The Good Lie

The Good Lie

Rated PG-13 and Limited Release in Grand Rapids 12/5/14

Reviewed 12/7/14 at Celebration Woodland Theatre
with Gary

3 1/2 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

Gary admits he wasn't overly excited about going to see this film. It just didn't appeal to him right off the bat. But being the trooper that he is, he settled in. Afterwards, as I am drying my wet face, he said "powerful"! I was planning on being inspired and getting into it and I was not disappointed by the tug-at-your-heartstrings story based on the "Lost Boys of Sudan". Reese Witherspoon was adorable playing strumpet Carrie Davis, the not-so-welcoming committee for the endearing refugees.

The Sudanese "siblings" are amongst the civil war having their home ravaged while their family is gunned down and killed before their eyes. The young group is now on their own along with thousands, if not millions, of other children. For the thousand plus mile trek across Africa to get to somewhere that will have them, they must eat and drink the unthinkable for life preservation. It is really unfathomable the circumstances they find themselves in. Eventually the tight group makes their way to Kenya but with high costs to get there. Endless children refugees are pouring into these camps near the Kenya borders, not for days or weeks, but for years!

There is a window of opportunity in our history, when our country had programs in place that allows placement of a very select few of the Sudanese to journey to America. Naivety kicks in, as I can't help but feel that if they can overcome such personal tragedy with life-threatening physical and mental roadblocks then the modernization transformation should be a breeze, right? Not so - as you will see in their very inspiring story. The transformation everyone encounters by the influence of these young men is moving and compelling. Believe in The Good Lie and see this with a pocket full of Kleenex and you will make it through!

QUIET Rating system: 3 1/2 Js

Quality: JJJ

Understood story:  JJJ

Interest: JJJJ

Entertainment:  JJJj

Time:  JJJj