Ragamuffin

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.

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!

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.

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.