Change Your Image
filmsofzion
Reviews
Reflections: A Story of Redemption (2004)
Great First Film
Reflections; A Story of Redemption Review by Dr. James Crossen Ph.D. Chairman of the Pierce College Addiction Studies Department
Tony Bracy's 'Reflections' is a wonderful story of addiction, perdition, redemption, and by hooking up with Higher Powers of the universe - of recovery.
'Reflections' is well written, moves the characters through significant life changing, spiritual events; is unashamed to present old spiritual truths and experiences in a fresh unforced manner without for any moment being dogmatic or shrill.
I showed this film to a group of persons training to be counselors working in the field of addictive diseases, where there is a necessary clinical emphasis upon using identifiable spiritual principles and experiences - such as is sometimes available to addicts in twelve step programs - if they are able to 'work through the twelve steps to facilitate their own spiritual awakening, and learn as a practical matter how to use the numinous Higher Powers of the Universe - whatever that may be - and the responses from this group were authentically enthusiastic. (This, from a group of people, most of who have seen much and are not pushovers.)
The professional training class for counselors is entitled "Addiction Studies 14 - Addictions and Theories of Human Development," with an emphasis upon the practical value in treating addictions, of helping the addict experience a 'spiritual awakening' so to achieve some kind of recovery. (The goal is emphatically NOT to force the addict to get religion, but to use the unknowable powers of the universe and within Self in a 'cunning manner' to effect some kind of recovery from their addiction. Spirituality is a practical tool used to help create some form of recovery.)
'Reflections' is an outstanding example of that process, without a whit of preachiness. And it is just plain interesting and fun to watch. It pulls you along with its charm and honesty. Technically it is well shot and edited. I will be using 'Reflections' in future presentations of AS 14.
Thank you and congratulations to Tony Bracy, Writer and Producer of 'Reflections.' Yes, a "South Central Los Angeles Story" and more, an involving - entertaining - universal story of hope and recovery
.
Easy Does It, Dr. James Crossen Ph.D.
Matthew 26:17 (2005)
The Preview was outstanding!
Having had the pleasure to be invited to a special viewing of the raw footage and selected scenes from the movie; I must say that Beout! and Brace Yourself! have put together a very compelling film which begs to be witnessed by those who have any interest in Christ, The Last Supper, the Apostles and what was spoken at the Last Supper.
I found the way the author (Tony Bracy) hinted at an 'unexplored' relationship between Mary Magdalene and Jesus Christ as tantalizing. They only speak a few words to each other but what Mary Magdalene says in the beginning of the movie sets up a provocative subtext of the few words they do speak towards each other.
For a short film I learned more about the personalities of the other apostles than I have in any other film. They actually talk; have feelings, uncertainties, reservations and trepidations about Jesus Christ and their mission as it is being revealed during the Last Supper.
Tom Trudeau as Judas Iscariot was outstanding! I truly loved to hate him.
La Trice Harper as Mary Magdalene and Brian Groh as Jesus were very believable. I love the international flavor of the casting, which made it all the more enjoyable to watch. The script was impeccability accurate ~ historically and biblically correct; it flowed from person to person; situation to circumstance to resolution flawlessly and moved fluidly without a seam.
I find it hard to believe that this is Shannon Rawl's Debut as a Narrative director! Welcome to Hollywood Shannon ~ this film as Academy Award written all over it!
I would highly recommend this film as a learning tool for anyone who has a modicum of interest in the Holy Eucharist. I rate it a 10+++++