Rabbit Ears: Parables that Jesus Told

Rabbit Ears Productions did nine biblical adaptations between the years 1991 and 1994 as part of their 80s and 90s takes on literature (whether classic fairytales, stories of American heroes and legends, world stories and of the bible). All the Greatest Stories Ever Told adaptations are well worth watching, as is the company's entire output with the best of them being brilliant. Moses is one of the most iconic characters of the Old Testament so was looking forward to see Rabbit Ears Productions' treatment of his story.

All the nine adaptations are very good to brilliant with no exception. 'Parables that Jesus Told' is one of the brilliant ones, on the same level as 'Jonah and the Whale', 'Moses in Egypt' and 'A Saviour is Born'. Showing Jesus telling the stories of 'The Prodigal Son', 'The Good Samaritan' and 'The Sower', 'Parables that Jesus Told' is stirring, thought probing stuff. That also succeeds in telling three still relevant stories in a layered and faithful way, while also being accessible for younger viewers/listeners.

'Parables that Jesus Told' looks good, with very boldly colourful oil painting like visuals that were very atmospheric and perfect for or reading a bedtime story from an illustrated book. The music isn't overpowering with a mix of hypnotic, stirring and haunting, loved that it sounded like folk music with a Middle Eastern flavour.

Garrison Keillor's narration is soothing and understated, more subtle than his still excellent work on 'Johnny Appleseed'. Very ideal voice for bedtime reading. The writing is not too wordy but it is also not juvenile, a great job is done making it easy to follow while still respecting the target audiences (children and adults alike). The characters are well done, John reminding me of Moses.

Loved the simplicity and accessibility of the storytelling, all three parables being faithful to how presented in the Bible and presented in a way that's mature while being easy to understand for younger viewers/listeners that are not familiar with the tales. All three parables are inspiring, with that of 'The Good Samaritan' being particularly powerfully done and in a way that was very easy to relate to for me. The messages are still very relevant and done in a way that wasn't preachy while not being sugar coated, not easy to achieve when they are messages that are seen a lot and have been known to be executed heavy handedly elsewhere.

Concluding, powerful and well worth the time. 10/10.