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Heart of a Servant: The Father Flanagan Story

  • 2024
  • Approved
  • 1h 30m
IMDb RATING
9.6/10
48
YOUR RATING
Heart of a Servant: The Father Flanagan Story (2024)
Father Flanagan's mission work and legacy are well known. This film reveals the incredible struggles, challenges, and passion of the man who in his lifetime changed the way America and the world reformed juvenile justice systems and youth care for troubled and disadvantaged youth.
Play trailer0:31
6 Videos
99+ Photos
Documentary

Father Flanagan's mission work, struggles, challenges and passion in reforming juvenile justice systems and youth care for troubled/disadvantaged youth are depicted, showing his impact on Am... Read allFather Flanagan's mission work, struggles, challenges and passion in reforming juvenile justice systems and youth care for troubled/disadvantaged youth are depicted, showing his impact on America's approach to these issues.Father Flanagan's mission work, struggles, challenges and passion in reforming juvenile justice systems and youth care for troubled/disadvantaged youth are depicted, showing his impact on America's approach to these issues.

  • Directors
    • Daniel Gebert
    • Rob Kaczmark
  • Writers
    • Kelly Cunningham
    • Daniel Gebert
    • Renee Poskitt
  • Stars
    • Steven Boes
    • Alan Croghan
    • Fidelma Croghan
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    9.6/10
    48
    YOUR RATING
    • Directors
      • Daniel Gebert
      • Rob Kaczmark
    • Writers
      • Kelly Cunningham
      • Daniel Gebert
      • Renee Poskitt
    • Stars
      • Steven Boes
      • Alan Croghan
      • Fidelma Croghan
    • 16User reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Videos6

    Heart of a Servant - The Father Flanagan Story
    Trailer 0:31
    Heart of a Servant - The Father Flanagan Story
    Marilyn "Winkie" Takahashi-Fordney - Fr. Flanagan Story (2024)
    Clip 0:35
    Marilyn "Winkie" Takahashi-Fordney - Fr. Flanagan Story (2024)
    Marilyn "Winkie" Takahashi-Fordney - Fr. Flanagan Story (2024)
    Clip 0:35
    Marilyn "Winkie" Takahashi-Fordney - Fr. Flanagan Story (2024)
    Tom Lynch - Fr. Flanagan Story (2024)
    Clip 0:24
    Tom Lynch - Fr. Flanagan Story (2024)
    Letter to Japan - Fr. Flanagan Story (2024)
    Clip 1:36
    Letter to Japan - Fr. Flanagan Story (2024)
    Ed Flanagan - Fr. Flanagan Story (2024)
    Clip 0:57
    Ed Flanagan - Fr. Flanagan Story (2024)
    Alan and Fidelma Croghan - Fr. Flanagan Story (2024)
    Clip 1:22
    Alan and Fidelma Croghan - Fr. Flanagan Story (2024)

    Photos1197

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    Top cast17

    Edit
    Steven Boes
    • Former President, Boys Town
    Alan Croghan
    • Ballymoe Resident
    Fidelma Croghan
    • Ballymoe Resident
    Bishop Kevin Doran
    • Diocese of Elphin
    Bishop Michael Duignan
    • Dioceses of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Clonfert; Apostolic Administrator, Kilfenora
    Ed Flanagan
    • Great-Nephew of Father Edward Flanagan
    Omar Gutierrez
    • Notary, Cause for Canonization of Edward J Flanagan
    Michael Hanley
    • Ballymoe Resident
    Kenichi Hori
    • Representative Director, Institute of Boys Town Program Facilitation in Japan
    Ryan Lewis
    • Episcopal Delegate, Cause for Canonization of Edward J Flanagan
    John Lonergan
    • Former Governor, Mountjoy Prison, Dublin
    Thomas J. Lynch
    • Director of Community Programs and Curator of Archives, Boys Town
    Gloria Purvis
    • Media Host, Racial Justice Advocate
    Jonathan Roumie
    Jonathan Roumie
    • Narrator
    Andreas Schermann
    • Rector, Collegium Canisianum, Austria
    Marilyn Winkie Takahashi-Fordney
    • Former Boys Town Resident
    Steve Wolf
    • Boys Town Alumnus
    • Directors
      • Daniel Gebert
      • Rob Kaczmark
    • Writers
      • Kelly Cunningham
      • Daniel Gebert
      • Renee Poskitt
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews16

    9.648
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    Featured reviews

    10ourvocationislove

    Wonderful Film!

    It was extremely inspiring to see how Fr. Flanigan stepped out in faith and made such a change in the lives of so many youths!

    There is a very moving scene where a man shares how "Boy's Town" affected his life and how he bonded with others there because of their mutual experience of prior suffering. What a great way to show how God brings good out of everything-even our deepest pains!

    This film also explores the power of praying together as they were out of food and petitioned the Lord and witnessed His miracles. It's a great reminder of how we are called to participate in God's plan which brings Him glory!

    Fr. Flanigan didn't believe in bad boys, he believed in boys who needed love and a good example. He shows us how we should all see each other through the eyes of God and welcome all!

    I can't recommend this film enough!
    10skbrownrigg

    Superb!

    I don't typically watch documentaries, but I live near Boys Town and was curious what I didn't know about Fr. Flanagan's life. Turns out there was a lot I didn't know!

    This film wove together the various stages of his life in such a beautiful and compelling way. From his childhood to his call to the priesthood to illness and a life of service, you could truly understand what motivated him and how much he had to overcome to accomplish the mission he set before himself.

    The film and his life were both inspiring, and I highly recommend it. It certainly is worth it to watch alone, but I can imagine it as an incredible tool for families or parish small groups to watch and discuss.
    10ornellafava

    The story of an amazing man!

    This documentary is an incredible and inspirational true story of an amazing man. Fr. Flanagan was a man of God who had done so much for others. As a high school teacher, I am in contact with kids all day long. They come with all sorts of challenges and struggles. Seeing Fr. Flanagan´s commitment to caring for the youth, I felt overwhelmed by his generosity, love and compassion for them. The documentary inspires me to become the best version of myself. We all need to focus more on people in need and fight for the weak ones. Fr. Flanagan is an example of calling people to be a saint. Well done!
    10aviavonell

    He had the heart of a father

    When I decided to watch Heart of a Servant - The Father Flanagan Story, I never imagined it would have such a profound impact on my life. The film was not only well-crafted and captivating, but when approached with an open heart, it had the power to inspire a deeper commitment to helping the less fortunate.

    Father Flanagan was such an extraordinary man that if I hadn't seen the film I probably would not have believed that one individual could possess such strength and courage to face and overcome the many challenges that stood so heavily against him.

    Father Flanagan not only had a heart of a Servant but he had a Heart of a Father. He was the type of father most dreamed of having. He cared for those children as if they were his own. He stood up for them when no one else would.

    This film has the power to change your heart and your life. It will inspire you to do more for those in need and leave you feeling awed, encouraged, hopeful, and grateful that someone like Father Flanagan once walked among us-a man who humbly allowed himself to be used by God in such a meaningful way.

    After watching this film, I can only hope and pray that I, too, can fulfill God's purpose for my life with the same humility and grace that Father Flanagan exemplified.

    I wholeheartedly encourage you to watch this film-you won't be disappointed.
    10theodora-64136

    Wonderful movie!

    This was a wonderful film! I only knew a little about Father Flanagan and this documentary revealed so many things that I never knew.

    What an amazing man and an amazing film that tells more about his remarkable life!

    The details, directing, and filmography were impeccable. With a focus on his entire life, the film wove an interesting narrative that focused on Father Flanagan's mission. The interviews were also done very well and gave insights into the man who was Father to all in Boys Town and "America's number one dad."

    After seeing this film, Boys Town is on my list of places to visit. Well done film and everyone (even if documentaries aren't normally your thing!) should watch it!

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    Storyline

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    Did you know

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    • Trivia
      Father Flanagan's mission work and legacy are well known. He founded Boys Town Nebraska.

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    Details

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    • Release date
      • October 8, 2024 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • Production Company
    • Language
      • English
    • Production company
      • Spirit Juice Studios
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

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    • Budget
      • $435,075 (estimated)
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

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    • Runtime
      1 hour 30 minutes
    • Color
      • Color

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