New Inspirational Movies Tackle Racial, Cultural Divides

by AFA Journal
March 9, 2006

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(AgapePress) - - EDITOR'S NOTE: The following reviews are offered for information only and do not represent endorsements.

Glory Road
Remember the Titans' producer Jerry Bruckheimer goes from the football field to the basketball court with the recent release of the Walt Disney Pictures film Glory Road. It is an inspirational sports drama about a coach who was determined to lead his integrated underdog team to victory in the late 1960s, despite decades of inequality.

The movie is based on a true story that highlights Hall of Fame Coach Don Haskins and the Texas Western University Miners as they become 1966 NCAA champions. But the road to success is paved with more grit than glory, as the racially mixed team must learn to put aside their socially induced prejudices and play together in a world of black and white.

Haskins' color-blind coaching revolutionized the sport of basketball and the national landscape when he decided to play an all-African-American starting line-up during the championship game against the all-white University of Kentucky Wildcats.

"What's so interesting about Don Haskins is that he wasn't looking to make any kind of statement, Bruckheimer said. "Yet in making winning his priority, he changed history."

Therefore, Bruckheimer saw the story as one that must be told to bring an understanding of the impact a human's drive to excel can have on others.

"I think this is an especially important story to tell today because a lot of kids no longer realize how hard the players and coaches in the '60s had to fight to bring them the incredible opportunities that now exist," he explained.

This revelation becomes apparent on the big screen as Josh Lucas (Sweet Home Alabama) and Derek Luke (Antwone Fisher), and several newcomers, take viewers beyond basketball and into the heart of Haskins.

Rated PG, Glory Road contains brief references to Christianity and is clean-cut by Hollywood standards. However, it has a fair share of mild profanities, racial slurs, epithets and alcohol use and abuse as well as minor sexual innuendoes. Acts of racism are depicted through mild violence and gore.

Glory Road Website

The Second Chance
An authentic portrayal of the cultural and racial divides that exist in today's churches came to life on the big screen in mid-February with the limited release of The Second Chance, starring award-winning Christian music artist Michael W. Smith.

The Second Chance compares and contrasts the lives of two ministers -- one from an affluent white church in the suburbs and the other from an inner-city black church in the projects. Both churches were founded by the same man who loses sight of his call when he moves his ministry from inner-city to suburbia.

These men share the same faith in the same city, but they soon realize they are living in two very different worlds when their ministry efforts collide. The two search for common ground in the midst of street gangs, political power and their own shortcomings, which calls them to step out of their comfort zones in an attempt to overcome the prejudices that divide them and their congregations.

The Second Chance, a Steve Taylor film in conjunction with Ruckus Films and Cedar Partners, issues an overt look at the heart of Christianity and sends a strong message about one weakness of the modern church.

"It's a movie that raises more questions than it gives answers," said producer Coke Sams, "one that challenges rather than preaches."

Therefore, the film is likely to cause viewers, especially believers, to examine the biblical role of the church in meeting the needs of others.

Overall, it's a thought-provoking film with a strong message about being forgiving and non-judgmental. It is rated PG-13, includes minor profanity and depicts the reality of street-life, complete with drugs and violence.

The Second Chance Website