LET THE CHURCH SAY AMEN

LET THE CHURCH SAY AMEN - 2004

RATED - NR but probably G

RATINGS - 4 Amazon (5/5), 362 Netflix (2.6/5), 24 IMDB (6.1/10).

STARRING - The church members themselves and directed by Academy Award-nominated David Petersen.

AWARDS - OFFICIAL SELECTION - 2004 Sundance Film Festival other film festival awards.

THEMES - Spirituality, reconciliation, hope, justice.

STORY - This highly acclaimed documentary takes place in a small, storefront Black Pentecostal Church in Washington, D.C. in the shadow of the Capitol. While geographically close, the worlds of these two institutions are light years apart. This week our government has proposed hundreds of billions of bailout funds for Wall Street. In the film, church members pass the 'plate' to raise $200 so one of the members can repair their car to get to work. The film follows four members of the church for a year as they pursue their dreams and hopes. Each one faces significant challenges, both of the external variety and those of the self-imposed consequences. It also shows the church going into the community. While they are most of very modest, perhaps even impoverished means, they care as much for others in the community as they do for themselves. They offer free clothes, food shelves, shelter, medical care and counseling and, of course, spiritual healing to everyone regardless of whether they join the church or not. There is nothing subtle about their faith, that it is Jesus who has changed their lives and gives them strength for living each day. Whether you agree with them, you can't help but love these people who are so authentic and genuine in their care for each other and their community. They don't play church. They live it in a way most of haven't experienced who live in nice, neat suburban areas. Director David Petersen does a great job of letting them tell their own story without either glamorizing or putting it down. Perhaps our legislators should visit this church instead of the big cathedrals. It might help to keep life in perspective. Enjoy. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 09/20/2008.

LINKS - AMAZON, NETFLIX, IMDB, CT REVIEW, THE FILM MOVEMENT.