"The Apostle," released in 1997, is a film that my appreciation for has grown over time. Writer and director Robert Duvall had to produce it independently because studios weren't willing to back the project. The movie centers on a character study of a Southern Pentecostal preacher named Sonny (played by Duvall), whose wife wants to leave him (Farrah Fawcett), among other things. Sonny’s reactions are misguided, leading to his banishment to a remote area of Louisiana. No matter where he goes, he can't seem to abandon his sense of purpose – to guide people toward faith and inspire believers. If you aren’t comfortable with Pentecostalism—including enthusiastic worship, charismatic expressions, evangelism, and prayer—I would advise against watching "The Apostle." Similarly, those who don’t want to see depictions of Southern poverty should probably skip it, as much of the film takes place in such an environment. Duvall intended to create a contemporary version of the King David story: a religious man who commits adultery and then engages in even worse behavior. However, Duvall mentioned in a 2010 interview that Sonny’s wrongdoings aren't as severe as David’s because their actions are quite different. "The Apostle" is an excellent character study because it provokes strong feelings and encourages thoughtful conversations. Is Sonny a minister who is genuinely flawed or simply someone who isn’t aware of his own deception? To put it another way, can a Christian be considered “a man after God's own heart” while still committing serious sins? Does Sonny truly feel remorse, or does he avoid facing his actions? Is the religious perspective shown in the film superficial or profound? Is it ever appropriate for followers of Christ to use righteous anger or physical discipline, or should they always be passive and forgiving? I’ve not seen anything quite like "The Apostle" in other films. It's a singular and affecting drama that becomes more rewarding with each viewing because much of what is communicated isn't explicitly stated but implied. There's just the right amount of uncertainty to keep you wondering and allow for varied understandings of the movie. The film’s length is 2 hours and 14 minutes, and it was filmed in Collin County & Denton County, Texas (both located north of Dallas), and Lafayette, Louisiana. GRADE: A-

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