The type of stories that the faith-based film genre tells are real-life stories, with dramatic stories, a miracle involving Jesus, and more often than not, a dead child.
The creaters of “All Saints” Steve Armour, writer, and Steve Gomer, director, went a new direction. Instead of just focusing on an inclusive representation of Christianity, this movie portrays a world involving Christianity with other religions.
“All Saints” tells a true story of a church restored by Rev. Michael Spurlock, who is played by John Corbett, and a group of Burmese immigrants. The movie was filmed at the real All Saints’ Church in Smyrna, Tennessee, and a handful of the original members of the real church played themselves on-screen. The reverend is tasked to close the church and sell the land it sits on.
Ye Win, a refugee, played by Nelson Lee, who arrived with a group of families in the United States. He does not have any resources, so he seeks refuge at All Saints’ church. When Ye goes to the reverends doorstep, Michael decides that God’s plan is bigger than money — and that God has told him to plant a farm on the church land to feed Ye’s people and pay off the mortgage.
“All Saints” is rather fascinating in its relationship to faith and religion. It is a film not as much about scripture, as it is about community. Though there are a few choice Bible verses, this story is about the purpose that a church serves, to help those in need and be a safe haven for people who need one.
“All Saints” is a film for people who believe that a community is what makes faith stronger.
The movie truly touched my heart. This is a family freindly film that adults and children alike will enjoy. The movie is not targeted to a certain age group at all. Although the movie can be a bit difficult to follow, it all comes together in the end.
Overall, even though the film is Christian-based, viewers do not have to be Christian to enjoy this movie. I give “All Saints” 4 out of 5 stars.