Forgiven

Most films about capital punishment and the American justice system, these days, choose sides. "Forgiven" refuses to do so, and therein lies the rub: this plot should appeal to liberals and conservatives alike, yet also potentially offend them both beyond repair by the end of the fifth act.

I'm not at all surprised that its average rating is this low. There is no "target audience" for this film. Something absolutely terrible happens, and a few members of the Sundance audience with which I watched it could not deal with it, and I can't say I blame them. It's a very hard film to watch, but I think it's important and thought-provoking no matter where one stands politically.

This is one of those unsung films that did not get enough screen time. It is compelling and rich in subtext. I think it was nominated for the Sundance Film Festival as well. "Forgiven" makes you question your value system and entertains while doing so. HIGHLY RECOMMEND! The cast was remarkably talented and portrayed their roles beautifully while not being too maudlin. The facts are these...too often these days, the films that are reaping great box office rewards are those that are relying on special effects or unrealistic story lines that lead the audience down a path of misconception or super-realism. This story is compelling because of the story itself- think "The Green Mile" or any other film that compels one to think outside themselves, and you will get a feeling for "Forgiven".

Thank God for Paul Fitzgerald. I saw this film for the second time at AFI film Festival after seeing it at Sundance earlier this year. The reaction to the film has been quite controversial in itself, but I have nothing but praise for the filmmaker in choosing a subject matter that does not take sides yet presents the hypocrisy of society so real it seems to be upsetting many here. the performances were flawless and the story was so riveting I could hardly swallow my saliva. It is a very intense movie and not easy to watch the injustice that is happening here. Even worse, the film doesn't supply the viewer with an easy answer hence why this picture is a must see. The filmmaker/star is to be commended for he handle the subject matter, storytelling, starring role and everything else he did in between with lost of dedication to the craft giving us a final product he should be proud of. I hope this film does find a distributor. I do warn this is one of those film that MUST BE handled with care. It needs to be available to as many people as possible. This story is so universal and so present in what's going on everywhere that is it disturbing to see such a film that is so truthful and right on in its message. To the writer,director, filmmaker, actor, I will be looking out for you and anything else you make because you are an accident waiting to happen and you have the looks and charisma of a star. Thank you for offering this work to the world. I hope it is well received and will I personally will be telling everyone about it and rooting and supporting it when it does get released.

This movie was viewed at the BendFilm Festival in Bend, OR. It is a passionate movie about race, politics and relationships. It has a powerful cast of very moving characters who are trying to determine how to live their lives.

Religion is brought into it but it is minimal which is should be, especially since one of the main characters doesn't really live by the religious teachings he says he follows.

There is tragedy and sadness that is very realistic given the circumstances of this small town in the South, but one would hope that this would not happen in the 21st century.

I would highly recommend this movie to anyone who likes movies that make them think and have strong characters and a strong message.