The Gospel (2005)

I received this movie as a gift this year (2010) and frankly, had never heard of it, even though I pay attention to movie releases. I approached it with no expectations whatsoever. To me, almost everything about the movie, including the Christian subculture, the cast, the director, and so on, was an unknown. I've never seen a movie rated with so many 1's and 10's before. I suspect that people are projecting their religious agendas, and not properly rating the movie itself. A movie needs a good story; and I found the story engrossing, so that gives it at least a 6, for me. What particularly fascinated me was the highly interior look at personal conflict and challenges in church ministry, and this is a very honest movie. The music and the setting were an entertaining and enjoyable backdrop to the story, enough to raise the score to a 7. The acting won't win Oscars, but I felt deeply involved emotionally at various points in the story. Because of the Christian context, I believe many viewers just won't get into the story. The only thing to add is that I've never actually seen a movie like this; that in itself makes it worth watching, and brings the score to an 8, which places it within the top 10% of movies I've seen.

Kevin Thomas, in the Los Angeles Times, describes this film as "rousing, affirmative entertainment." I'd say that this is an understatement, and that is putting it mildly!I am a gay person, and am proud to be God's own and gay. I've had the victory since God put His or Her mark on me, when I was a little boy--and, as a proud gay person, I have walked with God ever since.Boris Kodjoe puts on a stunning performance, but I really believe that God and show business have their mark on him. This film proves, to me, that a person can be an actor and be one with God. This film also makes me proud that family entertainment is being distributed and promoted by mainstream media (Sony). This music is motivating and stimulating. I hope that African Americans don't mind that this 'gay honky' really jived with the music. And, even more importantly, I re-consecrated myself to Christ. But, this film is for everyone. It is not only for those that are religious or spiritual. It is a 'feel-good' film, and I do not find the movie 'preachy'. In one scene, for example, David even jumps in bed with a 'chick'. But, God knows that David has his heart and soul in the right place. I did not find the film a 'morality play' either. It is a movie that makes one think, and I rank it a 10 out of 10. This film will be especially appreciated by those who have faith--and, in order to be successful in this world, a person must have faith in someone or something. Most gay people are religious or spiritual--and I believe that gay people, like most other people, are inherently good. The social work profession, along with other professions, has found this to be true. And, generally speaking, Hollywood positively supports gay people in the fight for equality. And, contrary to what some people say, gay people are not equal to other people. Through faith and prayer, God will make a positive change and He or She will teach us how to love all people. Because, as human beings, we have much to learn about love.

Great film it shows what real people go through behind the curtains in churches, it also teaches you anything just because things happen in church or something happen to you or you had an bad experience in Church doesn't mean you give up on God! you don't give up on God! you draw even closer to him to remove that problem and to fix it!. it is as well a film about the Prodigigal son and how Jesus will always accept you home no matter what! it has great gospel songs and stars such as Donnie Mcclurklin, and Kirk Frankin, Yolanda Adams and Many more! it's a great film that has many great talents and shows many different realms of praising God!- Jesus Bless and Keep you remember he loves you!- HarleyQuinn1

As a church boy from way back, I can definitely relate to and recommend this movie to anyone! The story of the prodigal Son is woven throughout this film, and the honesty of how we church people really are---struggling with our sins and insecurities as much as anyone yet able to be forgiven and renewed by a Living and Powerful God such as we know! The music is dynamic! The film uplifts God in a relevant and contemporary way!Plot: David Taylor went from earning $40,000.00 a night as an R & B singer to being drawn by the Spirit back to his Fathers church and the people he knew before he became famous.His childhood friend, Charles, becomes the Pastor of the church when Davids Father dies. The childhood friends both struggle with human fallibilities until God gets their attention!