My wife & I had the privilege of attending an advance screening of the film, “Unsung Hero,” at the Christian Worldview Film Festival in March. The film, distributed by Lionsgate, hit theaters on April 26th and after a strong opening weekend in box office sales (2nd behind “Challengers”) has fallen to 7th behind a number of big-budget Hollywood pictures over this past weekend (May 3-5).
Co-directed by Richard Ramsey and Joel Smallbone, "Unsung Hero" tells the true-life story of the Smallbone family whose patriarch, David, sells everything and moves his pregnant wife and six children from Australia to Nashville so that he can take a promising job as a promoter in the music industry. When David’s job falls through, the family falls on hard times and find themselves sleeping on the floor of a house they can’t afford to rent. It’s only through prayer, perseverance and the gracious gifts of friends that they are able to survive this tumultuous and financially dire period in their lives to eventually become the Grammy-winning Christian musicians behind For King + Country and the singer-songwriter we know today as Rebecca St. James.
My wife and I loved this film, especially the portrayal of Helen Smallbone by Daisy Betts and the prayer board she puts up in their home with prayer requests on sticky notes under the words “Please” and “Thank you.” (The notes under "Please" include needs such as Rent $, Job for Dad, Clothes and New Shoes. Under "Thank you" are sticky notes with Grandpa James, My Family, and Nana written on them.) At the screening we attended, the movie marketing team handed out a Prayer Wall poster complete with Unsung Hero-branded sticky pads. That poster hangs on the bulletin board in our downstairs office and continuously reminds us what we've asked from God and what we're thankful for.
In this fallen world encumbered by war, political unrest and dark movies that glorify violence, greed and revenge, it’s rare to find a high-quality, inspiring movie that extolls the virtues of faith and family. Movies such as “Unsung Hero” are beacons of light & hope and they need our support. If you’re blessed enough to have your mother living nearby, take her to “Unsung Hero” over Mother’s Day weekend. I believe she’ll thank you.
Blessings,
Tim
It's so important for Christians to support these types of movies at the box office. Don't wait for the DVD. Don't see it on a streaming platform. GO TO THE THEATRE!