This is the only non-historical, straightforward Christian movie I can enjoy. Everyone knows about the poor representation of Christianity that many Christian filmmakers have created, and this is one of the first Christian movies I've seen that actually tried to be a good movie and not just preachy snooze-fest.
I, like many other people who watched this, am a Christian, and I, like many other people who watched this, was surprised at how un-awful it was. It's actually a pretty decent biographical film, and an (if only mildly) moving drama.
The fact that this was based on a true story really helps it. It's hard for me to appreciate a Christian drama when it's fictional, because anyone who isn't a Christian, is not going to give the movie a chance, and understandably too. If you're trying to paint a true portrait of how great God is and how Christianity can change your life, why make up a story that didn't actually happen? It's in no way inspiring, and doesn't help the credibility of the worldview it's trying to showcase. That's why this movie is different. Its' based in truth, and you can respect it so much more because of that.
The story really is interesting. It tries to tackle many of the same themes that most other movies of its ilk do, but the difference is that the issues presented here are depicted much more realistically, I think. The main character is a self-described atheist, and his reasons for not believing in God seem rational and logical, and he's not depicted as a bad person, either. His wife slowly begins to convert, and this causes a strain on their marriage, which is another aspect I really appreciated. The trouble that differing religious views can cause a marriage is handled well here, and it's not swept under the carpet or ignored, and the marital strife is given a fair amount of story time. We see the main couple argue, and the pain that's caused, and I respected the movie's unwillingness to water anything down.
The movie is of course strengthened by solid lead performances. Most everyone was at worst ok, and there may have been some weak performances from supporting characters, but I don't remember them. Mike Vogel in particular was a good choice for the lead, and he portrays his character's emotional and internal struggle very well. It's a weird situation because even though the main character is fighting determinedly against the film's religious core, and while he challenges the views of most of the people watching the film, you can't help but empathize and almost root for him. That's pretty good acting if you ask me.
If you, like myself and many other members of the target demographic for Christian films, are disillusioned with Christian films as an industry, then watch this. It will restore your faith (get it?) in Christian art.
I, like many other people who watched this, am a Christian, and I, like many other people who watched this, was surprised at how un-awful it was. It's actually a pretty decent biographical film, and an (if only mildly) moving drama.
The fact that this was based on a true story really helps it. It's hard for me to appreciate a Christian drama when it's fictional, because anyone who isn't a Christian, is not going to give the movie a chance, and understandably too. If you're trying to paint a true portrait of how great God is and how Christianity can change your life, why make up a story that didn't actually happen? It's in no way inspiring, and doesn't help the credibility of the worldview it's trying to showcase. That's why this movie is different. Its' based in truth, and you can respect it so much more because of that.
The story really is interesting. It tries to tackle many of the same themes that most other movies of its ilk do, but the difference is that the issues presented here are depicted much more realistically, I think. The main character is a self-described atheist, and his reasons for not believing in God seem rational and logical, and he's not depicted as a bad person, either. His wife slowly begins to convert, and this causes a strain on their marriage, which is another aspect I really appreciated. The trouble that differing religious views can cause a marriage is handled well here, and it's not swept under the carpet or ignored, and the marital strife is given a fair amount of story time. We see the main couple argue, and the pain that's caused, and I respected the movie's unwillingness to water anything down.
The movie is of course strengthened by solid lead performances. Most everyone was at worst ok, and there may have been some weak performances from supporting characters, but I don't remember them. Mike Vogel in particular was a good choice for the lead, and he portrays his character's emotional and internal struggle very well. It's a weird situation because even though the main character is fighting determinedly against the film's religious core, and while he challenges the views of most of the people watching the film, you can't help but empathize and almost root for him. That's pretty good acting if you ask me.
If you, like myself and many other members of the target demographic for Christian films, are disillusioned with Christian films as an industry, then watch this. It will restore your faith (get it?) in Christian art.