THE LAST SIN EATER

THE LAST SIN EATER - 2007

RATED - PG-13 (For thematic elements and some intense sequences of violence). Not suited for younger children.

RATINGS - 68 Amazon (4.5/5), 137,781 Netflix (3.4/5), NY TIMES (4/5), 850 IMDB (5.6/10).

STARRING - Michael Landon, Jr., Director, Louise Fletcher, Henry Thomas.

THEMES - Justice, spirituality, relationships, redemption.

STORY - Based on the actual practice of the Welsh who settled in the Appalachian Mountains during the 18th & 19th centuries and the novel of the same name by Francine Rivers. The sin eater was someone in the community, picked by God through lottery, who was set apart to live alone, and only showed up at the burial site to perform a ritual of taking the dead person's sins upon himself, making the person acceptable to God in the afterlife. No one ever saw the Sin Eater. The story centers around young Cadi Forbes, whose sister died recently in an accident, and the guilt she feels for her death. She can't stand living with the guilt and can't wait until death to have her sins removed , so she seeks this elusive and strange person called the Sin Eater. In doing so, she confronts the demons and dark secrets that have haunted the community for decades. Who is this mysterious Sin Eater, where does he live and can he remove the sins of the living as well as the dead? While the film has a clear Christian message, it is intended for all audiences and is more than just an excuse to make a 'video sermon'. The story is well done, the scenery is gorgeous and the acting is more than adequate, all done on a relatively small budget. Reading the book is a plus in understanding as it would be helpful to have a little better knowledge of the role of the Sin Eater and the cause of Cadi's guilt a little earlier in the film. Produced as part of the FoxFaith Series. It will be over the head of and a little too violent for most children under 13.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMDB, TRAILER, NY TIMES REVIEW

MARIO'S STORY

MARIO'S STORY - 2007

RATED - NR but probably PG for mild language and adult themes.

RATINGS - 1 Amazon (3/5), 7 IMDB (9.6/10), 2,204 Netflix (3.6/5).

AWARDS - Winner of Audience Award BEST DOCUMENTARY PICTURE at the Los Angeles Film Festival.

THEMES - Injustice, justice, legal system, family, human spirit.

STORY - The film begins with a 911 call to report the shooting of a young male at a party. He dies at the scene. We learn that 16 year old Mario Rocha has been arrested in connection with the murder. We quickly learn that Sister Janet Harris, a Catholic nun is convinced that the trial that convicted Mario of the murder and gave him two life sentences was wrongful and that Mario is very innocent. Have you ever felt you may have been a raw deal in a particular situation-maybe trying out for a sports team or a part in a play or whatever. How would you feel at 18, having spent two years in jail waiting for your trial and now given two life sentences for a crime that you didn't commit? Mario may be one of the most amazing young men you will ever meet. His spirit and his will seem almost unbreakable despite the odds being 99 to 1 that he could ever get a new trial. Habeas Corpus appeals are almost never overturned despite what seems to be clear evidence that he was underrepresented and misrepresented by his legal counsel. This is story of an incredible young man who learns he has the gift of poetry in prison and a law firm that did pro bono work believing in his innocence and a nun and a family that wouldn't give up. This should be watched by everyone entering the legal profession as well as everyone associated with the criminal justice system. How many Marios are in prison? We will probably never know but one is too many. You will be heart broken by the failures of our legal system and inspired by the spirit of this young man and undying commitment of his family, law firm and one very determined nun. Don't miss this one. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 03/08/2008.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMDB, WEBSITE

GIDEON'S TRUMPET

GIDEON'S TRUMPET - 1980 (TV-Hallmark Hall of Fame)

RATED - NR but probably PG for adult themes. Nothing offensive.

RATINGS - 52 Amazon (3.5/5), 355 IMBD (7.2/10), 1175 Netflix (3.5/5)

AWARDS - Peabody Award plus 3 Emmy nominations.

STARRING - Henry Fonda, Jose Ferrer, John Houseman, Fay Wray.

THEMES - Justice, The Constitution.

STORY - It's 1961 and Clarence Earl Gideon (Fonda), a destitute, four time felon from Panama City, FL, is arrested again for robbery and breaking and entering. When his case comes to trial, he asks the state to appoint an attorney because he can't afford one. The state denies his request, stating that only applies in capital offenses. He is forced to represent himself, ending in conviction and a five year prison sentence. In prison he pursues his belief that everyone is entitled to a fair trial with competent representation regardless of the severity of the crime and regardless of the person's ability to pay. Amazingly, his handwritten appeal to the Supreme Court finds its way into the hands of a sympathetic law clerk who pushes it through. Abe Fortas (Ferrer), who would later become a Supreme Court Justice himself, is assigned to represent Gideon before the high court with John Houseman playing the Chief Justice. This is a fascinating true story of how one destitute prisoner literally changed the law of the land, resulting in what we all know as the Miranda Law giving specific rights to everyone charged with a crime. This is one of Fonda's least known movies, yet perhaps one of his best. There is no soundtrack to get you emotionally involved, just great acting and a story worthy of these outstanding performances. It is endorsed by the National Education Association and apparently is used in many law schools. Never underestimate the difference one person can make. You could be that person. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 01/05/2008.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD