2 of 3

A subtle second question: What is the role of religion in healing those who hurt? Religion is present throughout the film, whether through a video in the hairdresser's shop, a radio advertisement for the revival, or Cassie's involvement in the church. So how can matters of faith transition from the periphery to the core of a person's heart, where woundedness and the capacity to wound others lie?

In many ways, the film raises the questions it hopes local churches will answer. Indeed, it's clearly designed to open discussion on these questions, and to provide materials to encourage churches to discuss sexual abuse (such resources will be posted on the movie website).

Because of the graphic depiction of sexual abuse, this film is not for children or squeamish audiences. The presentation, too, requires an attentive audience due to the rapid flashbacks and flash-forwards. Yet by starting and finishing with the climax, the film presents a challenging message: People are often at their lowest point of woundedness when unresolved pain spills over into poor choices and criminal behavior. And as a church, we need to take the time to listen to them, to learn their stories, and to point them toward grace and forgiveness.

LaTonya Taylor is associate editor of Campus Life magazine.

Talk About It

1. If Michelle and Reggie could be reconciled to one another, what might a healed relationship between them look like?
   
   
2. What are some of the characteristics of churches that are safe places for hurting people?
   
   
3. How can churches bring healing not only to people who have been abused, but also to those who have abused others?

The Family Corner

The film includes a depiction of child sexual abuse, as well as some violent scenes. It's not a movie for children, but mature older teens may be able to see it with discussion time from a parent or youth pastor. It will be difficult viewing for those who've been sexually abused as well.

Photos © Copyright Magnolia Pictures

Bishop T.D. Jakes' Woman, Thou Art Loosed began as a novel and then became a stage play. Now, Jakes himself has a role in the big screen adaptation of a story that reflects his investment in ministering to wounded women. The film, directed by Michael Schultz, opened in only 408 theatres, but drew a large enough audience to surprise the industry and place sixth in the box office top ten over the weekend, earning $2.3 million.

Kimberley Elise, who had a supporting role in the recent remake of The Manchurian Candidate, plays Michelle Jordan, a young woman who suffers from abuse, addiction, and poverty, and ends up in prison for taking retaliation into her own hands. Jakes plays himself, visiting her on death row.

LaTonya Taylor (Christianity Today Movies) says, "In many ways, the film raises the questions it hopes local churches will answer. Indeed, it's clearly designed to open discussion on these questions, and to provide materials to encourage churches to discuss sexual abuse (such resources will be posted on the movie website)."

To caution audiences, she adds, "Because of the graphic depiction of sexual abuse, this film is not for children or squeamish audiences. The presentation, too, requires an attentive audience due to the rapid flashbacks and flash-forwards. Yet … the film presents a challenging message: People are often at their lowest point of woundedness when unresolved pain spills over into poor choices and criminal behavior. And as a church, we need to take the time to listen to them, to learn their stories, and to point them toward grace and forgiveness."

David DiCerto (Catholic News Service) says it's "a potent and soul-inspiring drama about the healing power of forgiveness. [It] deals with difficult subjects—including sexual molestation and murder—though in a way which challenges viewers of faith to take seriously the Christian imperatives of love and reconciliation."

next page... |  2 of 3

Related Elsewhere:

Jakes on the Loose	Printer view
Bishop T. D. Jakes, whose best-selling book, Woman, Thou Art Loosed! is now a full-length motion picture opening this week, talked to us about the movie and its potential impact.