Tortured for Christ is a biographical drama film based on the true story of Richard Wurmbrand, a Romanian pastor who spent 14 years in prison for his refusal to renounce his faith in Jesus Christ. The film is a retelling of his testimony as written in his international bestseller of the same name and was produced to honor the 50th anniversary of its release.
The movie was filmed entirely on location in Romania, including the very prison where Wurmbrand was held captive and tortured. The filmmakers aimed to capture the authenticity of the story by using live action rather than interviews, and the dialogue is spoken in English, Romanian, and Russian (with English subtitles).
The story begins in the early 1950s, when Wurmbrand and his wife Sabina are working to spread the gospel in Communist Romania. When the government begins cracking down on religious activities, they are arrested and interrogated by the secret police. Wurmbrand is eventually sentenced to 14 years in prison for his refusal to compromise his beliefs.
During his time in prison, Wurmbrand endures unimaginable torture and brutality, but he remains steadfast in his faith. He ministers to other prisoners, even sharing the gospel with his captors and leading some of them to faith in Christ. After his release, Wurmbrand and his wife continue their ministry, advocating for the persecuted church around the world.
The film is a gripping and emotional portrayal of Wurmbrand's story, highlighting the courage and resilience of those who suffer for their faith. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing persecution faced by Christians in many parts of the world and honors the legacy of Richard Wurmbrand as a champion of religious freedom.