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I'm going to get the bad out of the way. If you're hoping this movie "solves" all the problems of the so-called "Christian movie industry", it does not. It is too long by at least a half-hour, we never feel like the main character really is Mullins until almost a half-hour into the film, and it seems preachier than it needs to be, often using way too much dialog to communicate messages that filmmakers should be able to make with far less talking and far more skillful directing, acting and editing. Anachronisms abound for those who look for them (certain musical equipment and instruments appear years and years before they actually were available), the lighting seems to be an afterthought, and in many cases (as I implied earlier) paragraphs of dialog abound where lines would do.

If you think this movie is just as bad as so many Christian films (virtually all that I have seen in fact) are, you'd also be wrong. Refreshingly, this film does not sanitize the smoking, drinking, cussing (okay, maybe it eases up on the cussing, I'm okay with that), broken character that Rich apparently was. That, I found refreshing. And when Michael Koch finally "finds" the main character (or should I say, when we finally believe in him and the director finally sets the character free), he carries it well, warts (and there are many) and all. I was impressed with how Koch sings and plays the part so well (using his own voice by the way), too, right down to the occasional sloppy piano and idiosyncratic vocal stylings. The stress of growing up with such a broken father-son relationship plays a major role, as it should, and explains much of what we need to know about the character (reminded me of Johnny Cash, actually).

I was fortunate enough to meet Mullins during his too-short life, about 7 years before his death. By "meet", I don't mean shake hands after a concert, but in fact along with a small group of folks got to spend hours and hours with him talking and really getting to know each other. He was, by far, the most interesting person I have ever met. So… I am a little biased in saying that beyond the flaws in this film (again, typical of so many Christian movies, and of so much Christian music for that matter), is the story of a man who was worth knowing and knowing about, not in spite of, but partly because of his flaws. I can probably count on one hand the number of Christian songwriters who come close to Mullins' talent and transparency (even if I'm missing a finger or two), and I'm thrilled that this film might introduce some new people to his work. Even more, maybe more people will come to grips with the fact that Jesus not only doesn't mind their brokenness, but loves them right in the middle of it all.

That would thrill Rich the most.

I knew and met Rich several times when I was a Christian Concert Promoter. I have mourned his loss for a very long time. I agree with one reviewer who said that the film was rather dark and perhaps some of our darkness reflects in the film so that makes it darker. I do wish that there was a little more of his quick humored funniness that came out in the movie, but I think I understand why it didn't as much. For one reason, it was done through the eyes of close family. They hurt for his hurts and probably are closer to that at times. Especially when he's gone and you were unable to fix it for him. Second because so few saw the struggles he had which just increases the realness and the authenticity of how God works with us. But let me say this. He was an amazing profound and deep poet. He was a saint who related to Christ's sufferings equally to his blessings and in doing so almost always seemed to be directly dialed to him. Second, he had huge talent! Third he had a truly sacrificial heart! He was amazing! Lastly, I thought I would hate the film any way because after all who could ever be Rich ? Even pretend or act to be Rich? I enjoyed the film more than I thought I would. I think they did a good job that was one of the toughest. When you play Lincoln or George Washington. There aren't too many people around to know how they were in real life. I would say they did as good as they could and it was awesome and entertaining and moving! It even touched my life as a father to my kids. Was it as good as seeing Rich do Rich? Well, it was the next best thing, but wish I had more time with him. He was once in a life! Love you Rich! See this movie. You'll not regret it!

This is a very powerful and gripping movie about the life of Rich Mullins. It is not just another "life story" about a famous person. It not only shows Rich's life but it ministers to all who see it. It not only brought tears to my eyes throughout the movie, but to the people throughout the church at that showing. I would recommend everyone to see this movie because it brings you to the realization that God loves all of us, even though we are not perfect. It is definitely a must see, powerful,inspiring, enlightening, and ministering movie for Christians and non-Christians alike. If you only purchase one DVD this year, it should be Ragamuffin!

The storyline is simple enough – the life of Rich Mullins. He is the author of the song "Awesome God" as well as hundreds of others. He was part of a resurgence of contemporary Christian music movement in the 80′s and 90′s - a culture he would come to hate and leave. The film documents his struggles with his faith, addictions and insecurities while his songs were some of the most popular in the world of contemporary Christian music.

If you are looking for a nice, neat film with a simple conflict/resolution arch of a story – Ragamuffin isn't for you. Ragamuffin is a dark, brooding film that exposes the insecurity and grit of Rich Mullins' faith. It's messy. It doesn't resolve. It's redemptive and agonizing. All of which I think is authentic to Rich as well as his God.

The acting and cinematography are top shelf. Michael Koch delivers an incredible performance of being true to Rich's eccentric, authentic faith without pushing the performance into a sappy mess of emotion.

The movie has it all - great acting, great filming, and great storytelling. Highly recommend it.

And stay for the credits for real footage of Rich.

Overall, I was pleased with the honesty of the film. There was a darkness in his soul similar to Mother Teresa's spiritual darkness. That pain certainly came out in his music and is the big reason I listened to him then and still today. Love was not just a feeling. I was disappointed they skipped his exploration of Catholicism considering the rest of the honesty in the film, but they did pay homage to St. Francis.

The Brennan Manning scenes were powerful. Michael Koch sang/played the music believably and his acting was above average. It was a nice touch to have Mitch McVicker in the film. Sometimes on these Christian films the acting can be sub par, but I did not see it here.

The film runs 2.5 hours and they could have cut it down some, but I didn't feel bored, and the people I went with cried at the more emotional scenes. That tells me that they were certainly engaged.

I would recommend the film and encourage people to rediscover his music.

Rich Mullins was a broken man. A man who felt rejected by his father, and by the God that the evangelical church had presented to him. He was also extremely gifted with the ability to express his struggle through words and music. He wrote just enough praise-happy songs to get Nashville to notice and lure him to record and sell his music. But, the real Rich remained tortured by his depression, addictions, and pain. He could sing about the love of God, but struggled to accept it himself.

"Ragamuffin" is a term used by author Brennan Manning, who is also depicted in the film. The word describes one whose "deepest awareness ... is that he is deeply loved by Jesus Christ and has done nothing to earn it or deserve it." It becomes an aspiration of Mullins to grasp that reality in the midst of a Christian subculture that prides itself on it's own triumphalism. As an artist, and a person, Rich Mullins was too honest - and too broken - to claim such a victory.

That is why the message of this movie contrasts so sharply with the latest "Christian" theatrical release, "God's Not Dead." There, Christianity is painted with bold strokes of black and white with little room for the gray smudges that watercolor the Ragamuffin's life. The two films could not be more different as well in their presentation of the Christian consumerism that has created Contemporary Christian Music. "God's Not Dead" blatantly uses the Newsboys as angelic messengers of the film's tag-line. They are not even represented as "artists" but function instead as "product placement." (Willie Robertson, of Duck Dynasty, cameos offering his "celebrity endorsement" for Jesus.) This was the "Christian World" that Rich Mullins hated, and worked all his career to avoid being conformed into. It was not his home.

Many evangelical Christians will be surprised, perhaps shocked or offended, to witness just what a mess Mullins was. Like the scriptures, the movie doesn't blink in showing us his flaws. You'll see him smoking, drinking, and swearing -- all while also clearly witnessing to the truth of the gospel with both his words and deeds. For many of us, it will be too much to stomach. Mullins would not fit in among many of our church friends. But, if Jesus still welcomes the poor in spirit, the mourning, and those hungering for righteousness into his Kingdom -- then Rich should be right at home there.

I love this story. It breaks the stereotype of Christian movies, most of which start with a messed up person who then meets Jesus and gets their life cleaned up. And they all lived happily ever after.

Rich Mullins was a mess. He was a mess before he met Jesus, he was a mess after he met Jesus. Maybe that was why he had such a keen understanding of grace. That's really what this movie is about. They wanted to tell the true story of Rich Mullins, as messy as it was, although I'm sure they had to clean it up some in order to get churches to show it. The in-concert monologues are mostly, if not all, taken verbatim from things Rich said during concerts. The music is well done and fitting with the story.

The movie was made on a shoestring budget, and in many ways it shows. The sound recording and mixing during interior scenes were not good (although that may have been partially due to the church where we were viewing the movie). The acting was sub-par compared to big budget movies, even from Wolfgang Bodison, who has plenty of acting experience. The sets all felt cramped and poorly utilized.

But for all its faults I think it's still worth seeing. Even if you have never heard of Rich Mullins, it's a compelling story. The movie, like Rich Mullins, can be full of faults and still have incredible redeeming value.

I agree with a reviewer above that the movie did not project the whimsical Rich as seen in the delivery of his talks at concerts. Way too serious and broken. Rich had a way of being broken and still showed a child like love of Jesus in his words, but in the movie he was always angry. And one thing that bugged me is that his haircut seemed to change on a whim. A sequence with short hair was followed by a sequence with long hair and a beard and then back to short hair - over and over. May sound silly, but as far as movie production goes that should not happen.

Overall, it is a good insight to a man struggling with his faith. And the Brennan Manning character was great.

I have been following the development of this film and was disappointed when it could not achieve theatrical release. The minute it came out on DVD, I got on my bike and headed down to Walmart. I have watched it twice. There are things in the film production I can criticize, like the length of Mullins' hair in different scenes, but that is pointless. The fact is, the film drove me to Brennan Manning who I had no knowledge of. I consider the most important scenes in the film, the ones with Mullins and Manning. I actually had to go to IMDb to find out who Manning was. Since then, I have read The "Ragamuffin Gospel" and purchased two copies for friends. Rich Mullins was a messed up genius whose faith never wavered. That came through loud and clear in the film. He was not ashamed of his shortcomings and addictions. When Manning tells him God will ask only one question when you die: "Do you know how much God loves you?", I think Mullins could answer 'Yes,' despite his problems. This is a film that inspires the viewer to look deeper into the subject matter, and for that single reason, it is a success. For that single reason, you need to watch this film despite its flaws.

This movie was recommended to me by a friend with whom I shared my feelings of spiritual "wandering" if you will; a believer with lots of questions and a feeling of emptiness that comes and goes. The acting was very good and the story honest. I am use to movies that lead to an obvious conclusion, however, this movie wasn't the typical countdown to an epiphanic moment. Rather, it was exactly what I needed in realizing I am not alone in my struggles for meaning. Wear comfortable clothes because this movie is a bit long.

My rating of "8" out of 10 is relative to movies of this category. This film should not be compared to Hollywood blockbusters, and justifiably so; the film is a message to each viewer who wishes to receive. The feature was not, in my opinion, made to entertain but more importantly to potentially impact your life in a far greater way than even the most popular movies ever could.

Enjoy.

In the 70s, I experienced a similar intensity as what is expressed in this film. Being saved in 1972 was not a panacea for me, although the initial awakening or quickening of my spirit, was indeed celebratory.

I knew I'd tapped into something special. At the same time, I had come from a broken home, a truly dysfunctional horror story, that left me in pieces. My endless patterns of faithfulness, like Bible reading and prayer, weren't a quick fix. Feelings and never-ending reminders of events held tightly to my thoughts and dreams. Well past my first year, then second, and even the tenth year of my "new" life, I continued to hurt, and all the promises in the Bible, no matter how often I spoke them, simply didn't make it go away.

Was there depression? Certainly there was, but it was more than that, because, even after I was saved, there remained a kind of toxicity inside and around me. I didn't feel like I belonged. The cliques in the church, I never fit into because I was a struggling, penniless college student who seldom had a dime in his pocket. I couldn't tithe; and so, the handshake that givers got when they walked in the door wasn't waiting for me.

Nevertheless, I gave what I knew, my ability to play an upright bass to help lead worship, and yet, no elder took me in, chose to mentor me, or understood my need. The prevailing doctrines told me that it was all about one's quantity of faith, and apparently, I had none. Among all those who believed that error, I continued in a kind of existential disconnect.

Like Rich, I found some help where God chose to lead me, to what is known by psychologists today as "inner child work". Through videos and books by John Bradshaw, I discovered the word "dysfunction" and its meaning, as well as the dynamics of the family. It was through that reading and listening that I began, slowly, to get in touch with that little hurting boy inside me. I learned to talk to him, to tell him things were going to be okay, that life was worth living.

So, pretty much, my story is what you'll see taking place in this film. I'm sure, even though the film is consistently gloomy, there will be those who relate to it. Some will sit hoping for an answer to their continuing scars.

Do as Rich did: start that conversation with the little kid inside. Tell him/her what should have been said long ago. Build yourself up by showing love to yourself.

This movie made me aware of the fact that I'm a ragamuffin, as I can relate to many of the issues addressed in this film. I've been around "nominal Christians" all my life and didn't know that I was just one among them. This movie also made me aware that I am loved no matter what goes down. I respond to that love by shaping my life to better reflect Christ in it. I watch this movie every couple of months to keep the concepts fresh in my mind and to remind me of where I came from and why I left.

I have seen this film twice, and it was better the second time. Maybe because I had never heard a Rich Mullins song before the first viewing, and before the second quite a few of his songs have deeply touched me. I see my life reflected in his--not exactly, of course. Where he went to the Indian reservation I went to India, and where he wrote music I wrote poetry--but the alcohol was still the same. What I am saying is that this film shows the real side of Christianity, and should be seen by anyone confused by how many so-called Christians act and present themselves to the world. But if you really want to get into the study of Organized religion versus Real Christian Living, listen to Rich Mullins--maybe especially his song 'The Color Green'--and spend some time with his mentor Brennan Manning. Oh, and watch this film more than once. It's the antithesis of every other so-called Christian film you've ever seen--and if you've never seen one, all that much better. See this one, though.

The people who created this movie to show the world the real Rich Mullins must of wanted to be cruel to him and his memory. Rich wanted to be remembered as a man of joy and compassion. The movie shows him constantly depressed and having fits of temper.

I could go on and on. For the sake of 1,000 words. Please know that I know Rich had a drinking problem and problems with a mean dad. And in 1970's getting medication and counseling in the conservative Christian camp wasn't popular. But why didn't you show OTHER parts of Rich.

He had a lot of friends. He was so popular, his band of Ragamuffins almost started a whole new religion!

He had a great sense of humor! Pick out any live footage of Rich and he's hilarious!

The movie made him ugly. Terrible wig! He was MUCH nicer looking than that. Why did the movie makers do that to the memory of Rich?

I am going to remember Rich as real, with real problems, yes. But I am also going to remember that he had friends and was funny.

I am going to trust that he loved his ministry of singing and that gave him a lot of joy. (Not the fame and all).

Not ONCE did the movie show Rich reading the Bible or in prayer. It showed him preaching and singing the Bible, but not once in any personal devotion. Why did the movie NOT portray that? His songs had to be bread out of a personal relationship with Jesus.

I wish there was another movie to apologize for this one.

Can't wait to see Rich in heaven. I know he's very happy there.

Rich took the truth and avoided making it complicated. If you can get through all of the misconceptions of what you need to "do" to know Jesus and just know him, you can get through life without being too confused or self important.

For anybody without a daddy, or an approachable daddy, this is the film for you!

The idea that the world tries to use up and pervert truth is so missed into todays world, but it is real and thriving and it was so refreshing to see what fast after Jesus looks like when it's not sharing the spotlight with fast after the world.

We were not able to watch the movie during the theatrical releases but recently watched it On Demand at home. I am (still) a fan of his music and own each release. When he was alive my friends and I never missed a concert and North Texas was a big concert market for him and he was in concert a lot here.

I have to say that overall I was a bit disappointed in the movie. Overall the screenplay was slow and severely plodded along in other places. (I know there was a lot of ground to cover, but 2 plus hours was too long.) The background music did not help in the pacing of the movie either. There were several gaffes with props/clothes from the wrong decade being used. (My biggest annoyance was the 2000-era rolling suitcase used in the 1974 dorm move-in scene.) Some of the scenes in the group house were so poorly acted that we started fast forwarding through them.

I agree with those who have said in their reviews/commentaries that the movie did not show his joyful, whimsical, humorous side but focused on the dark periods. I noticed in one particular concert scene he was portrayed as scared and uncomfortable and in the multitude of times I saw him in concert he never came across that way. He always appeared to be having fun and enjoying himself. And during the after concert bookstore appearances he was friendly and would stay and visit for hours.

After the movie ended we started talking about questions that were raised – From the dirty hair (and disgustingly brown and greasy pillow case) are we to take away that Rich was unable to attend to basic hygiene? (Every time we saw him in concert or bookstore appearances he appeared to be clean and put together.) From the quick clip at Harry's Uptown Bar are we to take away that he picked up women in bars? One of the biggest questions we found ourselves asking from all the raging drunk scenes was if he was an alcoholic then why did nobody in his life intervene and get him in to rehab? Why were certain people in his life he talked a lot about and were close to him, not included in the story? Would he have been humiliated to have his greatest private struggles revealed?

I think that anybody who followed him closely knew he struggled with many things in life. While he did not share details (as it was his personal life) he did share enough that the person who was really hearing him could read between the lines. You knew that God was still able to use him to share about His love and grace despite his shortcomings. I wish the movie had showed more of the people who were ministered to by his music and shared that with him after his concerts. Rich's music opened many folk's eyes/hearts to what God was able to do in their lives as He had done in Rich's life.

We very seldom go to the movies. The price is usually higher than the quality of the movies. I was so excited to see this one after watching the trailer that i bought tickets to the nearest place it was showing (almost 3 hours away). After sitting through it I knew it was well worth the effort. I would of sat through it again (and I had to work in the morning). I bought the DVD the day it came out and had purchased the companion DVD ahead of time.

Very seldom, may once every couple of generations, does someone come along like Rich....someone who "gets it" and "lives it", someone who doesn't hide behind celebrity, reputation, ego or anything else, but puts it out there, warts and all and knows that his God is bigger than their sin.

Thank you for the movie - thank you Rich.

Sometime I finish a movie and my only response is, "Wow." I was unprepared for this experience. I jumped in lightly and there is nothing light about this movie. It's emotionally heavy and impactful. It's like the movies A Star Is Born and Into the Wild mixed together. This is the true story of Rich Mullins. He's a free-spirited person full of talent and carrying a lot of pain and loneliness with him. He's not interested in money or fame, though he had both. He cares about what's real, and the love of God is the greatest real thing he could ever know. I'm not quite sure what I was expecting but it wasn't this. Just when I thought I knew where the story was going, it went in a different direction. But that's real life I suppose. The big call of this movie and this man's life is for authenticity. It shows a man who refuses to be less than real in his life and career. While many biopics paint a picture of a human that is almost too perfect to be real, Ragamuffin shows a man who struggles with alcoholism, depression, and bitterness. But his career was a ministry. He wasn't trying to be fake. He was a genuine guy who acknowledged his need for God's grace. His relationship with his father, or lack thereof, greatly impacted him. We see a man here who struggled to feel the love of his earthly father, and therefore, his Heavenly Father as well. There is a lot of theology in this movie, but it doesn't ever feel like it's preaching at you. Rather, it feels like it's having a meaningful conversation with you. Michael Koch deserves an award for this performance as Mullins. It had to be exhausting. It's not a short or shallow movie and he steps up in every way. It's a movie with plenty of struggle, sorrow and longing, but also hope. This Richard Mullins is real and honest and he desires to see authenticity return to the evangelical church. It's a convicting movie in many ways. I believe many will relate with this story. Most everyone knows the pressure of keeping up with appearances. And it's hard not to believe that love and affection must be earned. This mindset taints our view of God and the truth. God knows exactly how imperfect we are, yet He loves us anyways. Rich Mullins fans will love how many of his most popular songs are incorporated into the film. And for those unfamiliar with Mullins' music, his songs are not there simply to satisfy fans, they are expertly placed to contribute to the storytelling of the film. It's an effectively shot indie movie. Just like Rich Mullins himself, the people making this movie are undeniably artists full of talent.

I wanted to like this a lot. I heard it wasn't your typical "Christian" film. I grew up loving Rich Mullins and was lucky enough to get to see him in concert in my early teens.

His music and life had a profound effect on me, leading me to finding Brennan Manning's book and well, just showing me that life isn't as simple as church often makes it.

The problem with this movie is its just not very well done. The acting is mediocre at best, the writing is as well.

Some things are set in the correct time period and others they just appear to shrug and say "oh well" and don't worry they aren't.

The movie also does a pretty terrible job at flowing. We get a glimpse of Rich as a kid, it was rough, his dad was a hard man, and then, he's smoking, and then he's off at Bible college, and then he's in Zion. Stuff happens, and you sort of see how they're connected, but they don't flow into each other.

I really wish this movie had been a real documentary instead of poorly made docu-drama.

Rich Mullins is an inspirational figure who shared his genius and God's love with the world while battling extremely human flaws. He didn't hide from them, and fortunately the movie doesn't flinch from them, but neither does the movie do a proper service to the man and his work.

The Bible speaks of those who like Rich Mullins struggle and leave prematurely. I have had had three or four very close to me who fit into this category, including my own adult son. "The righteous one perishes, and no one takes it to heart. Faithful men are swept away, no one realizing that the righteous one is swept away from the presence of evil. He will enter into peace - they will rest on their beds - everyone who lives uprightly". Isaiah 57:1-3 (HCSB).

There are many highly gifted people who give so much to the world through the gifts and talents God has given them. However, these men and women are often troubled by nature, nurture or both. Rich Mullins was one such character. This movie gives us Rich in his nakedness. When it first happened, I was saddened beyond measure to learn of his death. I never knew how tortured he was by the wounds of a loving father desperately in need, as am I, of a Savior. I appreciated the unconventional story of an unconventional life of a real gifted man beloved of God. I related with much of his struggles about feeling that God loves me. Forty years walking with the Lord, I still do.

If you want a simplistic story about a good guy who encounters an antagonist, defeats the antagonist and lives happily ever after, this is not your movie. If you want a more Biblical account of an ordinary man who discovers an extraordinary God and struggles with the implications of God's gracious love on his life, then this is your movie. Remember, David, Solomon, Jacob, Abraham, Isaac? There were some ugly moments in their lives, yet God used them mightily. And then there was the promise of King Jehoshaphat, a passionately Godly king of Judah.

Thank you, Color Green, for producing this and the other two installments of the "Ragamuffin Trilogy". I am impacted as by no other movie.