**NO SPOILERS** After we left the theater, my sister told me that this was officially her favorite movie of all time.
I can say with complete confidence that I am not writing this review because I was asked to. I am writing this review because I want to. I want everyone to see this movie.
This film is the story of how Luke and Joel Smallbone‘s (for KING + COUNTRY) parents immigrated to America from Australia and raised 7 kids (including this duo and their sister Rebecca St. James) to start a new life.
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1) It’s a celebration of family.
“Your family’s not in the way, they are the way.”
Fun fact, ‘Unsung Hero’ releases on the 49th wedding anniversary of Helen and David Smallbone (the main characters of the film). The Smallbone family loves to say that this film is about “mums, migration, and miracles” and they are renaming the release date, April 26th as “Family Day.” Their story is truly a collection of miracles.
Every member of the Smallbone family makes an appearance in the film. Joel portrays his father David in the film and every other Smallbone makes hidden cameos. (I’ll give you a hint, Luke may appear as a member of a certain famous Christian metal band.) I had the pleasure of meeting some of the Smallbones, including David who told me about his heart for the film and his wife. (whom he refers to as “his beloved.”)
“I get emotional when I talk about two things- Jesus, and my wife Helen. I see Jesus’ love through her. I was broken. If Helen had not believed in our vision and stayed with me, I would not have made it. My hope is that as you leave this movie you will have renewed energy to share the most wonderful message known to man- that Jesus loves you and that your family is not in the way, they are the way.” | David Smallbone
2) It’s not just a true story, it’s a real story.
“I don’t know what tomorrow’s gonna bring. Because life’s an adventure. And that’s what this is- our little adventure.”
If you have faced heartache, watch this movie. If your family has ever struggled, watch this movie. If you’re a parent, watch this movie. If you’ve ever been unemployed, watch this movie. If you’ve ever gone through a season of depression, watch this movie. If you have ever traveled to start a new chapter of life, watch this movie. If you have ever faced poverty, watch this movie. If you have big dreams, watch this movie.
There is a piece of this movie that will resonate with everyone. And it doesn’t sugarcoat some of the hardships we face in life.
3)It tells you how to change the world.
“If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.”
I moved 342 miles away from my family to pursue my dream job in Nashville. And it has been…hard to say the least. I know everyone’s journey with family is different, but for me, my family has always been my rock. After I saw this film, the first thing I wanted to do was call my parents and thank them. My parents gave up everything for me and my sister. My dream is to be half the woman of God that my mom is today. Mommy, I can’t wait to watch this movie with you so you can see that all my dreams were possible because of you.
*Bonus* It’s beautiful.
“Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. ” | Ecclesiastes 3:11
This is the verse that inspires a song that Rebecca writes in the movie. And that’s the message of this movie, even when things don’t happen when we want them to, or how we want to, God’s timing is perfect. He may not provide what we want, but He will always provide what we need.
The cinematography and lighting are gorgeous in this film and we already know for KING + COUNTRY can make incredible music. Their songs are interwoven into the score beautifully. Wait until you see the “Burn the Ships” scene! I know this won’t be everyone’s favorite film, but it is definitely worth the watch.
If want more information on how to buy tickets or see what theaters will be showing near you, tap here.
Watch the Powerful Trailer for ‘Unsung Hero’
Or some would call me Laney. I'm from small town friendly Forest City, NC. I love spending time with my family, worship, film, theater, and basically all things music.
God is writing our stories so that every life has a testimony. I want to spend my life creating platforms with others to share these stories and glorify the kingdom of God!
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