Heaven's Rain

I saw Heaven's Rain just a week after it was released in theaters. I was apprehensive, because I knew the subject matter is horrible and sad and I was not sure If I could stomach that kind of story. But, I was very impressed and satisfied overall with the delicate manner that Brooks Douglass used to tell this story. The acting was believable and deep. The story was carefully and gently told, focusing on a meaningful message. Regardless of personal opinions about the events, it is besides the point to me. This film was just as measurably good of a film as so many out there and far better than many of them. This is definitely a good and heartfelt film that kept me interested and caring. It was not too slow, and certainly not at breakneck speed ... it just moves and feels. It is delicately dealt adaption to this real life story and I really enjoyed it and hope to see it again to absorb the fine performances, and to appreciate it again.

Did you ever feel the need to forgive a friend or loved one for doing something? Usually it is for something that winds up being pretty insignificant… but what if you felt the need to forgive someone you did not know? What if that person shot you and your sister leaving you for dead? What if the same person shot and killed both your mother and father? This is the dilemma that Brooks Douglass struggles with in his autobiographical drama HEAVEN'S RAIN. Douglass the son of a minister and his sister Leslie have shared this journey for over twenty years. It dramatically comes to a conclusion when face to face with the man who decimated his life and tore his family apart, Brooks makes the decision of his life…. a decision which helps him to regain his life. Forgiveness is more times than not much more beneficial for the one bestowing it than the one receiving it. If you have ever struggled with whether to forgive someone (and who of us hasn't) this is a story for you to watch. It is part adventure story, part family drama, part murder mystery and the pursuit of victim's rights… but mostly a story of forgiveness and redemption. The redemption Brooks Douglass finds… through the act of forgiveness.

This is an incredible (true) story of love and forgiveness and illustrates the importance of the lessons imparted early in life and the strength that can come from a loving family.

You need to see this movie. The R rating is uncalled for. There is no graphic violence, nudity or even cursing. A family with teenagers could watch this one for movie night.

For a movie with a small ($1,000,000) budget, the production is excellent and the cinematography is well executed. The acting was terrific, with Brooks Douglass turning in an outstanding first time performance, playing the role of his own father. Mike Vogel is great and has all the mannerisms of Brooks Douglass down cold. Taryn Manning really drew me into the story as Leslie Douglass (Brooks' sister). Erin Chambers was very good as the reporter who ties the whole story together.

I'm not an American and know nothing about what happened, but on reading afterwards on Wiki about the Douglass family, this film teaches us that crime victims and families of a person who was murdered can forgive the culprits. Could we all learn to forgive that way?

I watched this movie today after watching the true story on Dateline NBC. This movie has something in it for everyone. Everyone has something to learn from this story and the amazing abilities of the Douglass children. Even though it was surrounded by such a senseless act, it is amazing how some people are able to rise above and make something good happen. I think there is a great lesson for all to learn in this movie, children and adults alike. It teaches you so much about the human spirit. Also teaches us all a wonderful lesson on forgiveness. It also shows us what is important in life. The things people complain about makes them realize (after watching this movie)that their problems are small comparison to what this family had to deal with. It was pretty amazing that Brooks was able to play his father, it was as if he had been an actor his whole life. It was also satisfying to watch Leslie sing, she has a beautiful voice. I am sure their parents are smiling down upon them and are so proud!!! I am in awe of this family and the life lessons they are trying to pass on to the world. I highly recommend this movie, it is awesome!!! Carin M