Movie Review: "A Great Awakening"

 Movie Review: "A Great Awakening"


Lesley and I just returned home from seeing the premier showing of the movie, "A Great Awakening."  It was really good--one of the best movies she or I have ever seen.  The casting is outstanding; the acting is fantastic; and the plot line is wonderful.  I do not know who produced this movie--but they should be congratulated on doing excellent work; and; more than that, for being unashamed of the gospel of grace.

 

The way the producers weave the themes of the American Constitutional Convention (held years after the end of the American Revolution), with savory effects of The Great Awakening, is masterful.  The man who plays Benjamin Franklin is so well-cast, that you could almost imagine this being the original Benjamin Franklin.

 

George Whitefield is the main character in the movie; and he is also spectacularly-cast.  His voice, his demeanor, and his ways are completely convincing; and one would think you were hearing the "trumpet call of God" from his voice.  The movie "pulls no punches" on the gospel message; and it portrays Whitefield as a faithful proclaimer of the good news of liberty in Jesus' blood and righteousness.

 

As mentioned earlier, one of the refreshing aspects of this movie, is the fact that it makes the organic connection between The Great Awakening, the American Revolution, and the Constitutional Convention quite apparent.  This was very nice to witness.

 

One really interesting aspect of the film, is that (from my reckoning) Jonathan Edwards' name was only mentioned one time; and there was no actor-representation of him at all.  This really surprised me--since I went into the movie expecting to see as much about Edwards as Whitefield, (if not more).  Still, the thrust of the story line is not diminished--even without the aspect of Edwards' ministry (which was very great, of course).

 

Being a clergyman and a theologian, I have to "nit-pick" just a little bit; and I think my only observation of historical/theological inaccuracy, would be when John Wesley (and the Holy Club guys) were baptizing Whitefield by immersion.  (I told Lesley that I think that is highly-unlikely.)

 

Praise God for this movie.  It is really good.  I do not want to be a "spoiler" of it for any of you--but those of you who are concerned about that probably have desisted from starting to read this little "review."

 

This movie would be great in a church context.  What can I say?  God be blessed!  This movie is just plain outstanding.

 

Rev. Mark J. Henninger

Treatise #89

3 April 2026

https://theologicaltreatisesinretirement.blogspot.com

https://henningerdevotions.blogspot.com/

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