What is it.
This is the story of Steve Saint. Steve's father, Nick Saint, along with Jim Eliot and others were trying to make contact with a group of natives in Ecuador. After Nick's prayers are answered, Steve must not only grow up with out a father, but with a family involved in missions work to the very natives who killed his dad (and their husbands). This is also the story of Mincayani, one of the natives who was involved with the killings and is now having to deal with the missionaries who are infringing on his very way of life.
It is also important to note, this is a independent production that was funded by Every Tribe Entertainment. It is not a Hollywood film, and has no connection to Hollywood money. Christians birthed and produced this film to put forth their own ideals. It is a wonderful theory and one that more Christians with talent and skill should endeavor to do. Waiting for "Hollywood to finally get the idea" is not going to produce truly good artistic films that have a Christian World view.
When Christian’s become simply a "Demographic," Not only are we missing the point of Christianity, we are handed films like "The Fighting Temptations"
How was it.
It was beautifully shot and edited. Everything is gorgeous to look at. (My compliments to Robert Driskell & Miles Hanon ). The rest of the film is mainly a dramatized documentary with disjointed sparks of emotion. Many Christians who know and love this story will miss this fact, because there ultra familiarity with the story and it's emotion, will fill in the large gaps where there just isn't enough of anything to make a real connection between the events and the characters emotions. The film also tries to be about Mincayani, but then fights itself not to be about Steve Saint. As it tries to be the missionary version of "Changing Lanes" what we get is simply a cataloging of events.
Prior to this film we have had a slew of excellent movies that happen to
have Christian's heavily involved in the story creations. This gave us Christian
themes within these films that were great pieces of art to begin with. Movies
like The Passion,
Lord of the Rings,
Narnia
and
Emily
Rose are challenging, and encouraging because of there Christian message,
but are loved even outside the church because they are great movies with
great stories. This movie may mark the end of this cycle Great Movies with
a Christian Message, and the beginning of Christian Movies for the Christian
demographic.(May
prove me wrong.) "End
of the Spear" is not a terrible film, but it's not a really good film either.
Unfortunately, just as adding an unclothed woman to a mediocre film, will
put it on the top picks of unrestraining men, adding a Christian message
to a mediocre film will excite the church going crowd. As there pulse races
with the thought of "Christian Movie" the rest of the world will just see
it for what it is, an ok film.
The saddest thing about this is my fear that the criticism will not be "Why package such a compelling story in such a half hearted movie?" but "How come no one said that ‘He is no fool who gives up what he can’t keep’ thing?"
Is it good for kids?
There have been adjustments made for family audiences. The native women have been given native style bra/tops, though the men still where the jungle thongs. There is a lot of killing and talk of killing. The thought of these things are more shocking in theory than the pictures on the screen. (The first massacre scene is a bit to well lit and staged.) Killing and false beliefs are shown in a incorrect light, but some kids may not be able to comprehend the points made.
You can check screen it for a break down of what is shown on the screen.
What about Spiritual issues.
There are many. The thrust of it all is that the tribe believe in a "Great Boa" who they need to "jump" to enter the afterlife and not be turned to termites for eternity. They also believe that they gain strength for the family to jump by spearing other people. The more they spear, the better the family jumps. The missionaries believe in a God that teaches not to spear. He gives a path to walk and has marked his path so we can follow. There are also statements to let us know that the missionaries are friends with this God and that the God has a son.
(Spoiler) At the end of the movie we find out that after Mincayani speared Nick Saint, both men saw a vision of one who "jumped the Great Boa but then lived."
The other theme of the film seems to be self sacrifice and the giving of your life. This is done literally and figuratively throughout the events in the jungle.
What is your recommendation
If you are very excited about these people and this story, you may still enjoy seeing these events played out for you. Other than that, it’s nothing to rush out for. I think this film is doomed to an eternal run as part of a multi-media sermon illustration or an easy lesson plan for the Youth Pastor.
If you are interested in this story but not in spending seven dollars to be mildly impressed with the shot structure, I would suggest "Beyond the Gates of Splendor." It is a compelling documentary, made by the same people, about the same events. This is still a cataloging of events, but it’s a documentary, so it’s supposed to be like that. You also get to see the real people and see a bit of their real lives. You can even rent "Beyond the Gates of Splendor" at most places like Blockbuster.
