By Diane Howard, Ph.D.
A must-see movie in theaters right now is “A Great Awakening.” It is an historically accurate dramatic film about the friendship between George Whitefield and Benjamin Franklin and the influence of the Great Awakening on the founding of the
of the United States of America. The acting, especially of the leads, is excellent. The dialects of Whitefield and Franklin are convincing (the dialects of minor characters are less compelling). The cinematography is very good. The life of George Whitefield is fascinating and powerfully inspirational.
The movie is honest, as it follows the friendship of Whitefield and Franklin. Starting with the debates during the Constitutional Convention and the states’ inability to find unity, the elder statesman Franklin is deeply discouraged.
The film flashes back to Franklin’s revisiting Whitefield’s journals, beginning with his early struggles with a lazy eye and harsh treatment from family and peers. However, Whitefield was able to receive theater training leading to his powerful style as a “trumpet from heaven” and education at Oxford in a servile position at which time he was taunted by other young men but also met and joined the Holy Club made up a strong, serving Christian leaders such as John and Charles Wesley.
The movie shows Whitefield’s own spiritual awakening and that which he facilitates in countless others, especially marginalized peoples such as coal miners. He emphasizes God’s equal love for all and the need for each to be born again spiritually. Thousands throng to hear his captivating voice everywhere he goes. Franklin publishes Whitefield’s sermons and follows Whitefield’s ministry, which ends up influencing the foundation of the United States of America.
Joshua Enckco wrote and directed the movie. It was produced by Sight & Sound Films. It was released for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The film has been praised for its historical accuracy, cinematography, rich production values, and performances, especially Jonathan Blair’s portrayal of Whitefield.
The movie has received high approval with a “A+” CinemaScore from audiences. Teens through adults will find it riveting, as it is full of action, jeopardy, and drama. The cinematography is powerfully engaging. “A Great Awakening” is at this time in theaters and is not streaming on Netflix or Prime Video right now. “A Great Awakening” is a small, independent film distributed by Roadside Attractions. Roadside Attractions has an output deal with Hulu, so Hulu has the exclusive rights to stream “A Great Awakening” after the movie’s theatrical release.
May this movie encourage a new Christian awakening today!
Diane Howard, Ph.D. is a dialogue, dialect and voice-over coach, as well as a journalist who writes about the role of faith in movies and in the entertainment field. Her website is dianehoward.com.