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Hello everyone, and a warm and happy Springtime to you!
Well I've had the same thought bouncing around in my brain for several weeks now, and I guess it's time I shared it.
Just a few weeks ago, Barb and I rented a DVD entitled Facing the Giants. I imagine many of you have heard the buzz, seen the reviews, rented or purchased the film and viewed it for yourselves. Just thought I'd add my comments.
Yes, I have read the reviews by film critics who are the watchdogs of quality; I've read what they've had to say about the Cinderella, fantasy-level storyline, the low quality of the acting, etc., etc., and okay, they’re right as far as all that goes. But having seen this film, and having been deeply touched by it, I find myself responding to the critics, "So what?" This film works on such a deep level that the usual litmus tests of quality filmmaking can overlook what is really happening here. This isn't just another movie to be compared with all those other big leaguers out there. Having spent a month in Los Angeles at the New York Film Academy, and having seen the fiber, mind, and spirit that go into most of what we see in theaters these days, I sense in Facing the Giants a rare and precious treasure, a serving of unblemished truth that is simply not typical.
Yes, I agree that the sudden and complete reversal of fortune the hero in this film experiences once he decides to honor God is stretching it a bit, but is story mechanics the real point here? The truth still stands: honor God, and you will truly and assuredly see positive results in your life. Maybe you won’t get all the instant, heart-tuggy turnarounds our hero does, but your life, your relationships, your innermost being, will most certainly benefit, and who knows? God just might decide to give you a few blessings along the way. In addition, what families are not going to benefit from a good dose of faith and hope that are more than just nebulous words but founded in a living, personal Source? Is there or is there not a need for all of us to put honoring God above mere winning? This film speaks the truth. We can bicker, discuss, point and counterpoint all day long about how clumsily or artistically the truth is presented, but the truth is there and it works.
All this to say, I would like the good folks who made this film to know that I am deeply, button-busting proud of them. They’ve done a great job, they’ve done it with HEART, honesty, and purity, and I commend them for their vision and their commitment to God and God's truth. I wish them the very best in their future pursuits, and incidentally, I’ve gone out and bought my own copy of Facing the Giants. Do I recommend it? Yes, yes I do.
Anyway, thanks for reading this. Enjoy the movie!
Frank |
