Play the Flute

The young actors did a good job; most of them. But, the interpretation of the scripture from which the title is taken, Matthew 11:16-17, was wholly inaccurate. When Jesus wants to illustrate the "kingdom of heaven" he uses those exact words. These scriptures were illustrating the generation, those who are witnessing the events but don't understand their meaning. In verses 18 and 19, our Lord talks about John the Baptist and Himself in the light of being seen but not understood. This generation wants us to act and to think as as they do, refusing to see and to hear the truth of our lives in Christ.

7.6 stars.

I was inspired by this story of teenagers in a church youth class, giving their new youth leader a hard time. There is one girl in the group that has a stutter, and she's the only one that is interested in being a Christian. The rest of the bunch are just there because their parents make them go to church and youth group. There are two boys who are obviously the leaders of the misfit bunch and they are angsty and sarcastic and rebellious. There are two girls who are somewhat subordinate to the two boys, although one of the girls is very angry and overly hateful of the whole idea of God and sin and life. She is bitter and it rubs off on her friend (the other girl in charge of the female clique). The poor girl with the speech impediment is a sweetheart, but they all make fun of her, so she is alone with her faith. The youth leader and his wife make it a point to focus on helping her fit in.

Of course she is a gorgeous young girl, and all the rest of the teens are too good looking for this to be realistic. Nevertheless, 'Play the Flute' is entertaining as much as it's uplifting.

The youth leader and his wife are inspiring personalities. This is a must-see faith based film. If I had to choose my the top ten Christian films, this might be on the list.

It is a very inspiring movie. Certainty as a Christian movie it presents good conservative moral values. The actors play a very strong and convincing role. Maybe the scenery and the script is simple but the message is strong and it reaches the heart and tha attention during the full movie. It would have been interesting that the stories narrated by the main character could be dramatized this would be for me the only lack in the movie. Very recommended for a reflection in these days of so squeeze moral values. A strong call for the relevance of speaking the truth and being trustworthy. Bible is also enhanced as the trustful word of God.

What a beautiful movie!

I am left with this teaching, from minute 24:28 that tells his students, not to let money lead the way, and it reminded me of St. Augustine's phrase: "Right is right even if no one does it, wrong is wrong even if everyone does it".

Elegance has nothing to do with sophistication or extravagance, but with refinement and simplicity: "Less is more". Refined has nothing to do with what we think it is, it's just something of beautiful simplicity, uplifting to the spirit. I like films that are relaxed and unpretentious, and this one achieves that. I liked its costumes, makeup and locations, I felt good watching it. I am not a Christian, I have my own spiritual beliefs, but I have a lot of respect for these brothers and all the work they do. I have consumed throughout my life a lot of Christian cinema, from movies from the 70s, 80s and 90s. And I started watching them again about 5 years ago, I have seen that Christian cinema has become very good and worth watching. Hallie, Miracle Maker, The letter writer, Charly, 2002, etc. They have become elegant in their films and refined in their messages. This movie made me cry and you empathize with all the characters. Very good.

Play the Flute is less intending to entertain as challenge the viewer. It is well written, well paced and well developed. In general the main character is designed to be modeled rather than be relatable, but the everyday struggles faced by the teenagers are where the relatability can be found. I, as a general rule prefer that strong, selfless lead character (ex Captain America) over the troubled, relatable heroes that find redemption in their own strength (ex Iron Man), because such redemption is based on a lie. God is glorified through Play the Flute first and foremost, and it is refreshing to find people investing in movies that have more of a purpose than to make a quick buck. I highly recommend this movie for teens and adults and caution for younger kids based on the content of the films main conflict. It was handled very tastefully but inquisitive young minds will likely be asking questions trying to delve into conversations you may not have wanted to discuss yet.