Over-the-Rhine

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.

I've seen my share of "faith-based" films and been disappointed. ("The writing, directing, and acting were awful, but other than that it was a great movie.") Lately, however, films with spiritual themes are exhibiting the kind of quality that the subject deserves. Being familiar with some of Mitch Teemley's work, I was anticipating excellence, and I wasn't disappointed. Like some of the other reviewers, I was a little surprised that the "man of God" in this story is a Catholic priest. It was refreshing to see him portrayed as a normal man, who responds with as much shock, grief, and dismay as any other man would as he tries to make sense of what has happened in light of his faith. The emotions portrayed were very relatable, and at the end there is at least one character who is still struggling to accept the outcome. There are some very poignant, defining moments in the story, including dreams, that take us on the journey with the grieving mother from craving revenge to healing. I can't say I was entirely surprised at the way things turned out; I have heard of such things happening in real life. But the main reason I found the satisfying ending entirely believable is because I recognize the unseen lead Character, who makes the impossible possible.

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.

The producers put an awful lot of resources into Healing River and it showed on screen. I respect their choices on some edgier issues they allowed- not typical for a Christian film. Our lives are full of unlikely circumstances and pain- and this movie tracks with a few that make you ask hard questions about God. Too many Christian films wrap everything up with a nice little bow way too easily. I find it was a good exploration of redemption, probably beyond what most people could comprehend. It may open some eyes and hearts. The Catholic angle was interesting to me, but never in genuine conflict with my Protestant faith. I think the production was good- interesting camera angle choices by Director and effective, creative lighting throughout. The acting is very strong across the board, with a couple of standouts being the "mom", the "addict" and the "girlfriend." They did a lot of heavy-lifting, with powerful (when needed) and subtle (often missing from this genre) performances throughout. The music could have been stronger in some pivotal scenes, but I'm a Nashville guy and I set the bar very high. This is worth the watch to take your mind and faith for a walk. If you're not a Christian- all the more reason to get your mind working. This movie presents simple truths in the midst of hard situations.

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