It's no secret on what the plot of this Christian flick is. Missionaries try to make contact with homicidal natives, missionaries die, more missionaries win the natives over.

But what makes this movie interesting is twofold: First,the relationship between one of the missionaries (male) and his young son, and secondly, how Mincayani, one of the main native characters, developes a sense of frustration and emptiness over the native lifestyle of violence and revenge.

Both threads are developed throughout the movie in parallel. The young son eventually lives with his mother in the native camp, learns the language and developes a relationship with Mincayani. Mincayani, who witholds the terrible truth of his role in the boy's fathers homicide, remains stonily aloof from the boy but is filled with turmoil and guilt.

I wish this story were told by a more polished film maker because it is a compelling one. Overall, though, it is well worth the effort and time to see it, and you SHOULD see it.

I prefer movies be seen in an atmosphere of NO distractions. The Grouchmate has a maddening habit of talking and asking questions (but THAT'S a subject for a later post) but after years of partnership I have learned to tune them out. The darkened movie theater, at least for the Grouch, allows for a sense of physical isolation which allows the viewer to immerse himself into the story. THIS is just that sort of story.

Incidental observations

There is no need to worry about taking smaller children because of violence, language or nudity. The violence, although brutal (after all, spears DO make a mess!), is not realistic enough to trouble young kids.

Language? Forget it! This IS a Christian made film.

Nudity? Same as above, with one exception, no, really TWO: In the beginning we see a young girl bare chested and it is obvious she has just entered into puberty; and the male natives wear the equivalent of jock straps. In otherwords, lots of jiggeling members and bare male bums. After a while you don't notice them unless, that is, you have a thing about it.

The Characters: Gals, The Mincayani character is a HUNK! I may be a guy but I still can recognize prime beefsteak when I see it! You'll LOVE him! And as hunky as Mincayani is, the young boy, as Steve Saint, is just adorable. Above all else, this movie is about him and Mincayani.
Controversy After casting all of the actors, the producers learned that the actor who plays the main white character, Chad Allen (He plays BOTH father, Nate Saint, AND the grown son Steve), is an outspoken homosexual. At first the film makers were aghast. How could they deal with an actor who is, in THEIR view, not Christian friendly? Well, Steve Saint, who took part in the production, had the good sense to ask "WWJD", What Would Jesus Do? The answer was obvious, trust that the message of the film would override the actor's personal life and that, tangentialy, the message would have some affect on Chad. Chad, for those of you who remember, played the role of the oldest son in the "Doctor Quinn: Medecine Woman" series. Good sense prevailed and a good actor delivers!

Go see it, you won't be disappointed!