The story begins with Naomi, an Israelite woman who travels to Moab with her husband and sons during a famine. Her sons marry Moabite women—one of whom is Ruth. Tragically, Naomi’s husband and both sons die, leaving the three women widowed.
Naomi decides to return to her homeland, Bethlehem, and urges her daughters-in-law to stay in Moab. One leaves, but Ruth refuses, famously declaring:
Ruth follows Naomi back to Israel and, in order to support them, begins gleaning leftover grain in the fields—according to Hebrew law. There, she meets Boaz, a wealthy and kind landowner who shows her favor.
Boaz learns of Ruth’s loyalty and virtue, and he protects her and ensures she is cared for. Naomi realizes Boaz is a “kinsman-redeemer”—a relative who can redeem their family line by marrying Ruth. Ruth, under Naomi’s guidance, respectfully makes her intentions known.
Boaz agrees to marry Ruth but must first offer the chance to a closer relative. When that man declines, Boaz legally redeems Ruth and marries her.
he story of Ruth and Boaz is not from a modern movie originally, but from the Biblical Book of Ruth, found in the Old Testament. It has been adapted into various films, plays, and dramatizations over the years—mostly by faith-based or historical film producers. Below is a general description of the story and how it’s usually portrayed in movie adaptations:
