Film is a powerful medium indeed! Before watching this mesmerising film, the majority of people outside the Christian community may not have heard of Rebbeca St James or the Christian pop band For King + Country.
When one gives this film a chance, they will be in awe of their touching music. It’s catchy, touches the soul and is worth adding to your playlist. Christian pop unfortunately appeals to the Christian community only. There are millions of fans out there but sadly, they are not in the same league as Taylor Swift or Coldplay. Bearing that in mind, when Unsung Hero finds an audience, their music will without a doubt be popularised; bringing Christian pop into the mainstream and the hope of being Oscar-nominated for best song for next year is on the cards.
Based on a remarkable true story, a mum’s faith stands against all odds and inspires her husband and children to hold on to theirs. The film teaches us all that when we are at the lowest points in our lives, family must never give up on each other. Daisy Betts who plays Helen Smallbone is the unsung hero of the story. Helen is the glue that holds the family together and without the matriarch who doesn’t keep her faith, the family would break down. Why is this film spectacular? We can all relate to the soon-to-be classic quote. “Your family aren’t in the way. They are the way.” They are what help you through thick and thin so don’t give up on each other.
The male lead is lead singer and Grammy Award winner Joel Smallbone. The fact that he plays his real-life father, David Smallbone, truly conveys that he is a chip of the old bloke. The fact that he was a music promoter and was financially stable with a huge house, married with six children with a seventh on the way seems like a perfect dream. To lose his job along with a huge financial loss is devastating. Joel plays his father with ease as he can capture his distress and frustration that leads to tears. How can he support his family? How can he transform from rich to poor? It happens, but if family stick together and endure the hardships, the silver lining will be at the end of the tunnel and the journey to get there is a powerful, touching and sentimental one.
The film has a from riches to rags to get back to riches theme here. To compare Unsung Hero to The Pursuit of Happiness, or King Richard or Slumdog Millionaire would be adequate. It deserves to be in the league of these astounding films. The American dream is also a powerful theme present in this film. As the Smallbone family lose everything in Australia and immigrate to America, in Nashville in search of hope and prosperity, to witness their struggles and hardships is tear-jerking. The audience will want the best for this family as they are simply a lovely family that upholds true Christian values.
It also must be noted that community is an essential theme. Once the Smallbone family join their local church and makes an impression of their unconditional love for God despite their hardships, it is the Christian community that will help them and that truly is a tender part to witness. Lucas Black who plays Jed Albright does a remarkable job of a good Christian Samaritan. His generosity to the family is so charming that it breaks your heart when he is told to “back off.” This part teaches us to never let pride get the better of you because accepting help from your community is what will truly allow your life to flourish.
When we see the Smallbone’s struggles, E.G. cleaning houses, mowing other people’s lawns and any other minimum wage odd jobs, this truly conveys integrity and endurance. It is a remarkable quality for this family to have. When faith and prayers are upheld and the talents of the children’s singing talents are rendered, a dream will evolve.
To see the eldest daughter Rebecca Smallbone played remarkably by Kirilee Berger climb to the top is a redeeming and satisfying moment indeed. To see her sing beautifully for potential record producers who promise her and her father the world and forsake the deal is devastating. Then to witness the one big break to success and a dream to be born, makes the audience think to never give up on your dreams, keep going and have faith: This is how Rebecca St James and For King + Country would evolve and will continue to do so once you see this surprisingly perfect film.
A Surprisingly Perfect Film
Movie title: Unsung Hero (2024)
Movie description: Based on a remarkable true story, a mum's faith stands against all odds and inspires her husband and children to hold on to theirs.
Date published: June 15, 2024
Country: UK
Duration: 1h 53m
Director(s): Richard L. Ramsey, Joel Smallbone
Actor(s): Daisy Betts, Joel Smallbone, Kirrilee Berger
Genre: Drama, Family
Summary
A film with an Oscar-worthy soundtrack.
Aly has a strong passion for film as he enjoys reviewing and analysing them. He has written for Hey U Guys, The Hollywood News and The People’s Movies. He is an aspiring screenwriter and has had much interest by professionals in the industry. For the bread and butter, he teaches English Language and Literature in secondary school which he truly enjoys, but has dreams to enter the film industry professionally. He loves networking as making good contacts is key to moving forward.
