User reviews

I finally got to see this controversial film! It was seriously well done, great acting and directing by Richard Rossi who just made everything seem so real. I guess you can say it's made on an indie budget but it works in their favor - seems like your almost watching a documentary unfold. I also read some articles that they are up for the Oscars so hoping for the best and I can see why Televangelists are trying to ban this film. Keep the films coming.

This was truly a labor of love for an issue that is deep on the hearts of the churched and unchurched but not openly discussed.. there is something in this movie for everyone...Richard is bold enough to take on this largely indiscussed topic of con men in the church arena and gives a great performance.. it will help tear down the boulders that have been erected for those who have been hurt by hypocrisy... and bring healing and insight on distinguishing a fake faith from the real thing.

In his first major Film Presentation , veteran actor Richard Rossi portrays 'Brother Billy' the most prolific religious Con-Man since Burt Lancaster's 1956 performance in " RAINMAKER " , which puts him in pretty prestigious Company ! He's a Drifter , a Swindler , & a Thief : & he sets his eyes on ensnaring 'Sister Sara Sunday' & Her Truly Religious & Philanthropic Ministry . The Good Sister is played by Screen Legend Rebecca Holden ; & She does so Flawlessly !

In one of the most amusing scenes , the wholly Desirable & Lovely Dawna Lee Heising displays Her Bounteous Comedic Skills as 'Connie' , the Rich , Mansion Living , Beverly Hills Beauty that Billy has Bedded & Fleeced before being exiled . Another of Billy's Gorgeous Conquests is Mila Perkins as 'Pary' , who he merely relieves of Her Jeep . All His other dalliances are revealed throughout this light-hearted religious-romp , as are the people that he just used & screwed-over .

Incredibly Lovely Alex Rinehart makes an appearance as 'Angel' ; & that She Truly is ; & Gorgeous Ramiara Eve is an Investigative 'Reporter' , Hot on Billy's Tail !

There is a massive amount of Special Guest STARS Personal Appearances , beginning with The Original Wonder Woman HerSelf : Lynda Carter ! Others are : Louis Gossett Jr. , Kathy Garver - 'Cissy' from "Family Affair' , Karolyn Grimes - Zuzu from " It's a Wonderful Life " .... Remember 'Zuzu's Petals' ? ; & Many More !

It actually makes a Great Christmas Season Movie ; but it's religious pontifications can be pondered all Year Long !

How does it all turn out ? ... Does Love Win ? ... Can Devine Love replace Carnal Pleasures ? ..... All will be Revealed in the End !

As for me , ,,,, I'm More than Happy to Watch a Movie with Rebecca Holden , Lynda Carter , & Dawna Lee Heising in it All Day Every Day .... They are All just as Beautiful & Magnificent Today as They were when I first saw them on Screen .... Maybe even More-so !!!

Make Your Choice Now to enter " Canaan Land " ! You won't regret it !!!

Richard Rossi deserves a Best Actor nomination for Brother Billy. He carries the film from beginning to end in the sense that I can't stop watching him and wanting to know what happens next. I saw on Fox News a commentator express concern that Netflix has spent millions on ads in The Hollywood trades to make sure their candidates are the ones predicted to win and also keep with the quotas of rectifying the Oscars being mostly white in the past, so the Best actor nominees the trades are predicting are all black actors in Netflix projects. I think it's highly unfair to Rossi, but his work is so stellar I am hopeful Academy members look past the politics and give Rossi the nomination he deserves. Also strong in the film is Rebecca Holden as Sister Sara. She is perfect casting for the part and has already won a Best Actress award for her acting in the film. (I saw this on the film's official website). Speaking of black actors, Isaac Bar-jonah deserves a Best Supporting Actor nomination for playing Laz. One of the best scenes in the film is when he and Billy talk over the ethics of what they are doing in conning people. Laz conscience is bothering him and Billy talks him out of the guilt he is feeling. I read that Jozy Pollock and Rosetta Walker are also under consideration for their excellent Supporting Actress work. This film has a multi-cultural cast, well-balanced of different races, ages, and ethnicities. Judge the film on its merits and whether you like it or not. Don't discriminate because of its small budget or because of racial factors.

This movie grabbed me and wouldn't let go. At first, the character I felt the most for was Sister Sara Sunday (played by Rebecca Holden). Like her, and many other women, I've fallen for the charming narcissist like Brother Billy (played by Richard Rossi). As the film progressed, and more layers are revealed, I gained insight and compassion into why Billy is the way he is. This is the best film I've ever seen about spiritual issues, contrasting real faith with fake religion. It is a work of art about faith, but not a saccharine treacly film like most "Christian movies."

How talented is Richard Rossi! Great acting and honestly a very relatable topic as I've been in a church all my life and seen some corrupt things. I must also mention Dawna Lee Heising, wow she is one beautiful actresses... so glad they put her in this film. In all, a suspenseful film that will have you at the edge of your seat. Controversial? Yes, Entertaining? You bet! Thanks for making this. Canaan Land is a must watch in my book!

I rarely watch movies these days. Not because there are no movies which are produced well. All the money and craftmanship put into them, all the visual effects are impressive, but I'm still bored. I repeat it, I'm bored. Because my soul is not touched. I'm looking for stories where my human experience and also my deepest longings as a human being are explored. I'm looking for credible portrayals of redemption, of a "much, much greater love" (song at the end of Canaan Land), lifting my spirit, amazing me, making me think. I'm looking for characters that show me what love and life are all about. Canaan Land is such a rare film. It's been made with a tiny budget, but I prefer it over so many multi-million dollar productions because of that.

This is such a controversial film it will get some people angry but it is what it is. Loved the con man preacher who played a very charismatic character and as the story got deeper Sister Sara really shined as well. I'm expecting to see more of them as this makes the film awards circuit. God bless!

Such good plot twists throughout the film I was at the edge of my seat. Rebecca Holden nailed her performance and completely sold the story as did the main character. Hope this film gets more attention it rightfully deserves. I'll be sure to recommend this to my friends and family. Canaan Land rocks.

CANAAN LAND is a film so well-acted and well paced it had me captured for its full 113 minute running time. Richard Rossi's nuanced acting was stellar as con man Brother Billy. His womanizing and hustling was despicable, yet somehow his childlike qualities and subtext of brokenness made me like him and want to see him redeemed. Rebecca Holden was lovely as Sister Sara, the sincere Christian, and she did a great job both acting and singing the Oscar-worthy duet end title song "A Much, Much Greater Love" produced by Grammy winner Joel Diamond, and Rebecca's duet singing partner is Grammy winner Jason Crabb. I am supporting this underdog Oscar contender because it truly breaks out of the formula of so many movies to tell a real story based on minister-turned-moviemaker Richard Rossi's pain and past experiences as a former faith healer. Rossi takes the concept of a religious faith-based film and turns it on its head, while still delivering a spiritual message of hope and faith.

I read the book on Kindle and had no idea the film was out till a few days ago. Thankfully the film is as good if not even better then the book. Richard Rossi blew me away with his performance as the con man preacher and really exposing religious deception and for those who fall for it. Realistic, engaging characters and ends with a positive message. This could easily be made into a TV series by the way. Mabye in the near future? I hope to see more from Richard Rossi. Thanks for making this and congrats on Canaan Land's success.