Review and Giveaway: Surprised by Oxford

Surprised by Oxford is a romance-drama based on a true story. I have never read the book (same title) by Carolyn Weber, which is a memoir of an intellectual unbeliever who became a Christian. I did not know what to expect but I was surprised by Surprised by Oxford in a good way. Caro Drake (played by Rose Reid), a brilliant and driven American student, receives a full-ride scholarship to study for her PhD degree on Romantic Literature at Oxford University in England. Culture shock, a charming & chaste young man (played by Ruairi O'Connor), and Christianity surprise her and intrigue her at the same time. As an agnostic, she grapples with many questions about God and spiritual matters. As a feminist from a broken family, she struggles with being vulnerable and maintaining a relationship with a chivalrous man. Caro is introduced to C.S. Lewis's memoir about his conversion to Christianity, Surprised by Joy, and is greatly impacted by it. She sincerely searches for truth and deeper meaning of life. The film chronicles her philosophical approach to faith.

Outstanding cinematography. We get to see some splendid architectures, British college culture and traditions, and gorgeous landscapes. Fantastic performance from the cast. I love Phyllis Logan (Mrs. Hughes from Downton Abbey); she plays Provost Regina Knight who has a positive influence on Caro. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie (except the beginning part where Caro frequently uses God's Name in vain). Surprised by Oxford is a beautiful, meaningful, and thought-provoking film about faith, love, truth, and eternal significance. The movie made me want to read both books: Surprised by Oxford and Surprised by Joy. The film is a little vague about her journey to the Christian faith; the emphasis is more on her relationship with her boyfriend whom she later married. Surprised by Oxford was released in theaters earlier this year and is now available to rent or buy during the month of November. Check it out! It's a great movie that stimulates conversation about God and faith with agnostics and atheists or any intellectual types who desire to know if God is real.

GIVEAWAY: You can enter for a chance to win a promo code to rent this film on Vimeo by leaving a comment here letting me know which memoir or autobiography has impacted you the most. Please also leave your full name and email address. The winner will be randomly chosen (using random.org). This giveaway is limited to U.S. residents only.
Deadline: 11/20 at midnight Pacific time
#SurprisedByOxfordMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

~Many thanks to Evolve Studios for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

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