The Least Among You

The Least Among You (DVD)
Published by Lionsgate

About the movie

Leaders are not chosen, they are called. Inspired by a true story.

Arrested in the 1965 Watts riots, Richard Kelly (Cedric Sanders) must serve probation at an all-white seminary. Although encouraged to break racial boundaries by its president Alan Beckett (William Devane), the school wants black followers not leaders. Even former missionary, Kate Allison (Lauren Holly), initially rejects Richard. A prison sentence looming, Richard meets Samuel Benton (Louis Gossett, Jr.) -- “the gardener in the basement.” As Samuel guides Richard through his many trials, Richard must choose between his dreams and his destiny.

My Thoughts

We are a bit disappointed with this movie.   Not that the story isn’t good because it is based on a true story.  But somehow, there are a lot of question marks in our head after we viewed it.  

I find that the acting could have been better.   And there are a lot of things that happens in the movie that you wonder where that come from.   I guess if the movie would have been a bit longer like 2 hours for example, we wouldn’t have these questions in our mind.

Needless to say, the message is strong.   As Christians we are called to stand up for what is right.   And this is exactly what I got from the movie.   Justice is important and Christians should avoid manipulating the truth just to get what they want.  (If you watch the movie you’ll see what I am talking about…)   Integrity is also an important part of our life as a Christian.   If you are manipulative and twist the truth, if you try to bribe someone it will get back to you somehow.   

I think it was good that Richard Kelly will stand up for what is going on in the seminary.   It takes a lot of courage and willingness to face discrimination and pursue your destiny even going to the point of letting your dream go.     I particularly like the role of Samuel Benton – the gardener in the basement.   I find that he was a good example of what a Christian is to his protégé – Richard.   

The scene that touched me the most was when Richard finds Kate Allison on the roof and speak with her about hearing God`s voice.   Both together shared what God told them – she when she faced the coffins, him not too long ago.   And interestingly enough, what he heard from God is a comfort for her.    I thought this scene was beautiful. 

This movie is about the call that God has for leaders.   Sometimes, we might have the tendency to fight against this call.  But it is better to go with the flow and follow God’s lead.

This review was possible because I received the DVD of The Least Among You from Thomas Nelson.

The Least Among You can be purchased everywhere even at amazon.ca.