A School American Football team plays its way through the State championships despite adversity. The film follows the struggles of the coach and his wife through the turmoil of not being able to have children. Their struggle is one of faith and trust in God at every step, even in the teeth of the situation.
What makes this film special is that there were only five professionals involved in the whole project. Every other actor, technician etc. came from a single church with a vision to make a film. Alex Kendrick, who directs, writes and stars in the film produces a tear-jerking performance as he struggles through difficulty with God’s help.
Highly emotional scenes run alongside this sometimes stereotypical, but often surprising drama and there is as much excitement off the pitch as on. This film is an extraordinary achievement and shows what people can do when they get together. Some scenes must be forgiven for their novice quality, but it is rarely the acting that lets the film down. The film is marked throughout by an endearing, playful and witty sense of humour, which in light of the intensity of the film is an achievement in itself.
The issues raised by the film are put forward in a way that draws you into the team and the characters involved. We are as delighted as they are when they win and as disappointed when they lose. The most powerful message in the film is the transformed attitude of the Christian team that they will praise God even in defeat. This attitude is mirrored by the coach’s wife who will praise God despite not having the baby she desperately wants. It shows the conviction of the people involved that whether things are going well or badly, God does not change and he deserves praise in every situation.
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