Jesus, I Love You!! From Brasil

Jesus, I love you. From Brasil

[7.5/10] I wasn’t sure if Woodlawn would be the film for me, but I was hopeful going into it! Christian films aren’t my usual go-to, but when they tell a compelling story, I really enjoy them. More often than not, weak acting can take me out of the experience, but that wasn’t a huge issue for me here. While I’m sure there are some historical inaccuracies (as is often the case with true-story films, especially those with a religious angle), I found the story engaging and well-executed. I was also surprised by how restrained the religious messaging felt for much of the film. It’s definitely present, but until the end, the focus stays on the characters and the social and personal challenges they face. I think that balance made it easier for me to connect with the story. Also, I don’t know if the brick-through-the-window moment actually happened, but it was definitely a powerful scene. I can’t say this is the greatest film ever made, but it’s one I could easily see myself watching again. My rating might be slightly elevated because certain inspirational dramas are a guilty pleasure of mine, lol. By the end, it’s impossible to imagine the world of sports without the contributions of Black athletes (not that I would even try to imagine such a world!). I deeply admire the courage of the players and their families who paved the way in the face of racism.