There is a very high faith-based quotient in this true story, 2015’s Woodlawn.

The Jesus movement

Woodlawn depicts the Jesus movement in Birmingham, Alabama, circa the 1970’s. People were converting to Jesus. In Woodlawn, the movement’s scale seems amazing.

In Birmingham and at Woodlawn High School there are race problems and segregation issues.

The school chaplain Hank Erwin, who is straight talking and inspiring, turns the football team to faith. The team’s faith in Jesus unites and helps them conquer race problems and is a witness to the coach.

The community is also turning to Jesus, which is changing the community to be loving instead of racist.

‘Touchdown’ Tony, their outstanding player, is inspiring others because of his faith and on-field prowess.

Getting a film about the Jesus movement, a film that was released to theaters (in the fall of 2015 and now on DVD), is pretty rare, and is more the vicinity of the faith-based movement of films, which Woodlawn belongs to. It is not an in-depth documentary treatment or a document, but focuses on the faith aspect first and foremost. Woodlawn’s purpose is to bring people into the faith.

It is also about football, racism, and relationships. Yet none of these are a main focus.

As drama, it’s slow burning.

The opening race related montage is engaging and well produced.

The camera work capturing on field football is eye catching.

The coach’s conversion speech in church is moving.

The pastor’s preaching in church (played by DeVon Franklin) is inspirational and resonates.

Sean Astin, as school chaplain Hank Erwin, has presence. The former Lord of the Rings actor holds his own.

Notes:

Sean Astin (Hank Erwin), Caleb Castille (Tony Nathan), Nic Bishop (Tandy Gerelds)

Directors: Andrew Erwin, Jon Erwin