does that mean it has no merit?

"It won't be biblically faithful" I was warned. Well, no, it wasn't. But I never expected it to be. Hollywood is in the business of telling stories, not giving a faithful exegesis of Scripture. This was "art inspired by the Bible"; and the art was great. A strong plot led to unexpected jeopardy, even when we think we know how the story ends. The character development was powerful; the acting pretty good; the special effects every bit as special as expected; and the flood itself, terrifying.

The landscape was barren - caused apparently by men building "industrialised cities" - and only Noah and his family live carefully from the land, just harvesting what they need. As vegetarians, their clothes are woven (no leather) - in varying shades of brown – and yet strangely western. They wouldn't look out of place at a music festival.

But I loved the ark. "Ark" just means "box" - and that's exactly what this was. No sign of the Sunday School boat with giraffes poking out the top. This was a huge wooden box with no way to steer it, and that's exactly right. All the ark has to do is float. Another authentic touch is the animals - they come to the ark of their own volition; Noah doesn't have to go out and catch them. Again, that's spot on.

But there are, inevitably, plot points that stray a long way from Genesis. Noah doesn't speak in the biblical account, but that would seem a pity when he's portrayed by Russell Crowe, so a lot of artistic licence was taken with Noah's interactions with his family. I won't spoil the film by telling you what happens - but expect the unexpected!

All action movies need an arch-villain. Paramount have chosen Tubal-Cain, the "king" of wicked, violent men. When the deluge begins, Tubal-Cain has a fascinating conversation (though one-way - God never speaks in this movie) with the Creator: "I am a man made in your image. Why will you not converse with me? I give life; I take life away; as you do. I am like you, am I not? Speak to me. We are men. We decide if we live or die." I'd love to discuss that with some of the non-Christians I know.

Much has been made of the film having an environmental agenda and, certainly, at one point we are told the innocent animals and birds are being saved because "they still live as they did in the garden". But other themes are strong as well, including judgment, forgiveness, family and love.

Do I recommend the film?

Yes, if you enjoy good v evil action movies with interesting subplots. No, if you're hoping for a perfect representation of the Genesis account and/or just going to complain about all the errors!

I don't think this is a film to rip to shreds. It's far from perfect, with additional storylines from the filmmaker's head rather than Scriptural text. (You'll be amazed to discover who helped Noah build the ark!) But it would be a great discussion starter with almost anyone.

It's likely to be popular with teens and young adults, if only because it stars the Harry Potter actress, Emma Watson. Fans of Russell Crowe will go too. (He turns out to be very handy with a sword - shades of Gladiator there?) There are so many themes here you could explore. I may well go again, taking a non-Christian with me to discuss it afterwards.

Just don't expect it to be Genesis pure and simple. Ultimately it's the story of a man, not of God. The clue is in the name. "Noah."

Noah: Paramount Pictures; directed by Darren Aronofsky; length: 2 hours 18 minutes
UK release date: Friday 4th April 2014; already released in the US and Australia