Monday, August 13, 2018

I Can Only Imagine - Movie Review

The Bart Millard story.
I Can Only Imagine is a movie that was recommended to me by one of the young people I work with. That speaks volumes alone. If one of my work children tells me that a movie meant something to them, I watch it as soon as possible. And I'm here to tell you that you should consider watching it as soon as possible. This is a movie about pain, abuse, life, choices, anger, and eventual forgiveness.

I Can Only Imagine is a movie based on the life of Bart Millard; his abusive father, runaway mother, his hopes and dreams, and the anger that he can't release.


I Can Only Imagine The Movie


Bart Millard is growing up in a rural area. His father is abusive to both Bart and his mother. The abuse is both physical and verbal. Mr. Millard shames his son during what seems like every waking moment - pushing him to follow in his high-school-star football footsteps.

I ache from the irony of an abusive parent pushing a child to be like them.

Mrs. Millard drops Bart off at camp, which becomes the best week of his life. Only to return to find that she has left the family. Leaving Bart to learn to navigate living with his father on his own.

Bart attempts to become a football star too. He outgrows his dad physically. But is still finding his own way as an emerging adult. We hope that he outgrows his dad emotionally. But he waivers and also begins to hurt the ones he loves. 
The Very Best of MercyMe album

Clearly, he eventually finds his way and it leads to the record hit crossover song I Can Only Imagine by the group MercyMe. 

The messages of the story (and song) are far greater than the number of records and movie tickets sold. It is a powerful story of those who struggle, of real relationships, and how to find your way.

Cast: J.Micheal Finley, Dennis Quaid, Trace Adkins, Madeline Carroll, Cloris Leachman and more. 



My Personal Take


This is a Christian movie. Should that keep you away from watching it if that's not "your thing"? No. A resounding no. I probably would best be categorized by others as a non-believer. This movie is full of real human experiences. And how to be a better person. Don't limit yourself based on genre.

This is a movie about redemption.

Redemption:
  • the action of saving or of being saved from sin, evil, or error
  • the action of regaining or gaining possession of something in exchange for payment, or clearing a debt

Which of us don't have debts (the relational debts that are a part of being human) that need to be cleared? 

There are lessons in his story. And one of those lessons are that what we experience as children can be the baggage we carry with us for the remainder of our lives - impacting us in ways we don't want to be impacted.

There are no eloquent tel-prompter type monologues. The conversations are simple and real. Too simple according to some negative reviews. I did not share that opinion. 

In my opinion, people of the Christian faith and things related to that faith are currently the victims of the bullies. I truly believe some of the negative reviews online are based on the reviewer's personal feelings about faith rather than on the movie itself. And interestingly enough, seem to parrot what mean Mr. Millard would have said.

This may not be your cup of tea. That's okay. It definitely touched me. And at least one young person I know, who liked it enough to recommend it. My only complaint is that it wasn't long enough. I wanted more. More details about the journey.

Good thing there is a published memoir by Bart Millard. I'm ordering it today.


The Movie on Amazon





Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


5 comments:

  1. Wow, this sounds like a movie I would really like to see. I am all for movies that teach lessons for all of us. We are all so broken in so many different ways that I'm sure we could all imagine ourselves in similar situations. Seeing someone else cope and learn, may just be what the doctor ordered for so many who are hurting emotionally, physically and spiritually. Thanks Dawn Rae for a great review. I will look for this movie for sure!

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  2. This sounds like a wonderful movie! I had no idea the movie was based on a real life, but I love the song. Truthfully, I can "Only Imagine". I am thankful that I have wonderful parents who have dedicated their lives to the well-being of their children. Abuse by my parents was NOT part of my childhood. As for the lyrics of the song, "I Can Only Imagine", it is a beautifully moving song that expresses what many of us feel.

    I didn't realize the movie was available on Amazon now. I will most definitely have to watch it. Thank you for the wonderful review Dawn. I understand completely how and why you were touched by this movie. I would imagine a lot of the kids you work with would need the encouragement to change what they can about their own lives. And, we all need redemption.

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  3. This appears to be the perfect movie for you to review, Dawn Rae, working with troubled kids the way you do. The fact that such a kid recommended it to you speaks volumes. It is definitely a movie I am encouraged to watch.

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  4. This sounds like a wonderful movie with an important message. I find it hard to watch movies about abuse, as I don't understand how a person can hurt another, especially a child, especially their own child. However, I'm including this one on my list. I have a friend who would more than likely want to see this movie. Thanks for the intro.

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  5. Have never heard of the movie or book - thank you for the info and will be adding the movie and book to my list!

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