Canaan Land

CANAAN LAND is a film so well-acted and well paced it had me captured for its full 113 minute running time. Richard Rossi's nuanced acting was stellar as con man Brother Billy. His womanizing and hustling was despicable, yet somehow his childlike qualities and subtext of brokenness made me like him and want to see him redeemed. Rebecca Holden was lovely as Sister Sara, the sincere Christian, and she did a great job both acting and singing the Oscar-worthy duet end title song "A Much, Much Greater Love" produced by Grammy winner Joel Diamond, and Rebecca's duet singing partner is Grammy winner Jason Crabb. I am supporting this underdog Oscar contender because it truly breaks out of the formula of so many movies to tell a real story based on minister-turned-moviemaker Richard Rossi's pain and past experiences as a former faith healer. Rossi takes the concept of a religious faith-based film and turns it on its head, while still delivering a spiritual message of hope and faith.

I rarely watch movies these days. Not because there are no movies which are produced well. All the money and craftmanship put into them, all the visual effects are impressive, but I'm still bored. I repeat it, I'm bored. Because my soul is not touched. I'm looking for stories where my human experience and also my deepest longings as a human being are explored. I'm looking for credible portrayals of redemption, of a "much, much greater love" (song at the end of Canaan Land), lifting my spirit, amazing me, making me think. I'm looking for characters that show me what love and life are all about. Canaan Land is such a rare film. It's been made with a tiny budget, but I prefer it over so many multi-million dollar productions because of that.

This was truly a labor of love for an issue that is deep on the hearts of the churched and unchurched but not openly discussed.. there is something in this movie for everyone...Richard is bold enough to take on this largely indiscussed topic of con men in the church arena and gives a great performance.. it will help tear down the boulders that have been erected for those who have been hurt by hypocrisy... and bring healing and insight on distinguishing a fake faith from the real thing.

This movie grabbed me and wouldn't let go. At first, the character I felt the most for was Sister Sara Sunday (played by Rebecca Holden). Like her, and many other women, I've fallen for the charming narcissist like Brother Billy (played by Richard Rossi). As the film progressed, and more layers are revealed, I gained insight and compassion into why Billy is the way he is. This is the best film I've ever seen about spiritual issues, contrasting real faith with fake religion. It is a work of art about faith, but not a saccharine treacly film like most "Christian movies."

I finally got to see this controversial film! It was seriously well done, great acting and directing by Richard Rossi who just made everything seem so real. I guess you can say it's made on an indie budget but it works in their favor - seems like your almost watching a documentary unfold. I also read some articles that they are up for the Oscars so hoping for the best and I can see why Televangelists are trying to ban this film. Keep the films coming.