Over-the-Rhine

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

This film provides a powerful and accurate picture of the power of forgiveness and mercy. And it does it while-thankfully-avoiding the tropes that plague lesser productions dealing with the subject of Christianity. It offers a candid portrayal of the rage and desire for revenge experience by nearly everyone (including Christians) when they are victimized.

Rather than simplistically (and inaccurately) painting forgiveness as something that is easy to offer, the actual internal struggle is displayed extremely well. It is quite believable. Especially with the presence of so many prayers of lamentation. (See King David's psalms, the writings of Jeremiah, and other biblical illustrations of such prayer.)

One reason for the film's novel treatment of the subject matter may be that it reflects an evangelical Catholic perspective. Unlike most religious movies, it is not based on some fundamentalist or "nondenominational" theological approach. Nor is it inspired by the liberal theology (e.g. universal salvation) that pervades much of Roman Catholicism today. This film, on the contrary, strikes a realistic chord because the faith of the characters is real. It is anchored in a trust in a living God, and recognition that Christianity is about infinitely more than going through religious motions.

Mitch Teemley, along with his cast and production team, have done a great job creating a moving and convincing drama that persuasively portrays the deepest struggles of real life.

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.

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.

I really did enjoy this movie. It took you through so many emotions and stirred you to think. It took you in one side of life and brought you through to the other side. We all go through something, some more than others, but this film showed how you don't have to be alone and that anything is possible. I would have given it a 10, but I thought the judge was just a bit too much at one point. You may have thought the Mom was too much, but since I have experienced that kind of loss I can tell you she was right on! Great film!