Over-the-Rhine

Healing River beautifully shows the power of forgiveness in the most difficult of circumstances. Some thought provoking scenes-very emotional.

Oh No another religious film? Argh! Boy gets drunk and kills someone. Mother goes to boy and forgives him and then he changes his life and all's right with the world. But it isn't like that.

No! Mom and friends and relatives get MAD! The boy gets off easy in the court! How is that making him accountable? Mom and friends want accountability, justice, REVENGE! Then you see the brave mom going up against the gang kid and blowing him up. Blood! Guts! Gore. It isn't like that either.

That's what makes this film so good. It doesn't go for the crowd-pleasing reaction. It seems more realistic when Mom meets the accused for the first time in jail. It makes sense when the priest talks to the kid. I understand that the process the characters goes through takes longer than what's apparent in the film.

The directing is well done. You can see the pain behind their eyes, and the glow that starts to grow as the film goes further. This is not one to see with NO KLEENEX. Your shirt or hoodie will be sopping wet by the middle of the film! I also loved the music. Very nice use of guitar!

The plot is not unlike what happens in real life. The reactions are real and heartfelt. I highly recommend it. When I get some more Kleenex, I may watch it again.

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!

I really did enjoy this movie. It took you through so many emotions and stirred you to think. It took you in one side of life and brought you through to the other side. We all go through something, some more than others, but this film showed how you don't have to be alone and that anything is possible. I would have given it a 10, but I thought the judge was just a bit too much at one point. You may have thought the Mom was too much, but since I have experienced that kind of loss I can tell you she was right on! Great film!

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.