End of the Spear...

[Hessian]

My first reaction when I heard it was coming out was positive...it is a dramatic story...powerful.
But...this is the latest controversy:
http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22478

I can't believe that they (the director/producer) would have allowed this project to continue: knowing of Allen's orientation and activism.
I can only hope the project is a general failure and a statement: Character does matter.

You don't create art of the Virgin Mary out of dung...
You don't portray dedicated, devout Christians with perverse actors/actresses.

(Was this a clever ploy to make it kind of edgy like having queer cowboys?)
I am hoping the End of the Spear is pointed down.

Is Rue Paul going to do a film about Billy Graham?

 

[sleuth]

Could you summarize? That article is just too long, and I'm not familiar with the backstory.

 

[Dixie]

My God! How hideous, a homosexual playing a leading role in Christian film. I'm shocked, I'm stunned, I'm horrified (I'm sarcastic!). Big whoopee.

 

[kwillia]

Is Rue Paul going to do a film about Billy Graham?

Bluto would of had fun with this post...

 

[Hessian]

Plot...

1950's...
3-4 Missionary families (young & enthusiastic) decide to open a mission to a remote and rumored violent tribe in S. America.
After flying in gifts to drop to the tribe, and seeing hints that they may be welcome, 4(?) of the husbands decide to land and try to meet the tribe...initial contact is hesitant,...and soon after all four are butchered near their plane, The devastated families consider going home and begging God why??
However, two decide to reopen contact with the tribe that killed their loved ones...they successfully get through and open a mission and bring the tribe to the knowledge of Christ...& translate their language.

A story of risk, dedication, fear, doubt, perseverance, patience, endurance, hope, sacrifice, and a greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for others...

not, lay down with others.

 

[Esprix]

Well I certainly hope that they didn't let any adulterers, divorcess, thieves, liars, Jews, people who talked back to their parents, or people that swear work on that movie, either!

Oh, wait - that would mean no one would, since we're all sinners, aren't we?

Or is being a gay actor worse than every other sin?



Esprix

 

[vraiblonde]

Well I certainly hope that they didn't let any adulterers, divorcess, thieves, liars, Jews, people who talked back to their parents, or people that swear work on that movie, either!

Don't be silly. Christians are traditionally against homosexuality so it's a blatant slap in the face to have a gay man playing a missionary in a movie like this. Wouldn't you think it was odd if Pat Robertson made a movie about Matthew Shepherd and had Jay Mohr playing him?

Hessian, you should just resign yourself to the fact that Hollywood takes a perverse pleasure in tweaking the faithful, and don't go see their movies. I'm not a believer but even I tend to shy away from things that are obviously meant to disparage and disrespect.

 

[Esprix]

Don't be silly. Christians are traditionally against homosexuality so it's a blatant slap in the face to have a gay man playing a missionary in a movie like this.

Actually, according to the people involved in the production, they made it very clear that they didn't know he was gay until after he got the part.

Regardless, I don't see it as a slap in the face at all - I see it as an actor portraying a role. Rock Hudson, Richard Chamberlain and dozens of others have pulled off great roles regardless of their orientation (conversely, Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenthal have awards for doing the same).

People will, however, see what they will. And, like those who have issues with Brokeback Mountain, they can cast their vote with their wallet.

Esprix

 

[Esprix]

Don't be silly. Christians are traditionally against homosexuality so it's a blatant slap in the face to have a gay man playing a missionary in a movie like this. Wouldn't you think it was odd if Pat Robertson made a movie about Matthew Shepherd and had Jay Mohr playing him?

And another thing...

This movie is obviously very pro-Christian. If Pat Robertson did a movie about Matthew Shepherd, I doubt it would be very pro-gay. Either way, I'd decide with my wallet, because ultimately anyone can make any kind of movie they wish, and if a company wishes to distribute it to try and make money, more power to them, and good luck.

And my point about where homosexuality is treated as a sin amongst all the others Christians have to worry about (let alone the orientation of an actor in a movie) I think is quite valid.

Esprix

 

[vraiblonde]

(conversely, Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenthal have awards for doing the same).

Can I be mean for a minute?

The ONLY reason either of those two lamers won an award is because Hollywood is so breathless about homosexuality that, literally, you could put up any piece of crap with my cat as the lead actor and, if it's a gay theme, instant Academy Award. It's embarrassing and patronizing.

Gays are in danger of falling into the same trap blacks fell into - slaves to the Leftist massas who pander for their votes and keep them dangling with promises, but spit on them when push comes to shove.

 

[Esprix]

Can I be mean for a minute?

The ONLY reason either of those two lamers won an award is because Hollywood is so breathless about homosexuality that, literally, you could put up any piece of crap with my cat as the lead actor and, if it's a gay theme, instant Academy Award. It's embarrassing and patronizing.

Gays are in danger of falling into the same trap blacks fell into - slaves to the Leftist massas who pander for their votes and keep them dangling with promises, but spit on them when push comes to shove.

You have a very valid point, but I disagree about Ledger and Gyllenthal's performances.

Esprix

 

[sleuth]

Just gotta say that I watched "End of the Spear" last night.
I echo Esprix's thoughts. The movie is very pro-Christian. In fact, I found it to be one of the most uplifting and inspiring movies I've seen in several months. A very powerful message relayed about the power of forgiveness.

I don't think this film is meant to disrespect at all. The lead actors are all unknowns. If it hadn't been for this thread, I wouldn't even have known the actor was gay. Not to mention that for at least half the film, the lead actor isn't even present. He was killed early on.

I am a Christian and I will buy this DVD.
Half the proceeds of this movie go to help indiginous (sp?) tribes in South America. I'm ok with that.

 

[Bustem' Down]

Just gotta say that I watched "End of the Spear" last night.
I echo Esprix's thoughts. The movie is very pro-Christian. In fact, I found it to be one of the most uplifting and inspiring movies I've seen in several months. A very powerful message relayed about the power of forgiveness.

I don't think this film is meant to disrespect at all. The lead actors are all unknowns. If it hadn't been for this thread, I wouldn't even have known the actor was gay. Not to mention that for at least half the film, the lead actor isn't even present. He was killed early on.

I am a Christian and I will buy this DVD.
Half the proceeds of this movie go to help indiginous (sp?) tribes in South America. I'm ok with that.

Just remember, everything offends Hessian.