Customer Reviews

Mercy Streets [VHS]

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This film blows The Omega Code out of the water. When watching Mercy Streets, for the first time ever with a Christian movie, I forgot I was watching a Christian movie. I judge movies harshly -- I am unforgiving of flaws, usually. This movie is virtually flawless. I had very few criticisms of it.

I'm still surprised that a Christian movie turned out to be so well-made! With The Omega Code, it was more like I was donating my time and money by watching it, though I didn't enjoy it. With Mercy Streets, I want to see it again!

This is the best "Christian movie" I have ever seen. Most of the movies in this genre are cheap and unimaginative. I am a fan of movies like Reservoir Dogs and Snatch, and would have never thought a movie like this could have been made. This film has the feel of such films, yet has something to say about, not only life, but the after-life. The casting was very well done. I especially enjoyed the cameo by Stacy Keach. As a Christian independent filmmaker, I was elated to realize that a movie can be made especially gritty, yet have this kind of message behind it.

While perusing the shelves at the video rental store, not in a mood to see the same films I've seen a dozen times before, I came across this diamond in the rough. Not knowing what exactly to expect, I took a chance and rented it. I must say that I was pleasently surprised. Although a Christian movie, it didn't feel like I was listening to a sermon/homily or even sitting in Sunday school. It is inviting, engaging, and thoughtful. If you ever crave an original film with a familiar storyline (criminals vs. law-abiding citizens - twins switch identities) but long for a bit of variety, definitly invest. I've since bought the movie myself.

Pretty good show. Yes, it sounds cliche`... the whole long lost twin coming back and assuming your life. But I actually found this story fresh. There are few films that address issues of faith and guilt and accepting forgiveness without being vaguely warm-fuzzy-feel-good or over-the-top-evangelical-preachy.

I liked that the main character was both a minister (or about to be) and had serious spiritual and relationship struggles. And that the other main character was a rough-edged criminal with just as valid a faith.

The other characters fleshed the story out. Noone served the "typical" side-kick role. There was the friend, the girlfriend, and the priests who served as mentors. But they each had their own fresh personality, not the standard cookie-cuts. Even the criminal mastermind fellow was not a stereotype.

There was violence and the ending was weaker than I had hope for. But this is the only movie I have ever paused to get a piece of paper and write down a quote. The story will live in my head for a long time as a parable of accepting God's forgiveness and pressing myself to forgive others.

What makes this movie work is that the character who receives the strongest "preaching to" is a clergy-candidate. Many viewers are put off when the super-righteous spiritual persons speaks down to the ignorant sinner. The hero, Jeremiah, is torn with guilt over an incident that took place when he was 14. His twin brother was under attack and he froze. The guilt has scarred his life ever since. Mercy Street's primary story is Jeremiah's journey through this guilt to true reconciliation with the episode, with his brother, and with God.

The frame for the story involves a criminal counterfeiting scam. Even the unsavory Rome, the chief "counterfeiter," gets to preach at Jeremiah. The plot does offer suspense on this level, but also much light-hearted humor.

Bottom-line: This is a solid drama that should lead to interesting discussion. It garners four-stars as an excellent film, with a strong "Made For TV" feel.

For an excellant movie it could have done better with more marketing in theater's. The story is great and there is so much to this movie it deserves more credit. Check it out and be inspired!

When I first saw this film, my heart sank because I have never seen something so touching and realistic. Mercy Streets shows to everyone that anything is forgivable if they mean it. The mean, sick twisted brother looked like he would always stay in the darkness of sin forever because he was leading such a horrible life. Through the forgiveness of his brother and more importantly God, he was able to be rescued and to live a life of happiness even through his past events. I rate Mercy Streets 5 stars and I hope everyone does too.

I really liked this movie. I don't like most movies that I watch. It's a great movie wether you are saved or unsaved. I think it would be a great movie to buy and then invite friends who are not Christian over to watch. It might get them asking questions. Thumbs Up!

We heard this was a Christian movie, and were sorely disappointed after viewing it. First, the Gospel was never clearly presented. The church represented was the Episcopal Church, which is a mainline denomination where few claim to be "born-again." Secondly, the plot is confusing and silly, with the main character playing two roles (identical twin brothers) who essential change places. However, the good one is supposed to be a pastor, and yet he is willing to commit a crime for his criminal brother, and he also cannot seem to understand salvation, as he ends up in another church being preached at by Stacy Keach (actor playing a priest). The story is a non-sensical mess. Save your money.

This tale of two brothers mixes drama, comedy, and spirituality into a sweet story with a touch of suspense. Twin brothers take radically different paths--one to the priesthood, the other to prison. The priest is wracked with guilt over a childhood tragedy, while the convict is wracked with bitterness and some jealousy. The focus is more on the brothers' psychological and social inner battles, than on the actual action and drama that surrounds them, giving the movie a light-hearted feel.

Bottom-line: This is a feel-good movie, safe and enjoyable for the whole family, and an excellent religious conversation-starter.