 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
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 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
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End of the Spear
- Review Date: December 14, 2006
- PG-13
- Genre: Drama
- 2006
Common Sense Media says
Christian missionaries "save" Ecuadorian tribe.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this film includes some explicit violence: White hunters kidnap a Waodoni girl (in an early, harrowing chase and grab scene); the Waodonis kill each other and members of another tribe, out of vengeance and fear; and the Waodonis attack four white missionaries, spearing them brutally. As a child, the son of one of the dead missionaries lives briefly with his aunt and the tribe, unknowingly befriending the man who killed his father. Eventually, they have an emotional reckoning.
What's the story?
Set in the late 1950s, END OF THE SPEAR is drawn "from a true story," in which Christian missionaries try to save Ecuadorian "savages" from themselves. The story centers on Nate Saint (Chad Allen) and his young son Steve, who, along with other missionaries, venture into the jungle to convert the Waodani tribe. Though Nate and his fellows speak no Waodani, they imagine they will be greeted as saviors. The Waodanis have good reason to fear the foreigners. They attack and kill Nate, whose last words are the only Waodani phrase he's learned -- "I'm your friend." Astounded to hear his language from a stranger, warrior Mincayani (Louie Leonardo) is haunted by the memory for years. The wives of the slain missionaries vow to continue their work, several deciding to go into the jungle, along with Dayumae, who was raised by and works for Nate's sister. Mincayani is suspicious of the white ladies, but his tribesmate Kimo (Jack Guzman) accepts Jesus Christ as his personal savior (using his own language and martyr myth to structure the conversion) and helps the strangers settle in.
Is it any good?
Heartfelt but clumsy, Jim Hanon's anachronistic film raises more questions than it answers. This "story" is hardly new, and here it is told with a particular forcefulness.
Then again, this Christian saga insistently promotes nonviolence, especially welcome given the preponderance of mainstream media violence committed in many religions' names. Further, the casting of the irrepressibly out and undeniably charismatic Chad Allen quietly assumes some openness on the part of the film's audience. Still, End of the Spear does fall back on unpleasant stereotypes.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the film's two main themes. One, is evangelism an effective and fair or aggressive and intrusive way to change an entire community's behavior and culture? And two, how does the film make the case for nonviolence rather than vengeance, in response to devastating violence? How does the film use stereotypes to make this case -- generous and collaborative women, enthusiastic but ignorant white men, and violent and primitive natives?
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AGE
I cried & laughed!
It is a very touching story. It makes you want to run out and do something good for someone else. I would only recommend it for teens at least 16yrs old because anyone any younger will probably miss the message.
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AGE
A heartbreaking movie...
This film is pretty violent, and only mature teens should see it. It depicts stabbings of men, women, and children in a very real way. Nothing is sugar coated. However, I though that this was a wonderful movie, and really opens your eyes to what many missionaries face every day.
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AGE
Good Christian documentary
For Christians who are familiar with the story of Jim Elliot, this is must see. It is hard to watch the violence, but it happened. It is a powerful story of God's redemption and saving grace.
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AGE
Pretty Good
End of the Spear isn't great filmmaking, but it kept my attention, and has a great message and the story is fascinating. As usual, the book is far better.
There is some violence in this movie, but otherwise it's appropriate for kids. Good for kids a mature 10+
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AGE
1 Part documentary plus 1 part Hollywood=
Enjoyed it. Refreshing change from slick, sickly sweet hollywood productions with unrealistic happy endings. Real life family drama in the jungle, filled with spirituality and hope.
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AGE
Inspirational
I saw this when i was either 12 or 13 and found it to be rather violent. I wouldnt have found the movie so upsetting if it werent a true story. however it is and that is what people need to understand before going to see it. Shows a very good depiction of what went down when these Christian missionary men were killed by the tribe that later on comes to know Jesus Christ as their Savior.
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| Studio: | Every Tribe Entertainment |
| Director: | Jim Hanon |
| Cast: | Chad Allen, Chase Ellison, Louie Leonardo |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 112 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | January 20, 2006 |
| DVD release date: | June 13, 2006 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | for intense sequences of violence. |
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