Customer Reviews

The Apostle

5 star:		(123)
4 star:		(22)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

"The Apostle," starring Robert Duvall, Farrah Fawcett, Miranda Richardson, and John Beasley, is an outstanding film... beautifully written and acted, breathtaking in its simplicity and yet imbued with complex and deeply etched characters, a stunning and realistic portrayal of life inside a southern Pentecostal Christian community, and an eloquent chronicle of one man's search for redemption.

The movie's premise is simple and effective. Euliss "Sonny" Dewey (played by Robert Duvall) is a Pentecostal preacher who has everything: a loving wife Jessie (Farrah Fawcett) and two adoring children; a doting mother (June Carter-Cash); and a thriving ministry. He is respected and loved by his church community.

But Sonny is also a womanizer, and a man who suspects his wife being involved in an adulterous relationship of her own. Jessie is indeed having an affair with Horace, the youth minister in their church. When Sonny discovers the truth about his wife, his life unravels. He is ousted as pastor of his church. One day, Sonny momentarily loses control, and in a drunken rage, smashes Horace's skull with a baseball bat.

Sonny flees from justice. Styling himself an itinerant preacher, he travels through rural southeastern Texas and into the bayou country of Louisiana. While he is traveling, he hears the voice of his conscience peck away at his vanity and worldly ways.

The majority of this beautiful film takes place in a small town in Louisiana's bayou country. Sonny, now self-baptized as "The Apostle E.F.," sets about resurrecting a small Pentecostal church which had fallen into disuse after the retirement of its pastor. With an infectious smile, eternally effervescent personality, and obvious love for the Lord, the "Apostle E.F." soon sets this bayou community on its ear. The Apostle, however, is constantly aware of his past, as his conscience reminds him of the enormity of his crime. How he deals with the issue of balancing God's love with God's justice is perhaps the central theme of this marvelous film.

It took Robert Duvall fourteen years to see this project through to fruition, and his commitment shows throughout the film. His performance as "The Apostle E.F." has tremendous depth and credibility. In this veteran actor's hands, the character of Sonny Dewey illuminates the screen. Other performances of note are those of John Beasley as the compassionate yet strong-willed Reverend Blackwell; and in an excellent cameo appearance, June Carter-Cash as Sonny's mother. Only the performance of Farrah Fawcett seems to suffer in this film. Her portrayal of Jessie Dewey seemed to lack power; the character she played seemed too unemotional and detached in every scene in which she appeared.

"The Apostle" is a well crafted film which explores many issues confronting humanity: good versus evil; justice versus mercy; and virtue versus vice. This movie provides sensitive answers to pressing questions, and does so without ever becoming moralistic or "preachy." With a top-shelf screenplay and first-rate performances by an excellent cast, The Apostle is wonderful entertainment, as well as a movie with an important message.

We've all heard and seen films that portray Christians (especially from the South) as villans, fools, bigots, and zealots. At last, from legendary actory Robert Duvall, comes a film that is so riveting and poignant and full of love that it is, quite simply, astonishing. Duvall's Apostle E.F. is no saintly, sinless caricature. He is a man who has heard God from an early age, but is subject to the same vices that plague the rest of us. His struggle with and utter dependence on the Lord will move you. His dedication to rebuilding an old church in Bayou country into a multi-racial love fest is sheer poetry. His fire in preaching the love and forgiveness of Christ, when we know he needs it every bit as much as we do, leaves an indelible mark on us. Even prison does not lift Apostle's need to preach. I've rarely seen a film that is so personal, so touching, and so real. A must-see for Christians and non-Christians. Forget Good Will Hunting and LA Confidential. The Apostle is a real movie, and uplifting experience. Enjoy!!

...Christianity. Many Christians I know despise this film. I think it's mainly because The Apostle shows the bitter truth behind the men and women who serve God. This film is not apologetic or remotely reverent; it is brutally honest and actually, when considered closely, quite refreshing.

Rovert Duvall, in a role that was destined for him, plays the part of a eccentric preacher who is running from his problems. His problems, and there are many, force him to leave his mega-church and flee from police. His actions - which I won't spoil - are shocking but somewhat justifiable.

When out of town, the Apostle begins a multi-racial church in the deep south, cutting cross dividing lines while vigorously regaining his passion for the Lord. In it is in these moments, when he confronts his own lusts and fears, that the character of the Apostle shines through in honest, heart-bursting segments. He is a broken man, but still a man of God, just as many of the men and women of the Bible are. Bruised, battered, yet still willing. That's what I loved about this film. It is a true depiction of people who follow Jesus. We have misgivings, tempers, pride and lusts, yet, when it's all said and done, we can still move on.

There is one segment, when a racist bigot - played handsomely by Billy Bob Thorton -threatens to tear down the mult-racial church. The scene ends with Thorton's exclusionary character on his knees in deep remorse and weeping for forgiveness. It's a beautiful thing to behold.

This film is ruggedly honest and will make the pious and self-righteous crowd cringe with prudent dissaproval. But hey, those of you who are in touch with reality will probably love this film. I'm a preacher's kid and I know an honest attempt when I see one. This is it. Enjoy!

A lot of people misunderstand this film because the title character is a mess, and they see it as a movie about Christian hypocrisy. But I think there's a deeper point to it. It is about a very flawed preacher, a man who cheats on his wife, who is violent, who blows it in a big way and then tries to reform himself. But as soon as temptation comes, he's right back to his old ways again.

Then very subtly, a pattern begins to emerge. Through various circumstances, the man begins to recognize the consequences of his actions, and he begins to have a HEART change that accomplishes in him that reformation he was looking for. He sees a woman he was trying to seduce in the context of her family -- a family that looks very much like his own -- and his response tells us that his womanizing days are over. The first time he encounters an adversary, he beats the man into submission. The second time, he shows compassion, and the results are miraculous. Gradually, the man is led to a place of true repentance, a point of willingness to accept responsibility for his actions, and then, finally, he finds himself in a place where God can REALLY use his gift of ministry. It's subtle, just as God's work in real life is subtle, but those who know how God works will appreciate seeing this portrayal of the way he moves in the lives of men.

The movie was written, funded and produced by Robert Duvall, who as far as I know is not a Christian. He places his story in a Southern-style Pentecostal/Holiness church, so there are a few controversial issues, such as the ongoing ministry of apostles. But it's not trying to sell that particular theology so much as portray it in the context of the story. The movie stars people like June Carter Cash, and many of the extras were real preachers and worshippers in churches across the South.

My favorite scene is one where the man is pacing his bedroom in the middle of the night yelling at God because things aren't going the way he'd like. There's a powerful intimacy in that moment, the guy isn't just folding his hands and saying an "If it be thy will" prayer that he doesn't really feel. He's laying his heart out before God and confessing his anger. That is REAL prayer, the kind that changes lives, because when we stop hiding our hearts and open up to him, that's when he can really begin to work in us.

As a Christian and a movie fan, I rate this movie five out of five. Yes, there are some flaws, but the quality of the writing, the acting, and production are awesome for an independent film, and if the message is a little too subtle for some, well, God's message never does pound people over the head.

One of the best films of the 1990's is THE APOSTLE. Robert Duvall stars as the gifted Southern preacher, Sonny. Sonny has a great life: he loves his work, he has a beautiful family, and is loved by all in his community. Things turn sour, however, when Sonny discovers his wife is having an affair with the church youth pastor. Sonny goes into a rage, then begins a search for redemption as The Apostle.

This is a great film. It is also a movie that shows Christianity in a real and positive light. Part of this is due to the stellar cast: Duvall, Farrah Fawcett, Billy Bob Thornton, and Miranda Richardson. Also, many of the extras were real people, non-actors who were filmed while worshipping God.

Nevertheless, the majority of the film's success resides with Duvall. Besides starring, he also wrote, directed, and executive produced. He spent nearly 15 years trying to get this picture made before finally securing enough funding (largely from his own pockedt) to begin filming. Duvall's performance is phenomenal (he was robbed of an Oscar by Jack Nicholson) and his love and passion for the project are seen in the directing and writing as well.

THE APOSTLE is a great film with a moving story and powerful message. Thank you, Mr. Duvall and Praise the Lord.

...and I say that as a Buddhist.

I both live and work in Hollywood, and this must have been a very tough picture for Robert Duvall to get made. "The Industry" tends to treat religious faith with contempt and ridicule -- Hollywood can't believe there are people who actually place their faith in anything besides fame and money. Religious people end up being treated in film as either comically delusional or slick confidence artists. Hollywood lives in a cultural bubble of its own making and just can't understand any other set of values.

In contrast, this film really reflects the Pentacostal communities of Texas and Louisiana, and does so without looking down at the people who live there. How refreshing. I'd be very curious to know how this movie works for people in the UK or other countries.

This is one of my favorite movies - I have seen it several times.
I really admire Robert Duvall for working to make this picture a reality. The character he plays is a three-dimensional, flawed human being who is "on fire for the Lord". He'll minister to anybody, anywhere. And he's most at home with a shoutin' congregation in a shoutin' church.

Jack Nicholson won the Oscar for Best Actor in 1997 ("As Good as it Gets"), and I think Duvall got robbed. R-O-B-B-E-D. Robbed.

Somebody say "Amen".

Robert Duvall has succeeded in showing the world what it is like to be a pentecostal preacher in a non-Christian world. His character "Sonny" is a David-like character, who is unafraid to face the unsavoury Goliaths of this world, but who also fails in his walk with God when he loses his temper and kills the man who stole his wife and children. When he comes to himself, and repents, this committed Christian tries to remain true to his original calling , all the while knowing that there will one day be a price to pay for losing his temper that awful day on the baseball field. Robert Duvall has succeeded in portraying real "Spirit-filled Christians" because he doesn't ridicule them, or make them in any way stereotypical. Each person in the story is very much a complex individual, who is subject to the same temptations that plague the rest of the world. How Duvall's character finally deals with what he has done and gets on with his life is the real message of the movie: It is never too late to start over! In the final scenes we hear the most important message of all. "Who died to save you from your sins? -JESUS!" Thank-you, Mr. Duvall, for making me feel understood!

"The Apostle", starring Robert Duvall, Farrah Fawcett, Miranda Richardson, and John Beasley, is an outstanding film, beautifully written and acted, breathtaking in its simplicity and yet imbued with complex and deeply etched characters, is a stunning and realistic portrayal of life inside a southern Pentecostal Christian community, and of one man's search for redemption.

"The Apostle" is Euliss "Sonny" Dewey, a Pentecostal preacher whose life is forever changed when he commits a horrific act of violence, a crime of passion committed in response to his wife's infidelity. The majority of this beautifully crafted film takes place in the small town of Bayou Boutte Louisiana. After fleeing from justice, Sonny, now self-baptized as "The Apostle E.F.," sets about resurrecting a small Pentecostal church near the town. This "church in the wildwood" had fallen into disuse after the retirement of its pastor, the Reverend C. Charles Blackwell (played by John Beasley). With his infectious smile, eternally effervescent personality, and obvious love for the Lord, the "Apostle E.F." soon sets this bayou community on its ear. In only a few weeks, the "One Way Road to Heaven," as the newly re-created church is called, has grown from only seven to over thirty members. Church members are involved in distributing food to the poor; the Apostle has begun a stirring "Holy Ghost Power" weekly radio broadcast.

Sonny's conscience constantly reminds him of the enormity of his crime, forcing him to deal with the issue of balancing God's love with God's justice. How he does this is perhaps the central theme of this marvelous film. How does Sonny react when the "long arm of the law" finally reaches out to bring him to justice? Watch this wonderful film to find out!

"The Apostle" was a labor of love for writer/executive producer/star Robert Duvall. It took Duvall fourteen years to see his pet project through to fruition; his commitment is readily evident throughout the film. His performance as "The Apostle" has tremendous depth and credibility. In this veteran actor's hands, the character of Sonny Dewey, with all its complexity, illuminates the screen. Other performances of note are those of John Beasley as the compassionate yet strong-willed Reverend Blackwell; and, in an excellent cameo appearance, June Carter-Cash as Sonny's mother. Only the performance of Farrah Fawcett suffers; her portrayal of Jessie Dewey lacks power. The character she portrays seems too unemotional and detached in every scene in which she appears.

"The Apostle" is a wonderfully sensitive, well crafted film which explores many issues confronting humanity: good versus evil; justice versus mercy; and virtue versus vice. This movie provides sensitive answers to pressing questions, and does so without ever becoming moralistic or "preachy." With a top-shelf screenplay and first-rate performances by an excellent cast, "The Apostle" is wonderful entertainment, as well as a movie with an important message.

...man, I can't say enough good things about this movie. Recently, I was encouraging someone to see it, and then I thought that I'd see it again myself. I think I loved it more than when I saw it the first time (if that's even possible). This is obviously Robert Duvall's "baby", as he poured so much of his time, money and energy into this compelling film. His acting is so superb, I'm inclined to wonder if he's ever been a pentecostal preacher at any point in his life. Seriously, though, the film takes a close look at the life of Sonny (a.k.a. the Apostle "EF") and all the issues he's faced with as a man of God. Indeed, he is a man of God, filled with unimagineable passion and zeal for God...but his life is troubled with his own fleshly weaknesses, and those of his wife, as well...
Even in spite of all he deals with, all the dilemmas he must face, and all the places he must run to hide from the inevitable, what most impresses me about this movie is this man's honesty with God. He would yell at God, question God, but never did he hold back with God, and I think this is how he learned to develop the deep intimacy he shared with God...it was this intimacy that shaped his life, his love and passion...
This is an excellent movie YOU MUST SEE...finally a Christian man is represented as a REAL person...not corny, not wimpy, but real, with real issues and real emotions, but living in relationship with a very REAL God that he turns to time and time again...
This movie is not "religious" in the way you may be inclined to think, so don't shrink away from it if you don't consider yourself a "religious" person...enjoy the unfolding of his tale and the peeling away of his layers...I am amazed at the influence this man had in the lives of nearly everyone he met...however brief the encounter, he had real impact --- very impressive stuff. The movie is not so much about religion per se, as it is about people and the unexpected turns our lives take.

Robert Duvall is certainly one of the finest actors in American cinema. "The Apostle" is without question a testament to his superior talents. This is a powerful and dramatic movie. Unlike many movies that revolve around religion or religious themes, this did not feel like one that "preaches" to you, nor is it one that parodies or trashes religion. That in and of itself is remarkable in movies today, and I give Mr. Duvall enormous credit for achieving that in his writing and directing. Quite simply, it was a movie where an actor - Duvall - literally mesmerized you, and one that just sticks with you for a few days after watching it. Mr. Duvall has the ability to play a role in such a way as to make you truly believe that he is that person, whether it be the gung-ho leader of a air cav unit, a country singer, or, in this case, a preacher. Not all actors can pull it off as deftly or as superbly as he can. Mr. Duvall's performance should have won him the Oscar. He was up against Jack Nicholson (for "As Good As It Gets") that year, but after seeing that movie and "The Apostle", there is no question in my mind that the Oscar voters got it wrong. At any rate, this movie is certainly worth viewing and owning.