We have often heard the phrase: “Leaders are not chosen, they are called.”
The Least Among You, a new movie by first time director Mark Young, is inspired by the true story of Richard Kelly. Kelly was arrested in the 1965 Los Angeles Watts riots and is sentenced to serve probation at an all-white seminary. Kelly is encouraged to break racial boundaries by the seminary president Alan Beckett. Unfortunately, what Kelly discovers is that the school wants black followers not leaders. Even former missionary, Kate Allison initially rejects him. With a prison sentence looming, Kelly meets the gardener, and his life is forever changed.
It is a great story – unfortunately it is a lousy movie. The acting is poor, the editing is questionable at times and the whole thing just bogs down. Why is it that “Christian movies” always seemed to be a step behind the other offerings that Hollywood has? It certainly isn’t because of the story, because this one is powerful.
After watching the movie, I am inclined to go read the book, but I am not sure if one exists. I loved the story, but I cannot recommend this movie.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
1 comment:
Movies are never as good as the books! I love when my students go to see a movie of a book we've read or studied together and come back to tell me it wasn't as good as the book. The pictures the words create in their heads are so much more powerful than the crap Hollywood comes up with. Best recent example: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with Johnny Depp.
Diane
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