A Heart Set Free: Charles Wesley - .MP4 Digital Download
Charles Wesley broke many barriers to become "the most gifted and indefatigable poet and hymnwriter that England has ever known,". Charles would give music, heart ,and soul to the Methodist movement that he and his brother John Wesley led.
- Item 501243V
- Region: All
- Media Type: Digital Video
- Running Time: 101
- Rating: NR
Awards
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Silver Statuette
2008 Telly Awards
Description
Charles Wesley broke many barriers of 1700’s England not only to become "the most gifted and indefatigable poet and hymnwriter that England has ever known," but also to give music, heart and soul to the Methodist movement that he and his brother John led.
The story of Charles Wesley is often overshadowed by that of his more famous older brother John. These founding fathers of Methodism traveled the same path, yet their lives and talents were often remarkably distinct.
From a tenuous birth to blazing field preacher, this film explores the facets of the man known as "The Sweet Bard of Methodism." Discover the poet, husband, and hymnwriter who penned "Hark, The Herald Angels Sing," and "O, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing." Follow Charles as a failed missionary to America,
then back home, depressed and dejected till he experiences a mighty conversion in May 1738 that kindled within him the passion to reach others with such intensity that, through his verse, we feel it today.
Shot on location in England and the United States, this feature-length documentary by T.N. Mohan, producer and director of the award-winning documentary Hanged on a Twisted Cross, brings detailed and well-researched perspective to Charles Wesley’s history through many never-before seen archival letters, manuscripts and other documents, besides interviews with leading experts from the UK and US.
Editorial Reviews
Video Librarian, Sept/Oct 2008
Charles Wesley (1707-88) was born into a family of Church of England clergymen. While at Oxford, Charles and his brother John organized a group called the "Holy Club," known for its methodical habits of study and devotion, which earned them the sobriquet "methodists" -- a label that stuck. Charles was an ordained Church of England minister who followed his brother John on a missionary expedition to America, and after returning to England experienced a profound conversion, ultimately launching a unique ministry that preached salvation by faith alone to all who would listen -- including society's outcasts -- often in an outdoor setting where he attracted thousands. Incorporating music into the services, Charles begin writing hymns for instruction, eventually producing some 13 volumes of verse, set to music by various composers. Known as the "Sweet Bard of Methodism" and "Father of English Hymns," Charles Wesley's long and influential life is beautifully documented in T.N. Mohan's A Heart Set Free, which combines scholarly interviews together with works of art, archival manuscripts, and other primary sources to offer a fully-realized portrait of an important figure in religious history. More detailed than Charles Wesley: Hymns of Praise (VL-7/04), this is highly recommended.
Church Libraries - Fall 2008
This DVD could well be titled Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Charles Wesley. This is a thorough story encompassing the life of Wesley as a child, preacher, songwriter, husband, and father. The film explores the many facets of his life and his overpowering need for a true relationship with Christ that culminates in his conversion in 1738. The passion of that conversion is felt yet today in the many songs Wesley penned. Much of Wesley's music; comments from experts on Wesley and Methodism; and a variety of photos, illustrations, letters manuscripts, and other papers all come together to make this a compelling, feature-length documentary that would be a welcome addition to any church library. -CC
Libraries Alive - Winter 2010
Charles Wesley lived in 16th century England, breaking many barriers to become "the most gifted poet and hymn writer that England has ever known." He gave heart and soul through his music to the Methodist movement that he and his brother John Wesley led. Viewers will discover the poet, husband, and hymn writer who penned "Hark, The Herald Angels Sing" and "O, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing." Charles Wesley wrote more than 9,000 poems, many of them now sung as hymns in churches across the world. Depressed and dejected following a failed missionary trip to America, he experienced a mighty conversion that kindled within him the passion to reach others with such intensity that we still feel it today through his verse. Shot on location in England and the United States, this film brings a detailed and well-researched perspective to Charles Wesley's history. Suitable for youth and adult viewing.
Tim Challies - blogger, author, and book reviewer
This DVD is a biography of Charles Wesley, focusing on the life, ministry, lyrics and legacy of the great hymnwriter. Professionally made and without a hint of amateur production, this film simply tells the life of Wesley. It is shot in a variety of historical locations in England and the United States and features discussions with Wesley scholars. It is feature length, clocking in at just over 100 minutes. Nicely detailed and well-researched, this is an excellent look at a much-loved poet and hymnwriter whose legacy lives on in the thousands of hymns he left as a gift to Christ’s church. I very much enjoyed this one. http://www.challies.com/music-movies/dvd-reviews
Customer Reviews
America Elizabeth Nelson, M.S., M.D., M.P.H. - Spiritual Journey
July 15, 2008 11: 15 P. EST This is a profound work which should be seen by all those truly interested in the interesting spiritual journey of Charles Wesley, the younger brother of the Anglican Clergyman, John Wesley, who founded Methodism.
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