Woodlawn

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source: Woodlawn

Based on a true story. Set in the 1970's during the most controversial times concerning racial discrimination in Alabama. A school sits on the brink of being closed down for the racial violence that erupts every day and then the integration of black football players on an all white team stirs tensions to a breaking point. When hatred ruled and division ran rampant love stepped in and not only changed the team, but united an entire community. It is rare that a Christian movie contains the script and the superior acting that Woodlawn holds. I was impressed and inspired. A mirror reflection into our current times and how God can change the hearts of an angry and hate controlled people. If you want to be inspired and encouraged, go see Woodlawn.

They really should have warnings on movies like these. I was hoping to watch a film that illustrated our civil rights achievements, but instead I ended up turning it off after it was only half finished... And I've never ever turned a movie off until the end until now. Sorry, but I don't need to be preached to about how some magic man in the sky and his fake son have contributed to everything good in the world... The reality is that MANY terrible atrocities have been committed under the guidance of religion and relatively few people use religion for the greater good. I'm sure this could've been a great film if it were to have been made without the dominating religious theme, but for the director I'm sure that was 100% of the reason they made the film.

Birmingham, Alabama in the 1970's is an infamous city with a lot of racial tension, violence and even targeted bombings. In the middle of all this turbulence, a struggling high school team finds the saviors it is looking for. Being an sports film enthusiast, I had high hopes for Woodlawn, especially after spotting Jon Voight (and to some extent Sean Astin) in the cast listing. Unfortunately, the focus in this movie is not on character development, story or action choreography, it lacks quality in all these areas. What it does focus on is religion. This results in a rather poor outcome . It is not uncommon in this particular genre to see references to a divine presence as a source of inspiration or comfort for athletes that try their best in harsh circumstances. In this particular case though, the presence of the Almighty is far too overwhelming.

The most emotionally driven sports film since 42 in 2013. With a very similar idea but with more of a spiritual message. For a film with many unknown people and little known companies this is very well made. But if it was Universal I would expect a little more as this film offers a lot of talk and some action and not much character development. This will probably be one of those films that will fly over everyone's head and may not get many viewers and money. But we'll see strange things happen. But for what it is I'm glad I saw it and was worth the 6$ price and a film I'd recommend after it comes out on Redbox. Here are the grades for the film. Directing: B Acting: B+ Music: B Story: B Overall: B

This movie was excellent at setting the stage of what the country was dealing with in the early 70's. Some of the old footage brought back a flood of memories as kid. The quotes from the black community could have been from last week though, haunting how they felt so much like now. The despair, pain and frustration was tangible. Then Sean Astin's character, Hank, brings hope. It seemed that every place there was strife and animosity, he was in there bringing understanding and an opportunity to forgive. I love the fact it's a true story, hearing from the directors and producers on this at a pre-screening was really insightful. They did a ton of research to get the story from the people who were there. Tony Nathan was such a solid man, the actor did a splendid job portraying him. The footage was excellent, on the field with real players, you felt like you're in the action getting muddy. A little side note, the actor who played Tony was a real player in college from a long line of college and pros. So you see the actor doing the moves without CG or stunt doubles. I also love how the end credits provide the "rest of the story"

Woodlawn is easily the best faith-based film I've ever seen (one not based on a bible story, that is). The film details the true story of the Woodlawn High School football team in 1973 Birmingham, Alabama, the year the school integrated, and how this team helped bring the whole school together by all of the players accepting Christ. This is a story that could have easily been ham-fisted, but the Erwin Brothers (the directors of the film) manage to keep the film from ever being too sappy or preachy. All of the preaching of the film comes naturally from the characters and who they are, which is a problem with most faith-based films. Characters will often transform into philosophical sages when the filmmakers feel it is time to preach, and I think that just comes across as cheesy and not authentic to non-believers and some believers. Luckily, Woodlawn avoids that pitfall in its script, which could have been a little stronger in some areas (in particular in character depth and their motivations), but unlike most faith-based films, the good outweighs the bad here. Featuring some truly moving moments and a slew of well-realized football sequences, Woodlawn is a faith- based film I actually want to recommend. I give Woodlawn an 8 out of 10!

Saw s screening of this a couple of months ago. The movie is pretty good even though i think there should have been a little more development in some of the characters. It would have came together a little better in the end. I would definitely recommend it though. This is a Christian move so of course there will be many haters just for this fact. Yes it is a little preachy but not so embarrassing as a lot of others. If this wasn't based on a true story, i would have given it a lower rating because it seemed to be a little too far fetched ( in a good way ). But i asked one of the persons at the screening who was involved with the picture if this really happened as it was shown and he said yes, it was. This isn't just a football movie. Its a lot more, so don't go in expecting just another Christian football movie. If you do want a good Christian football movie, see 'When the Game Stands Tall' So it is a great story that really happened. There are a few things that weren't explained fully that left me wanting more but nevertheless, i liked it. You wont be disappointed..