The Fight for the Soul of American Democracy

Read Time:4 Minute, 22 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
God & Country
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 29m
Director(s): Dan Partland
Where To Watch: shown at the 2024 Santa Barbara International Film Festival, will be available on demand and everywhere you rent or buy movies digitally on March 26, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: Take a look into America’s most contentious debate in GOD & COUNTRY, a film directed by Dan Partland and produced by Rob and Michele Reiner; it serves as more than just a retelling—it’s a pivotal exploration into the entanglement of Christianity with the fabric of American politics. This documentary does more than scratch the surface of the plague that is Christian Nationalism in this country; it explores the roots, revealing the complex dynamics between a faith founded on the principles of love and the intoxicating allure of power. It’s not every day you come across a piece of cinema that manages to be both a critical examination and a rallying cry for introspection, making this film an essential watch for those ready to confront the realities of Christian Nationalism and the hatred that it has caused.

The sets the stage by offering a glimpse into the idyllic view of what people see when they think of Christianity, reminiscent of the calm before the storm, immediately pulling the viewer into a narrative rich with historical context and contemporary urgency. As the story unfolds, we’re led on a journey through the United States’ struggle with its dual identity as a nation founded on secular ideals yet increasingly influenced by religious fervor. An ideal that is being pushed harder and further by far-right extremists who have flooded into political power.

The film becomes a clarion call to American Christians, urging them to recognize and resist the rising tide of a movement that threatens to undermine the very principles their faith champions. The basic, core values behind Christianity are thrown to the side as the movement spreads through its ranks like a virus. The lines between antagonist and protagonist in this film are drawn not by fiction but by the stark realities of our modern political landscape.

As GOD & COUNTRY examines its narrative, it blends interviews and visual storytelling to chart the treacherous path of Christian Nationalism. This approach introduces a cast of real-life characters, from divisive figures to those championing the essence of their faith against the backdrop of political upheaval. Moments like the Capitol riot add depth to the documentary, painting a vivid picture of the challenges facing those who want to keep the separation of church and state.

I saw some mentioning that the film relied too heavily on interviews, and I can’t wrap my head around that critique. That is one of the film’s strengths; these stories, first-hand accounts, and critiques form the story’s core; sharing real-world experiences of what is happening is vital to understanding the issue.

GOD AND COUNTRY offers a beacon of hope, advocating for a return to the foundational values of Christianity as the way forward out of the divisiveness that has seeped into the political discourse. Religion is vital as the cure for what this movement has become; in the end, the film doesn’t sign off but offers a call to action for viewers, inviting a profound reflection on the role of faith in the public square. While I’m not religious, I can appreciate what the true core of Christianity means and what it stands for. I hope this film makes it to those who need to see it the most!

GOD AND COUNTRY emerges as a significant contribution to documentary filmmaking, challenging viewers to question, discuss, and act upon the issues it presents. It navigates the blurred lines between spiritual belief and political power with grace and urgency, standing as a testament to the power of cinema to provoke thought and inspire change. In a time of crossroads for the nation’s soul, this film is a crucial piece of the larger puzzle, urging a collective stride towards embracing the actual values of faith and democracy. For anyone invested in the future of democracy and the role of religion within it, GOD AND COUNTRY is an unmissable journey through the heart of contemporary American dilemmas.

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[photo courtesy of OSCILLOSCOPE LABORATORIES]

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