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"I'm Not Ashamed" (2016 release; 112 min.) brings the story of 17 yr. old student Rachel Scott, who was the very first victim at the Columbine High School tragedy in 1999. As the movie opens, we get TV footage from those horrifying moments right after the shootings. We then go back in time, when Rachel was 8 years old, and her parents are splitting up, leaving her mom in a financial struggle to raise 5 kids. We then go to "April 1998 - Sophomore Year", with Rachel doing well in school. Rachel is particularly interested in the drama class. At this point we're not even 15 min. into the movie but to tell you more would spoil your viewing experience.

Couple of comments: this movie is marketed as a "christian" film, and plays out like one. If that is going to bother you, please do yourself a favor and catch a different movie for your enjoyment. I really didn't know what to expect and was pleasantly surprised at the maturity, even sophistication, of this movie (the script is based on Rachel's journals, we are reminded at the beginning of the movie). That said, it is also a bit of a missed opportunity, as it focuses mainly on Rachel, and not hardly any time on the 2 shooters. If you have the expectation that this movie might delve into the "why did they do it", this movie will not provide the answer (other than some very general and broad brushes). All that said, the last 15 min. of the movie packs an emotional wallop, for obvious reasons. The movie makers hit the bull's eye when they cast Masey McLain as Rachel, she is absolutely fantastic. Bottom line: this is a fine movie (made on a dime, total budget a mere $1.5 million). But if you want to understand Columbine, this is not the movie for it. (Earlier this year, Sue Klebold, the mother of Dylan, one of the 2 Columbine shooters, issued a devastating memoir called "A Mother's Reckoning: Living in the Aftermath of Tragedy", which I would readily recommend to anyone, Christian or not.)

The movie opened on a couple of screens this weekend here in Cincinnati. The Saturday matinée screening where I saw this at was attended very nicely, somewhat to my surprise. It sounds like there is a market for well-made Christian films. If, on the other hand, you want to get a look at the promising life of one of the Columbine victims (who this year otherwise would be 34 years old), then I would readily recommend you check this out, be it in the theater, on VOD, or eventually on DVD/Blu-ray.

Based on the journal of a person who had got killed in the 1999 shooting at a high school in the US. Really inspiring character and the story, till that final horror event. But the real shame was, the filmmakers used it to promote religious. Or maybe they have highlighted too much from the religious aspect. Because, her life and that horrific event connected with her unexpected prediction which are only a coincident, rather any miracle from heaven. I'm not against believers, but I anticipated honest, a reality, not fantasy.

So coming to the film, apart from misusing a real person's life, it was a nice film. Nice casting and performances. Masey McLain was so pretty and awesome in her role. Don't expect it to be the film about that 1999 shooting. It was not about that, except it had a connection as everything was built behind it. They have shown very little from that angle towards the end. Some of the real footage attached in those parts. Yeah, the end was emotional as expected. Everyone might not find it a good film for what I had told earlier, nevertheless the true story deserves some respect.

6/10

If it weren't Pure Flix, using a natural tragedy for clout or leading us into thinking Rachel was shot due to her faith (she happened to be the first person they saw), I might actually rate this higher but I can't in all good consciousness. I'm waiting for these fools to clout chase 9/11. They'd do it. I just want to know how many characters outside of the victims were created by the FOUR sick writers. They should be beaten with an oar.

For what little it's worth, the acting is good but everything else - the writing, direction, cinematography and awful "uplifting" soundtrack - is so laughable, it can't be taken seriously. The title card gave me 13 Reasons Why vibes, and ultimately the whole thing reeks of that show.

This is a sweet story on one hand, and is a tragedy on the other. It's a story of an ordinary teenage girl experiencing first love, heartbreak and struggling with her faith. The true story of Rachel Scott, is the main focus of the film and its Heartbreaking to say the least. The movie is about Rachel and the person she was, and her faith in God. The shooting is secondary, and is only relevant to the unnecessary, unimaginable loss of potential in each victim. The innocent lives lost affected the world. We don't know the difference they would have made, the accomplishments. I believe through this movie that's what Rachel Scott did; she is still making a difference.

This film makes it seem like the shooters went straight for the Christians and that's why they shot up the school. This is not historically accurate and it manipulates and exploits the death of Rachel as a way to push a message. By the way, I'm a Christian and I still think this movie sucks.

This movie was very well done. Great story and the fact that it is a true story makes it much better. It brought me back to my high school days. Rachel was a great soul who helped everyone who came in her path. I don't understand the controversy or how some say it was exploited. This is her story and she was a Christian. That's all. In her own words, "Love and compassion can start a chain reaction." Highly recommended.

I'm Not Ashamed is based on the life and premature death of Rachel Joy Scott, a student who went to Columbine High School on the fateful day Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris committed, what was at the time the worst school shooting in U.S. history. The film is brought to you by Pure Flix Entertainment, an independent Christian film and television studio which should give you an indication of who this movie is for and what it's trying to accomplish. Given my particular track-record with this production company, I came in fully expecting to hate this film - especially given its uncomfortable subject matter. Yet by the time the film reached its inevitable, heartbreaking conclusion, I must admit, this little Christian title had me a bit misty-eyed.

The film begins with a young Rachel drawing on her wardrobe cabinet with Crayon. We're given a brief tour of her broken home before she's whisked away as a teen to Louisiana for the summer to stay with her aunt (under the pretense of avoiding negative influences). It is in Louisiana she rediscovers Christ, starting her sophomore year at Columbine as a baby born again with a necklace cross to prove it. Yet as she rejoins her friends she soon recognizes the struggle of being disciplined in a school culture dominated by teenage angst, blossoming libidos and weekend partying.

Is I'm Not Ashamed Ham-fisted; yeah, pompous and overbearing; sure, amateurish in its execution; you bet, but the story, partially taken from Rachel's diary has a ring of truth to it. We're put into her head-space and can empathize with her struggles to fit in while staying true to her values, finding humility in ourselves as she stumbles, falls and gets up again learning as she goes. For once I felt like I was watching a movie about a Christian instead of a Christian movie. It never feels like a lecture or a sermon but rather a case for understanding; a peek into a worldview through a coming-of-age tale.

The story is served stupendously by the young Masey McLain who doesn't so much debut as arrives to the medium announcing she's the genuine article. She easily sidesteps the stodgy staging, internalizes the poorly delivered lines of her counterparts and reacts like everything is designed for her. That's no easy feat when you have a movie that has her pulling a manic pixie girl routine for a homeless man (Davies) with poorly designed tribal tattoos and the haircut of a 1960's NASA employee.

Additionally, the very rudimentary direction and cinematography can't help but undercut the film at every turn. There wasn't a single inspired moment. Of course an argument can be made that I'm Not Ashamed purposely eschews the Norman Rockwell sheen of Miracles from Heaven (2016) or Heaven is For Real (2014) to give it a certain authenticity. Yet I'd be more receptive to that idea if it wasn't so obvious they were trying for it. At it's best the film has the poorly executed sweep of a below average music video complete with scenes of the least exciting teenage ragers in history. At its worst I'm Not Ashamed resembles a Valtrex commercial.

A lot can be said about producer David A.R. White and Pure Flix's unabashed cavort towards Christ-ploitation but at least there's little doubt they actually believe what they're selling. I'd be lying if I said I didn't pruriently enjoy the flippant potshots towards groups not attune to the film's values - in this case the silliest analog is Cameron McKendry as a crush who "doesn't want to use labels". At this point, the kind of culture war contrarianism this kind of stuff is known for should be reacted to with a roll of the eyes.

Yet when all is said and done, Rachel's initial message of compassion and kindness shines through the usual muck and noise. While yes, it might be just as shabby looking as your average 7th Heaven (1996- 2007) riff, the familiar wrapping shouldn't necessarily dissuade. For once we're treated to a grown up, Christian worldview that proudly states what it's about instead of quibbling over what it's against. Considering that almost never happens, I'm Not Ashamed is arguably the best Christian film made yet.

And yes I did chuckle during the credits when, once again, we were zealously given the number to the film's text campaign.

I am not really a church goer but it is very interesting the adverse reaction some have to Christianity in a movie. It's like that reaction vampires have in movies to the cross or holy water. I found the movie enjoyable and inspiration yet so tragic. My daughter could relate to similar struggles in school and the dynamics. What seems evil (or dysfunctional if you would like to use a secular term) is that individuals like Rachel are the "fascists" in the world we live in, whereas groups like Antifa at Berkeley are the new solution. The movie does have some drinking and smoking in it and some sexual situations but nothing R rated. I would watch this with a teen, it may be a bit much for a ten year old depending on your viewpoints.

Taking something very tragic and turning it into some inspiring made this film watchable.

Why do mass shootings happen? Mental illness? Easy access to firearms for children? Poor life lessons from parents and authority figures? NOPE! According to this movie, they happen because people just don't love Jesus enough. This movie cleverly starts by exploiting actual footage of the Columbine shooting because when you start at rock bottom, there's nowhere to go but up! If you take away anything from this experience, just remember that it's ok to exploit real world tragedies as long as it's for Jesus!

Where were you when Columbine happened? I remember it well. I was at science camp (Lake Hume, CA) with about 20 of my Middle school students in the cafeteria surrounded by hundreds of other students and faculty from all over California. Needless to say, the whole place sobered up in a hurry.

But little did I know that it would take 18 years for me to realize the true significance of that event. That realization came when I watched this movie. The story of Rachel Scott is an amazing testimony of how God can take a horrific event and use it to reach millions of people with the gospel. It is interesting to note that her life has touched 22 million people; exactly twice as many as Hitler killed. Watch the movie to see the contrast between Hitler's and therefore Eric and Dylan's idea and Jesus and Rachel's idea of making the world a better place.

It is also an amazing testimony of how God prepared Rachel for the way she would glorify Him. Friends, He is doing this with all of us who follow him. If you want a film that inspires and encourages you; you can't do much better than this one.

I highly recommend this movie as one of the best Christian movies out there. The divide you see between the critics and the general audience is telling. Many of us have learned to discount the critics through the years realizing that they cannot be trusted to give a proper assessment. Also, this story is itself an example of how the secular media gets it so wrong most of the time simply because they have no spiritual discernment and work for bosses that are often hostile to the Christian worldview.

On a technical note: In my opinion, this movie is another example of how Christian movies are getting better and better.

I don't consider this a Christian movie, it's a movie about Rachel and her experiences at Columbine during the last year of her life. I'm not sure why people are discrediting the movie. Richard Castaldo was shot only inches away from Rachel, he told the press that Eric asked her about her belief in God before he shot her. Also, the basement tapes showcase Eric and Dylan's disdain for Jesus and Christianity.....and life. The movie shows the difficult environment these columbine students had to navigate daily, it's worth a watch.

On April 20, 1999, in Littleton, Colorado, two Columbine High School students, seniors Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, murdered 12 students and 1 teacher at their school and injured 21 others in the deadliest U.S. school shooting to date. The first of the students killed was 17-year-old senior Rachel Scott, who was eating lunch with a fellow student just outside the school. The film "I'm Not Ashamed" (PG-13, 1:52) is Rachel's story. The script by Philipa Booyens, Robin Hanley, Kari Redmond and Bodie Thoene doesn't shy away from the buildup to the shooting, but this isn't primarily a story of tragedy. It's a story of faith.

In most ways, Rachel Joy Scott (Masey McLain) was a typical high school girl. She had supportive friends, but she was insecure. She was attracted to one of her classmates, but lacked the confidence to pursue her crush. She had struggles at home and sometimes did things that got her in trouble with her parents, but she wasn't really a "bad" kid. She had hopes and dreams, but couldn't see what life had in store. And she kept a journal, which forms the basis for the narrative of this film, plus first-hand accounts about Rachel's life and the circumstances surrounding her death… only weeks before she would have graduated. (Note: Rachel isn't the Columbine victim who was the subject of the book "She Said Yes".) As the film opens, Rachel's divorced mother, Beth (Terri Minton), is having trouble supporting herself and her five kids. (Rachel is the middle child.) Beth eventually remarries, but she and her new husband, Larry (John Newberg), have problems steering Rachel toward making positive choices in her young life, as when Rachel sneaks out at night to attend parties with her friends (Victoria Staley, Taylor Kalupa and Emma Elle Roberts). Rachel is being raised in a household of strong Christian faith, but doesn't really embrace that faith until after spending the summer before her senior year with family in Louisiana.

Even when she makes her family's faith her own, she struggles to live according to the Bible. She seems more concerned about pursuing a romantic relationship with Alex (Cameron McKendry), the BMOC in her drama class, and she shies away from discussing her increasing faith with him. Eventually, her commitment to Christ strengthens to the point that it drives a wedge between her and her closest friends. Yet, she still continues seeking, learning, growing in her faith, and finding ways to live out that faith, such as when she determinedly befriends and helps a homeless teen named Nathan (Ben Davies).

As Rachel's story unfolds, two of her classmates, Eric Harris (David Errigo, Jr.) and Dylan Klebold (Cory Chapman) bond over their shared hatred for high school culture and the world in general. With Harris taking the lead, the two teens begin discussing acting out their frustrations through violence and plan what became the Columbine Massacre. As their story careens toward its tragic collision with Rachel's, the focus stays on Rachel's spiritual journey and director Brian Baugh handles Rachel's final moments tastefully and with compassion (although he does take some liberties with a few of the factual details).

This is an inspiring and tragic story, with appeal beyond the Christian community. The Columbine Massacre is an event of ongoing interest and relevance, so there's understandable interest in a film set against that backdrop. This movie stays just this side of exploitation, but does indulge in a few brief moments of melodrama. The story of Rachel and her classmates is engagingly and realistically told and generally well acted. However, regardless of your personal religious beliefs (or lack thereof), Rachel's struggles with issues of faith and personal conduct should be relatable to most Movie Fans, and Rachel makes for a very sympathetic character. With built-in drama and universal themes, "I'm Not Ashamed" rises above most faith-based films in both appeal and quality. "B+"

All the people giving this movie a bad review, because it either didn't address the reasons for the Columbine killings or that it expressed Christian beliefs, are narrow-minded myopic people, who don't even have enough mental capacity to understand that the movie was not about the Columbine shooting.

This is a most excellent movie if you want an accurate portrayal of the contents of a high school girl's diary. This is not a movie about the Columbine shootings. It is a movie about the struggles of a high school girl who became a Christian her junior year and the internal struggles that she went through as written in her diary. It does show how her life ended, but that was just just the conclusion of an accurate portrayal of her diary. If the movie is approached with this focus in mind, and not an expectation of a focus on Columbine, then this movie will move you to tears.

Having been in high school myself in 1999 & around that same time also became a born again Christian I was open to being rieceptive to what non-religious people might roll their eyes at. But... this... actually painful to watch. The overly dramatic "i'm so persecuted, life is so so hard & no one could ever understand how bad I've got it" got old real fast. Rachel could have been much more relatable & sympathetic had she not been portrayed (hopefully inaccurately) as a self absorbed over the top angsty one-dimensional person. It actually made me feel LESS sympathetic towards her & was just plain annoying. If that was me being portrayed as such I'd be embarrassed honestly. Making someone come across as a saint (despite her "sins" that she always seems to feel entirely too guilty for ) doesn't envoke even the slightest form of interest or feeling from me. Was quite disappointing & cliche. Cmon it's not like she was nailed to a cross & tormented to death here plus she wasn't even the only one who was supposedly killed based on her religion or even the only person according to witnesses who was asked about their faith. I mean i'm sure she was a sweetheart & truly only wanted to do good with her life & lead others to the Lord but this wasn't shown in the best light. If i ever give it another watch it'll be for the laughs from all the melodrama.

How fortunate that Rachel Scott's diary was found in order to have a view into one of the lives lost at Columbine. It must have been heartwrenching for her family and friends to see this on the "big screen," but perhaps it provides a way for them to honor her life and help to continue the healing process.

Because the subject matter is so disturbing, I do agree with a PG-13 rating. That being said, I also believe this movie should be shared with every youth group. It would also be beneficial as part of schools' "anti-bullying" programs.

Each person impacted by Columbine has their own unique story. The struggles and questions faced by Rachel were well portrayed. The actors who were cast as Rachel and Nathan did an excellent job. Very believable.

This movie showed how kindness, compassion, and forgiveness can change hearts and lives. Rachel's brief life continues to have ripple effects nearly 20 years later. The Lord truly must have welcomed Rachel into heaven with "Well done, good and faithful servant" and continues to use her life to point people to Him.

Unless you want to hate yourself after this movie, don't watch it