On Friday the movie End of the Spear comes out. It’s the story of Mincayani, a Waodani tribesman from the jungles of Ecuador. When five young missionaries, among them Jim Elliot and Nate Saint, are speared to death by the Waodani in 1956, a series of events unfold to change the lives of not only the slain missionaries' families, but also Mincayani and his people through the power of forgiveness.
It's a testament to the power of the gospel to bring change. This is one of the most famous and inspiring stories of 20th century missions. It was made well known through Elisabeth Elliot's best selling book, Beyond the Gates of Splendor. I've been looking at their web site and it looks like they've really tried to stick to the truth of what happened. Apparently Steve Saint, Nick Saint's son, worked with them to help ensure the accuracy of the movie. He's quoted as saying, "In honesty, seeing it, its more of 'A True Story,' than 'Based on a True Story.'" I also thought it was interesting that originally the Waodani people did not want to cooperate with the making of the film. Steve Saint shared with them what happened a few years back at Colombine High and they saw our culture as needing to hear their story!I can't vouch for the movie as I haven't seen it yet, but Lisa and I are planning to see it soon. I hear it will be playing down in Arroyo Grande. If any of you see it first, I'd love to hear what you think of it.
2 comments:
I'm stoked about seeing this movie. I think it will be great. I'm bummed that it won't be showing in SLO (at least not in the near future). I know I saw a theatre in AG listed as showing it on the official "End of the Spear" website, but for some reason, it has been taken off the list. I hope that doesn't mean they won't be showing it.
Otherwise the closest showing is probably going to be down in Santa Barbara, or over in Bakersfield (home sweet home). And that would be quite a drive.
As a business major, I have to question the effectiveness of their marketing campaign (or lack thereof). I've talked to a lot of people who've said they don't want to see it because it looks really violent. When I explain to them that it's the story of the Waodani (Auca) indians and Jim Elliot, most people become more interested.
Unforunately, there have been a number of times that I've had to explain who Jim Elliot was. It's such a pity that so few people know who he was. I definitely consider the man who gave us "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose," to be one of our modern day heroes of the faith.
I also had a hard time finding out where this movie was playing. Finally it is hear in SLO. Christy and I watched it and we both thought it was a great film. My only critique is that the message of the Gospel was too subtle. I would still highly recommend the movie otherwise. What an amazing story of forgiveness.
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