I'm Not Ashamed (2016)

When the Columbine incident happened I was at the end of my freshman year in high-school. I remember it well though it was 20 years ago now. I recall seeing this book about Rachel Scott in stores, but never bothered to read it. Recently I was able to view this film, which in my estimation really captures the sentiment of that time period well. That time in American History is one soul searching: Can we as a people do without God? What does that look like? What are the consequences of a Godless society? Who are we as a people? Then tragedy hits to awaken all of us from our sleep.This film does a particularly excellent job of capturing that time of innocence as well as vulnerability that we all tend to experience in our teenage coming of age years. Yet, it also adds into it a very real element of dealing with pain on a very personal level while developing spirituality. Throughout the film there is portrayed the pain of loss, the pain of the realities of sin, pains of relationships, the reality of our weaknesses, and the strong desire of wanting to connect with God. Throughout the film it is evident that Rachel is a normal human being with all of her faults, desires, and hopes clearly portrayed. She is no super hero, just a normal person trying to follow God the best she can. These unsung invisible heroes like Rachel seem to be the ones that make the greatest impacts in life. If there is a message in this film, it is that God can work through any situation if we will let Him do so. It is amazing to see that one life has impacted so many people for God, however we as an American society have clearly continued to reject Rachel's message choosing rather to continue down the path of destruction. The last 20 years since Columbine have only demonstrated this as we continue as a people to try to exist without God. Now we have become numb to the continual onslaught of school shootings in our wake. God help us.After reading so many angry 'atheist' reviews about this movie, it is evident that this is indeed a powerful movie that triggers strong emotion in that it forces us to rethink our lives, to come face to face with our own reality, and to decide whether to take responsibility for our choices or not.

Based on the journal of a person who had got killed in the 1999 shooting at a high school in the US. Really inspiring character and the story, till that final horror event. But the real shame was, the filmmakers used it to promote religious. Or maybe they have highlighted too much from the religious aspect. Because, her life and that horrific event connected with her unexpected prediction which are only a coincident, rather any miracle from heaven. I'm not against believers, but I anticipated honest, a reality, not fantasy.So coming to the film, apart from misusing a real person's life, it was a nice film. Nice casting and performances. Masey McLain was so pretty and awesome in her role. Don't expect it to be the film about that 1999 shooting. It was not about that, except it had a connection as everything was built behind it. They have shown very little from that angle towards the end. Some of the real footage attached in those parts. Yeah, the end was emotional as expected. Everyone might not find it a good film for what I had told earlier, nevertheless the true story deserves some respect.6/10

Without trying to downplay the loss of life of the other students, this screen play was one of the best real life stories brought to life in movie. Thru the telling of this story, many will realize that following Jesus does not mean we have it all figured out. Nor does it mean it will always go well for us. It does mean we each have our own calling. I love how the authors stayed true to her story and showed how good can come from so much bad. I'll admit that initially, I found myself confused but by the 3nd I could see the twists and turns had a purpose.

I love this movie, especially the artwork she did before she was killed. It also showed what led up to the shooting and the negative impact of bullying. Well done!!! I have found that some of the best movies are either true stories or based on true stories. This film really helped me see what she was struggling with. Overall a great film, I could watch this again and again.