A Great Awakening

Review by Michael J. Findley

This is well written, well acted, and well directed. It is a massive drama set in Colonial America, England, on ships, with crowds of thousands in the open air, and packed rooms. Yet it is intensely personal, focused on two men, Benjamin Franklin and George Whitefield. It is a frame tale, beginning and ending with George Washington and the constitutional convention. Covering the life of George Whitefield, it shows his failings as well as his triumphs. Benjamin Franklin is clearly a deist challenged by the evidence of those around him who he loves. The influence of John and Charles Wesley are critical. The music is based on the Wesley’s music, even the music written for this movie. Produced by Sight and Sound Films, it is not just a stage production. Like the 1977 movie Sheffey, produced by Bob Jones University, A Great Awakening is a frame tale of the life of a traveling preacher. From an unregenerate young man, we follow his life through his conversion, his ministry, death, and the results of his ministry after his death. Without the Great Awakening, there would be no America. Without George Whitefield, would not have been the Great Awakening.

Review by Mary C. Findley

Last night husband, daughter, and I saw A Great Awakening in theater for his birthday next week. Sadly the theater was almost empty, with us and one other small group who left somewhere along the way. It was a pre-release showing, today being the official opening. I am sharing some mild spoilers but the film presents fictionalized historical events anyone can read about.

Sight and Sound theaters created the film. They are legendary for beautiful, God-honoring stage performances, but I have sometimes felt they lacked a deeper spiritual emphasis. Wow. They changed the game for this movie, however. George Whitefield brought home the strong truths of salvation by faith alone, by Christ alone … and what freedom truly means.

Ben Franklin thought he was just going to make money off publishing sermons and advertising meetings, but he was repeatedly forced to confront the reality of Christ in his friend’s life. Though he was quick to point out Whitfield’s human privations and failures, Whitfield reminded Franklin that he had to stop dwelling on man’s efforts and focus on Christ. The tie-ins to America’s war of independence was excellent, along with the struggles of the Constitutional Convention. Franklin, near the end of the film, still seeming in doubt about the truths of Christianity, had to acknowledge the need for the power of prayer. See it if you can. Image from IMDB.

Watch the trailer and be inspired to go see it! A Great Awakening in theaters.

https://www.sight-sound.com/films/a-great-awakening

Images and trailer from Sight & Sound