Over-the-Rhine

For those struggling with forgiveness, I implore you to watch this film. As a survivor of abuse, I've had to come face to face with what forgiveness means in the face of the unthinkable. The writing, directing, and the acting in this film is incredible. Have some Kleenex and an open heart ready - you won't be disappointed!

Despite my initial misgivings about the connection between Ingrid and Alec I began to get sold on the slow building of the relationship. It was demonstrated that Ingrid was a loving and caring person but still I really didn't think Ingrid would return to meet Alec after their first meeting, and was kept guessing a couple more times. I did like the Rose character especially as a balance providing some skepticism. Not sure if I saw a test of faith or that faith helps you through a test. Both I think. Not being a huge fan of the genre in particular, I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed the film.

I've seen my share of "faith-based" films and been disappointed. ("The writing, directing, and acting were awful, but other than that it was a great movie.") Lately, however, films with spiritual themes are exhibiting the kind of quality that the subject deserves. Being familiar with some of Mitch Teemley's work, I was anticipating excellence, and I wasn't disappointed. Like some of the other reviewers, I was a little surprised that the "man of God" in this story is a Catholic priest. It was refreshing to see him portrayed as a normal man, who responds with as much shock, grief, and dismay as any other man would as he tries to make sense of what has happened in light of his faith. The emotions portrayed were very relatable, and at the end there is at least one character who is still struggling to accept the outcome. There are some very poignant, defining moments in the story, including dreams, that take us on the journey with the grieving mother from craving revenge to healing. I can't say I was entirely surprised at the way things turned out; I have heard of such things happening in real life. But the main reason I found the satisfying ending entirely believable is because I recognize the unseen lead Character, who makes the impossible possible.

The producers put an awful lot of resources into Healing River and it showed on screen. I respect their choices on some edgier issues they allowed- not typical for a Christian film. Our lives are full of unlikely circumstances and pain- and this movie tracks with a few that make you ask hard questions about God. Too many Christian films wrap everything up with a nice little bow way too easily. I find it was a good exploration of redemption, probably beyond what most people could comprehend. It may open some eyes and hearts. The Catholic angle was interesting to me, but never in genuine conflict with my Protestant faith. I think the production was good- interesting camera angle choices by Director and effective, creative lighting throughout. The acting is very strong across the board, with a couple of standouts being the "mom", the "addict" and the "girlfriend." They did a lot of heavy-lifting, with powerful (when needed) and subtle (often missing from this genre) performances throughout. The music could have been stronger in some pivotal scenes, but I'm a Nashville guy and I set the bar very high. This is worth the watch to take your mind and faith for a walk. If you're not a Christian- all the more reason to get your mind working. This movie presents simple truths in the midst of hard situations.

Writer and director, Mitch Teemley did a great job of showing God's redemptive purpose for forgiveness which brings healing and restoration in the midst of great tragedy and injustice. The movie is raw and real. A breath of fresh air in a cinematic world where revenge and vigilante justice is the normal fare. A well-done faith-based movie. Definitely worth watching.