Smuggler's Ransom

Based on the Book "To Die and Live" written by Steve Losee, this Christian action move sets out to tell the story of Bill Donley (Anthony Tyler Quinn), the secret agent assigned to rescue Carmen Gonsalo (Marina Resa) after she gets caught smuggling Bibles into 1985 Communist Romania.

The story line is simple to follow and does not offer any real twists or wrinkles but somehow still manages to capture the attention of it's audience. The cinematography is very well laid out and directed beautifully. All of the actors appear comfortable in their roles and right for the parts with one small exception, Carmen (along with her father who we never see but learn was a nuclear physicist escaped from Cuba on a few years earlier) has no hint of any accent other than American. Overlooking that flaw was not hard as I enjoyed hearing her faith and seeing it in action as she continued in her love and witness for Christ even in the face of possible death. For film makers who have not done much prior to this, Daniel Noa and Brandon Rice have put together a Christian film that would make a wonderful addition to anyone's collection.

I like to review movies based not only on my own viewing but that of my children as well, and with this movies quick 45 minute time frame the writers did a wonderful job of developing the main characters and telling the story that my children, like myself wished we could have had more of. One of these base markers is if my children start talking about how they are "this character" or "that character". Both boys wanted to be Bill Donley as they watched him run through the opening moments, save the countries nuclear secrets and then rescue the damsel in distress. My daughter, who is younger, liked that part as well but being a girl noticed more of the softer side of the movie in the way Carman treated her captures. My final daughter (only 3) is into music and if she dances to the musical score in a movie it's a hit with her… sorry this one was not but hey, she is only 3.

Christians should enjoy the clear Gospel message of the movie as there is no mistaking what the overall intent of this film is, to tell a story of interest while informing the audience that Jesus is our freedom from all the things we have done in this life. It is the climax of this message with Bill Donley's character that should solidify Noa/Rice Digital as Christian filmmakers to be watched in the future. Her is to hoping that they can do more with the Smuggler franchise and future endeavors.

Smuggler's Ransom Starring: Anthony Tyler Quinn, Marina Resa, Alexandra Harber, & Katherine Norland. Written & Directed by Brandon Rice & Daniel Noa

Some of the best movies I've ever seen were the independent low-budget films that came out of nowhere and made a huge impact upon everyone who views them. In reviewing Christian films, I'm accustomed to seeing low budget productions, but I have the ability to see past the quality, and see the heart, passion, and character behind the film, instead of how much money was put into it. As we all know, it's the STORY that truly makes a film shine or not, and how well that story was executed with what the cast and crew had to work with.

When I saw the opening scene for 'Smuggler's Ransom', watching a masked runner trek across the desert on a mission began to intrigue me. This was a wonderful job at setting up one of our main characters and giving us an insight into what his job is. Bill Donely works for the US Government, protecting top-secrets from international spies, and any undercover job that is assigned to him. After watching him complete one job, we see him receiving a whole new mission which sets up the premise of this film.

The daughter of a Soviet Nuclear Physicist, under US Protection, is discovered smuggling bibles in Romania. The communist party is willing to trade his daughter's freedom for his surrender back to their country, but the United States isn't willing to negotiate. Instead, they send in Bill Donely on a top-secret rescue mission to bring her back home safe and sound. Bill prepares for this new mission, but what he doesn't prepare for, is the impact that a young Christian bible smuggler can make on his life and how strong-willed she is to follow her own set of rules.

Anthony Tyler Quinn does a brilliant job as Bill Donely. Most of his work has been limited to small roles in popular television shows, but here, he gets a great opportunity to showcase his talent in a starring role. His on-screen presence is convincing, and very professional.

Playing opposite to Quinn is Marina Resa, who stars as Carman Gonsolo, the young bible smuggler. Her experience in acting is not as full as Quinn's, but with talent like this, it wont be long before we see her in more projects. Her presence is effective and strong. She delivers her lines with conviction and passion, which makes me wonder if she's already adopted the message of her characters faith, as her own.

The story is filled with enough action, suspense and drama to keep the pace rolling and doesn't depend on the gospel message alone to entertain you. But it doesn't lack on it either. The salvation message is clearly delivered and beautifully presented. I was impressed with the timing of it, and the way it fit into the story, without disrupting the pace.

Beautifully shot, and well directed, 'Smuggler's Ransom' has earned it's right among some of the better works of 'Christian' film. The only drawback, besides some minor lighting issues, would be the features length. 'Smuggler's Ransom' clocks in at just 45 minutes and ends rather suddenly. I was actually left wanting more, and since it was so short, I felt I deserved a bit more. How I wish we could have seen a reunion between her and her father back in America, and a follow-up to the already-saw-it-coming redemptive scene, which falls close to the end.

Had we been given more, this would rate more as a full-length feature, but instead it felt more like a short film by a group of well-seasoned filmmakers with a lot of heart, but low on cash.

"HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, 'Smuggler's Ransom' is filled with plenty of heart that will touch your soul." - OneWayFilms

"Carmen Gonsalo" (Marina Resa) just happens to be the daughter of a Cuban nuclear physicist who has defected to the West. So when Carmen is caught selling bibles behind the Iron Curtain the Americans decide to send in an assassin named "Bill Donley" (Anthony Tyler Quinn) to rescue her before her father turns himself in to the Soviets in exchange for her freedom. But when Bill gets to Carmen he realizes that she has already been ransomed in a totally different manner. Now, since I don't want to divulge too much of this movie and risk spoiling it for those who haven't seen it I will just say that for an ultra-low budget movie this turned out to be a nice little picture all the same. One major problem is that it is simply too short (only 46 minutes) and it would have been much better if it had gone on for at least 30 minutes longer. But I liked the performances of both Marina Resa and Anthony Tyler Quinn and I believe that the directors (Daniel Noa and Brandon Rice) have every reason to be proud of their work. That said, if it wasn't for the extremely short duration I would have rated it higher. But as it is I have to give it a rating of average.