FREETOWN, Movie Review

 "And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief."

Mark 9: 24

Rating; 4.5 stars out of 5

In Liberia, 1990, war is raging.  Rebels have taken over the city of Monrovia, walking around with guns, unafraid to kill.  Despite how unsafe the area has become, six missionaries continue to serve with diligence, spreading faith and hope to anyone who hears, but when one of their own becomes a target, the missionaries must decide to stay or leave.  Stay in Monrovia or flee to Freetown, Sierra Leone.  If they decide to flee they face traveling a great distance, hours on end, through dangerous terrain and rebel check points, little food and gas available.  Do they have the courage and faith to make such a dangerous journey?

Directed by Garrett Batty (The Saratov Approach) and produced by Adam Abel  (Saints and Soldiers, Forever Strong), FREETOWN is a religious thriller.  Gripping and heart-wrenching.  Well acted.  Many times I felt myself holding my breath; it's been a very long time since I've cried so much during a movie.  When looking for a new story to film Garrett Batty said, "I naturally gravitate towards true stories, especially high-stake situations."  When he discovered the true story of Liberian missionaries, "It was very much a high-stakes situation."  You feel the high-stakes throughout the film.

But even with this films intensity, you still feel the faith and spirit of those featured in FREETOWN, and not just the missionaries, but the Latter-Day Saints as well.  How difficult must it be going to Church amongst gun shoots and possible death?  They have so much faith.  We take so much for granted.

It's been a long time since I've been moved as much as I was with FREETOWN.  Immediately I felt lifted up and grateful, wanting to put greater faith in the Lord.

I highly recommend FREETOWN.  It opens Nation wide April 8th, tomorrow.

MPAA: Rated PG-13 for thematic situations involving violence.  (As a note, this movie is really intense with depicted death, though those who die takes place off screen.  My friends with kids, you may want to see this movie first before taking your children.)

I saw a special showing at a Megaplex a few weeks ago.  The director, producer, and one of he real missionaries depicted in the film (Elder Menti) were there answering questions.  Really cool.

(Click on this image to see if FREETOWN is playing near you)