Dear Friends,
On February 21st we will show the movie Woodlawn at the Grace Brethren Church for free. You are invited to a shared meal at 5:30pm and then start watching the movie at 6pm (or just come at 6 to watch the movie). Please bring a dish to share if you can and join us for this powerful movie.
Movie Description:
A gifted high school football player must learn to boldly embrace his talent and his faith as he battles racial tensions on and off the field in WOODLAWN, a moving and inspirational new film based on the true story of how love and unity overcame hate and division in early 1970s Birmingham, Ala.
Tony Nathan (newcomer Caleb Castille) lands in a powder keg of anger and violence when he joins fellow African-American students at Woodlawn High School after its government-mandated desegregation in 1973. The Woodlawn Colonels football team is a microcosm of the problems at the school and in the city, which erupts in cross burnings and riots, and Coach Tandy Gerelds (Nic Bishop) is at a loss to solve these unprecedented challenges with his disciplinarian ways.
It’s only when Hank (Sean Astin), an outsider who has been radically affected by the message of hope and love he experienced at a Christian revival meeting, convinces Coach Gerelds to let him speak to the team that something truly remarkable begins to happen. More than 40 players, nearly the entire team, black and white, give their lives over to the “better way” Hank tells them is possible through following Jesus, and the change is so profound in them it affects their coach, their school and their community in ways no one could have imagined.
Reviewers Love Woodlawn:
SPORTS ILLUSTRATED
“Regardless of religious conviction, Woodlawn shares a universal truth: Winning is sweeter when you play for a larger cause.”
GANNETT NEWS SERVICE
“It’s beautifully shot. … And it’s impossible not to recognize the skill and power of the way the filmmakers tell their story.” Read More Here
MOVIEGUIDE
“It looks like a big budget Hollywood movie and has a message that is both relevant and needed. … It’s inspiring entertainment for the whole family.” Read More Here
HUFFINGTON POST
“A combination of “Remember the Titans,” “Facing the Giants,” and “Rudy.” … These are three winners from the past and WOODLAWN deserves to be in the winners category too.” Read More Here
DOVE FOUNDATION
“WOODLAWN is a winner! This splendid, action-packed, dramatic and compelling movie features extraordinary performances from Sean Astin, C. Thomas Howell, Jon Voight, Nic Bishop and Caleb Castille.”
THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
“With its well-staged gridiron sequences and solid ensemble performances, WOODLAWN may even manage to lure viewers away from their televised football games …” Read More Here