DANIEL AND THE FIERY FURNACE
This biblical epic brings the story of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to life.
Should You Watch It?
Absolutely. Courage takes center stage in this faithful retelling of the biblical story of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who stand strong in their beliefs even as Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar threatens their lives.
The movie delivers a well-written narrative that brings this familiar biblical account to the screen with energy, clarity and purpose. Even viewers who know the outcome can find fresh encouragement in these faithful men's courage and conviction.
This one delivers an uplifting message about prayer, faith, courage, and standing firm in one's beliefs. The story highlights the importance of trusting God when circumstances seem impossible and reminds viewers that true faith doesn't depend on easy circumstances. Ultimately, this inspiring biblical adventure points viewers toward a devotion strong enough to stand when the heat is on.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESWhen Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar conquers Jerusalem, Daniel and his friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are taken to Babylon as hostages. Daniel captures the king's interest after saving him from a lion and interpreting King Nebuchadnezzar's dream. When Daniel and his friends are ordered to worship a Babylonian statue, they face a difficult choice: bow down and save their lives or stand firm and risk everything for what they believe.
Is It Any Good?
Three stars for a compelling biblical adventure that turns a well-known story into an engaging cinematic experience. Beautiful desert shots and intricate sets make the world of Babylon feel vivid and immersive. The cast, led by Mena Massoud and Elijah Alexander, delivers moving performances that capture the story’s drama and emotion.
The script presents a strong version of the familiar biblical story in a clear, concise way. It remains accessible, even to those unfamiliar with Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s story. For those who know the account well, this retelling offers an entertaining and moving watch that gives a timeless story plenty of cinematic life. Some stories never lose their power, and this one proves it.
The Worldview
A strong Christian worldview beats at the heart of this movie, since its story comes straight from the Bible. Characters pray and share their faith, and they declare that they will not bow before false gods, even at the cost of their own lives.
The polytheistic Babylonian characters sometimes speak badly about God, but the movie's events prove them wrong. Daniel's steadfast faith even leads King Nebuchadnezzar to ask him to teach more about Christianity.
The movie does feature some violence. Soldiers storm a city and attack citizens; the movie implies a beheading, and a lion attacks a soldier. These scenes stay off camera and never turn graphic. Two violent scenes do appear onscreen: hot wax burns a man's face, and Daniel slays a lion himself.
The violence, and a handful of scenes where characters drink wine, mark the only objectionable content here. Everything else stays faithful to the Bible story generations of believers have held onto.
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Dominant Worldview and Other Worldview Content/Elements
A strong Christian worldview, retelling a biblical story in a faithful way. Several scenes show characters praying and discussing their faith, including their strong commitment to their beliefs, even at the expense of their own lives. There are some scenes that depict characters praying to false gods, but this behavior is rebuked
Foul Language
No foul language;
Violence
Several non-graphic violent scenes, including soldiers taking over a city and attacking citizens, an implied beheading, and a lion attacking a soldier, and two somewhat graphic scenes: one, in which a man has hot wax poured on his face, and another where Daniel is shown slaying a lion
Sex
No sex
Nudity
Women are shown belly-dancing in shirts that expose their midriffs;
Alcohol Use
A few scenes show characters drinking wine, but not to excess
Smoking and/or Drug Use and Abuse
No smoking or drug abuse;
Miscellaneous Immorality
The Babylonians are unkind to the prisoners they take from Jerusalem and want to force them to pray to their false gods but false religion elements are exposed and rebuked rather than flattered.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego make the ultimate sacrifice for their faith. What do you think gives them the bravery to do so? Daniel 3:16-18
Daniel encourages his friends to continue standing by their Christian beliefs, despite the challenges thrown their way. Can you think of a time you encouraged someone in their faith? 1 Thessalonians 5:11
The Babylonians worship false idols, but after Daniel interprets King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, even he acknowledges God’s power. Why do you think he began to change his mind about Daniel’s God? Daniel 2:47
The Final Word
DANIEL AND THE FIERY FURNACE brings a familiar biblical epic to the screen in an entertaining and emotional way. Its excellent performances and well-written script make it a delight to watch, though some violent scenes may be too intense for young children and sensitive viewers. The movie keeps the focus on Daniel’s trust in God when the fiery furnace puts that faith to the ultimate test.
