Ragamuffin (2014) User Reviews

God loves the broken.

[peter-995-748677 · 8/10 · 8 May 2014]

I'm going to get the bad out of the way. If you're hoping this movie "solves" all the problems of the so-called "Christian movie industry", it does not. It is too long by at least a half-hour, we never feel like the main character really is Mullins until almost a half-hour into the film, and it seems preachier than it needs to be, often using way too much dialog to communicate messages that filmmakers should be able to make with far less talking and far more skillful directing, acting and editing. Anachronisms abound for those who look for them (certain musical equipment and instruments appear years and years before they actually were available), the lighting seems to be an afterthought, and in many cases (as I implied earlier) paragraphs of dialog abound where lines would do.

If you think this movie is just as bad as so many Christian films (virtually all that I have seen in fact) are, you'd also be wrong. Refreshingly, this film does not sanitize the smoking, drinking, cussing (okay, maybe it eases up on the cussing, I'm okay with that), broken character that Rich apparently was. That, I found refreshing. And when Michael Koch finally "finds" the main character (or should I say, when we finally believe in him and the director finally sets the character free), he carries it well, warts (and there are many) and all. I was impressed with how Koch sings and plays the part so well (using his own voice by the way), too, right down to the occasional sloppy piano and idiosyncratic vocal stylings. The stress of growing up with such a broken father-son relationship plays a major role, as it should, and explains much of what we need to know about the character (reminded me of Johnny Cash, actually).

I was fortunate enough to meet Mullins during his too-short life, about 7 years before his death. By "meet", I don't mean shake hands after a concert, but in fact along with a small group of folks got to spend hours and hours with him talking and really getting to know each other. He was, by far, the most interesting person I have ever met. So… I am a little biased in saying that beyond the flaws in this film (again, typical of so many Christian movies, and of so much Christian music for that matter), is the story of a man who was worth knowing and knowing about, not in spite of, but partly because of his flaws. I can probably count on one hand the number of Christian songwriters who come close to Mullins' talent and transparency (even if I'm missing a finger or two), and I'm thrilled that this film might introduce some new people to his work. Even more, maybe more people will come to grips with the fact that Jesus not only doesn't mind their brokenness, but loves them right in the middle of it all.

That would thrill Rich the most.

Didn't think I would like it But I did.

[darylwball · 8/10 · 8 May 2014]

I knew and met Rich several times when I was a Christian Concert Promoter. I have mourned his loss for a very long time. I agree with one reviewer who said that the film was rather dark and perhaps some of our darkness reflects in the film so that makes it darker. I do wish that there was a little more of his quick humored funniness that came out in the movie, but I think I understand why it didn't as much. For one reason, it was done through the eyes of close family. They hurt for his hurts and probably are closer to that at times. Especially when he's gone and you were unable to fix it for him. Second because so few saw the struggles he had which just increases the realness and the authenticity of how God works with us. But let me say this. He was an amazing profound and deep poet. He was a saint who related to Christ's sufferings equally to his blessings and in doing so almost always seemed to be directly dialed to him. Second, he had huge talent! Third he had a truly sacrificial heart! He was amazing! Lastly, I thought I would hate the film any way because after all who could ever be Rich ? Even pretend or act to be Rich? I enjoyed the film more than I thought I would. I think they did a good job that was one of the toughest. When you play Lincoln or George Washington. There aren't too many people around to know how they were in real life. I would say they did as good as they could and it was awesome and entertaining and moving! It even touched my life as a father to my kids. Was it as good as seeing Rich do Rich? Well, it was the next best thing, but wish I had more time with him. He was once in a life! Love you Rich! See this movie. You'll not regret it!

Inspirational , but not your typical "Christian" movie

[twodogsofmercy · 8/10 · 19 February 2014]

Rich Mullins relentlessly pursued Jesus in his own life, of which fact this movie is not ashamed. However, the movie does not portray Rich as larger than life. Rather, we meet an enigmatic man who wrestled with rejection from his father and from the love of his life. While striving to live in obedience to the commands of Christ, he struggled with sin and often confused those closest to him. His struggles did not subside but rather were compounded by his own musical success as he lived with the emptiness that still remained. Unlike in many Christian movies, sin and rejection are not something that an unsaved person or lapsed Christian is ceremoniously delivered from, but are an expected part of living in this world.

Overall, I would give the acting an 8/10; it's not Hollywood, but it's not bad either. I would give the writing a 7/10, as the dialog seems contrived and heavy-handed in a few places. Fortunately, this happens seldom and the writing is overall pretty believable. For production and cinematography, I would give it 8/10; again, this isn't Hollywood, but it's great for an indie film. From a historical accuracy standpoint, I would give it 7/10. There are a few occasions where locations of events and names of people (even those closest to Rich) were changed, but overall it seems pretty accurate. Other reviews have also mentioned one particular anachronism, i.e. that musical instruments/equipment are seen years before they were invented; the reason for this is that the concert scenes in the movie were filmed live at Mitch McVicker concerts in 2012. Having a limited budget, this movie had to make do with what it could get. As for the accuracy of the details of Rich's life: Given that many of those working on the movie were close to Rich (such as Mitch McVicker, and his brother David Mullins), I have no reason to doubt overall account of his personal life.

Rich's music features prominently into this movie, and Michael Koch (himself a musician by trade, not an actor) does a pretty good job of approximating Rich's voice and re-creating his songs. Don't be disappointed if your favorite Mullins song is not featured, though; it's only a two-hour fifteen-minute movie!

****Spoilers Ahead****

This film is quite open about Rich's faults: His struggle with alcoholism, his chain-smoking habit, his struggle to be accepted by his father, his hapless pursuit of his love interest, and his highly dependent relationship with Beaker (whose name was changed in the film). Twice in the movie he chides Beaker for leaving his vicinity for mere minutes to perform mundane tasks (such as getting a cup of coffee from the hotel lobby). One gets the sense that Rich, for all of his shameless demonstration of the love of Jesus on many occasions, was excessively dependent on those closest to him. It is also interesting what the film chooses to focus on and chooses to ignore. For example, while the Order of the Kid Brothers of Saint Frank is described, the Ragamuffin Band doesn't get a mention. Also conspicuously absent are the details of Rich's experience on the reservation and his interest in Catholicism. But this movie does focus well on the aspects of Rich's life that it chooses to explore.

In the end, this is a story about a man who is deeply enveloped in loneliness and rejection, but who finds his solace and comfort in learning to love and obey the God who made him. As he is ignored by his fiancée' in the midst of his burgeoning success,telephone calls home seeking comfort are welcomed by a tender mother but dismissed by a calloused father. One turning point for Rich in this story is his friendship with fellow alcoholic and ragamuffin author Brennan Manning. When Rich learns of the death of his father, with whom he was never really reconciled, he is devastated. Frequent flashbacks to the paternal castigation of Rich's childhood days still haunt the grown-up Rich, who feels like he never measured up in his father's eyes. He still has trouble viewing God as father, since his own father was so hard on him. Brennan leads Rich on a mini-retreat in which Rich writes a letter to himself from his father, and comes to realize that his father did truly love him, but that he had difficulty expressing that love verbally.

The movie is also careful not to pit Rich Mullins as the hero against the Big Bad Christian Music Industry (as tempting as that might be). In one poignant scene, Rich gets in an argument with one of his producers at the record label. Although Rich seems to have some pretty valid points in the argument, the producer points out that Rich is being proud and disrespectful. In a subsequent scene, Rich begins mowing the producer's lawn early one morning as an act of reconciliation.

This movie did a good job of helping to understand the man who wrote the music. It totally makes sense to me that the man who wrote "Hold Me Jesus" and "Hard to Get" would be the same guy who showed up drunk to a friend's funeral, threw a phone through a phone booth window when he learned of his ex-fiancée's engagement to another man, and struggled with deep-seated loneliness (Sadly, in some circles of Christian piety, admitting that one is lonely brings forth accusations that one does not have a close walk with God, or that one may not even know Christ at all). Although some might lose faith in Rich upon learning these facts, I think Rich would have been okay with that. He would have wanted us to put our faith in Jesus instead. Rich often alluded to his own struggles with sin and temptation in his concerts. While not going into a lot of personal detail, he never pretended to be anything other than a ragamuffin in God's Kingdom.

The story of the life of Rich Mullins

[angelloves1 · 10/10 · 8 May 2014]

This is a very powerful and gripping movie about the life of Rich Mullins. It is not just another "life story" about a famous person. It not only shows Rich's life but it ministers to all who see it. It not only brought tears to my eyes throughout the movie, but to the people throughout the church at that showing. I would recommend everyone to see this movie because it brings you to the realization that God loves all of us, even though we are not perfect. It is definitely a must see, powerful,inspiring, enlightening, and ministering movie for Christians and non-Christians alike. If you only purchase one DVD this year, it should be Ragamuffin!

Authentic To Rich's Way of Life

[thegluv · 9/10 · 20 March 2014]

The storyline is simple enough – the life of Rich Mullins. He is the author of the song "Awesome God" as well as hundreds of others. He was part of a resurgence of contemporary Christian music movement in the 80′s and 90′s - a culture he would come to hate and leave. The film documents his struggles with his faith, addictions and insecurities while his songs were some of the most popular in the world of contemporary Christian music.

If you are looking for a nice, neat film with a simple conflict/resolution arch of a story – Ragamuffin isn't for you. Ragamuffin is a dark, brooding film that exposes the insecurity and grit of Rich Mullins' faith. It's messy. It doesn't resolve. It's redemptive and agonizing. All of which I think is authentic to Rich as well as his God.

The acting and cinematography are top shelf. Michael Koch delivers an incredible performance of being true to Rich's eccentric, authentic faith without pushing the performance into a sappy mess of emotion.

The movie has it all - great acting, great filming, and great storytelling. Highly recommend it.

And stay for the credits for real footage of Rich.

Rich Mullins: the pain and honesty behind the genius

[mrvandehey · 9 February 2014]

Overall, I was pleased with the honesty of the film. There was a darkness in his soul similar to Mother Teresa's spiritual darkness. That pain certainly came out in his music and is the big reason I listened to him then and still today. Love was not just a feeling. I was disappointed they skipped his exploration of Catholicism considering the rest of the honesty in the film, but they did pay homage to St. Francis.

The Brennan Manning scenes were powerful. Michael Koch sang/played the music believably and his acting was above average. It was a nice touch to have Mitch McVicker in the film. Sometimes on these Christian films the acting can be sub par, but I did not see it here.

The film runs 2.5 hours and they could have cut it down some, but I didn't feel bored, and the people I went with cried at the more emotional scenes. That tells me that they were certainly engaged.

I would recommend the film and encourage people to rediscover his music.

Wanted to love it

[struggleville · 6/10 · 11 May 2014]

I agree with a reviewer above that the movie did not project the whimsical Rich as seen in the delivery of his talks at concerts. Way too serious and broken. Rich had a way of being broken and still showed a child like love of Jesus in his words, but in the movie he was always angry. And one thing that bugged me is that his haircut seemed to change on a whim. A sequence with short hair was followed by a sequence with long hair and a beard and then back to short hair - over and over. May sound silly, but as far as movie production goes that should not happen.

Overall, it is a good insight to a man struggling with his faith. And the Brennan Manning character was great.

Not a complete picture

[Jodelle · 5/10 · 18 February 2014]

I saw Rich Mullins three times in concert. I read every interview and watched everything I could on him and by him. I've known for the past 22 years that he wasn't perfect, that his relationship with his father was not good for most of his life, that he had a "dark" side to his nature, his soul. And I knew his heart had been badly broken by a woman long ago and that he never found another that he was interested in. I considered myself as prepared as anyone could be when I went in to see the movie.

When I saw the trailer I thought that the scenes didn't depict the impish, whimsical depth that Rich always showed. I hoped that I would see more of the giddy nature Rich always had in concert, the hopefulness he always shared in his songs and in his interviews. Instead what I saw was scene after scene of an angry, tortured man who never was happy. Ever, except for once when he was dating a girl in college. I wasn't shocked that he'd gotten into drinking or smoking--he implied as much in his music if you listened. But I lost track of the times the movie showed him waking up next to beer bottles, or falling over drunk. And the depiction of his father surprised me not so much by how cruel he was (was he really that cruel?) but because Rich's own brother is a producer for this film.

I felt betrayed and disappointed that although a film has to pick a "thread," a focus, this director--who by his own words sees Rich as his "hero," --chose to focus on such anger and despair for almost the whole two and a half hours. In my opinion it is quite possible to illustrate brokenness without having the protagonist be in a constant state of negativity. Rich Mullins was a non-conformist but the way the director/writer had it played he was a jerk about it. As I've already said I know he wasn't perfect by any stretch, but I do not, cannot believe he was a constant jerk.

I agree with the statement that it was acted well, and Michael Koch certainly held his own. But whether it was his or director David Leo Schultz' doing, the delivery of even the "fun" parts with Rich and the talking he did during his concerts was done without the humor and whimsy that was quintessential to Rich Mullins.

I also agree with the previous poster, it dragged in the middle in the very place it should have been exciting--the take off of his career.

The upshot was Brennan Manning's influence in Rich's life. But as the previous poster stated, if you want to read Rich's biography and interviews, and watch him on Youtube you'll get a far better picture of who Rich Mullins really was.

Relatable portrayal of Rich Mullins' walk with Christ.

[cincinnatikid1 · 8/10 · 11 January 2014]

This movie was recommended to me by a friend with whom I shared my feelings of spiritual "wandering" if you will; a believer with lots of questions and a feeling of emptiness that comes and goes. The acting was very good and the story honest. I am use to movies that lead to an obvious conclusion, however, this movie wasn't the typical countdown to an epiphanic moment. Rather, it was exactly what I needed in realizing I am not alone in my struggles for meaning. Wear comfortable clothes because this movie is a bit long.

My rating of "8" out of 10 is relative to movies of this category. This film should not be compared to Hollywood blockbusters, and justifiably so; the film is a message to each viewer who wishes to receive. The feature was not, in my opinion, made to entertain but more importantly to potentially impact your life in a far greater way than even the most popular movies ever could.

Enjoy.

Watch This, Not That

[m-copley · 7/10 · 27 June 2014]

Rich Mullins was a broken man. A man who felt rejected by his father, and by the God that the evangelical church had presented to him. He was also extremely gifted with the ability to express his struggle through words and music. He wrote just enough praise-happy songs to get Nashville to notice and lure him to record and sell his music. But, the real Rich remained tortured by his depression, addictions, and pain. He could sing about the love of God, but struggled to accept it himself.

"Ragamuffin" is a term used by author Brennan Manning, who is also depicted in the film. The word describes one whose "deepest awareness ... is that he is deeply loved by Jesus Christ and has done nothing to earn it or deserve it." It becomes an aspiration of Mullins to grasp that reality in the midst of a Christian subculture that prides itself on it's own triumphalism. As an artist, and a person, Rich Mullins was too honest - and too broken - to claim such a victory.

That is why the message of this movie contrasts so sharply with the latest "Christian" theatrical release, "God's Not Dead." There, Christianity is painted with bold strokes of black and white with little room for the gray smudges that watercolor the Ragamuffin's life. The two films could not be more different as well in their presentation of the Christian consumerism that has created Contemporary Christian Music. "God's Not Dead" blatantly uses the Newsboys as angelic messengers of the film's tag-line. They are not even represented as "artists" but function instead as "product placement." (Willie Robertson, of Duck Dynasty, cameos offering his "celebrity endorsement" for Jesus.) This was the "Christian World" that Rich Mullins hated, and worked all his career to avoid being conformed into. It was not his home.

Many evangelical Christians will be surprised, perhaps shocked or offended, to witness just what a mess Mullins was. Like the scriptures, the movie doesn't blink in showing us his flaws. You'll see him smoking, drinking, and swearing -- all while also clearly witnessing to the truth of the gospel with both his words and deeds. For many of us, it will be too much to stomach. Mullins would not fit in among many of our church friends. But, if Jesus still welcomes the poor in spirit, the mourning, and those hungering for righteousness into his Kingdom -- then Rich should be right at home there.

Prepared for the Worst, Hoped for the Best: Got Something In Between

[ngbarrow · 3/10 · 3 February 2014]

I prepared for the worst, worried that "Ragamuffin" might be a fanboy flick with nothing new to add to the story of Rich Mullins. I hoped for the best, believing that the film might open a window into the inner life of a musician and Christian who has influenced my life.

The end result was somewhere in between. The cinematography is good, the acting is decent, but the father-son conflict and romantic-interest only propel the movie for about 45 minutes before the story gets stuck in a long middle section detailing Rich's slow rise in Nashville. The sense of time and place begins to get hazy as characters are given little introduction or time to develop, and the original dramatic thread runs out.

If you knew nothing of Rich Mullins, you'd likely be puzzled by the movie's tag line, "His life was a whirlwind," as Rich spends much of it lying in bed emotionally distraught or staring into mirrors. If you're a die-hard Rich Mullins fan, there is little new here. Most of Rich's dialogue is taken directly from concert/interview transcripts and available source materials, but delivered without the characteristic "Rich" humor and bite.

During the credits, brief footage of Rich speaking in concert is shown. This was the most compelling moment of the film. I applaud the "Ragamuffin" team's effort, I support bringing the life and music of Rich Mullins to a wider audience, but for the most part, "Ragamuffin" just didn't work as a film. If you're interested in exploring the life of Rich Mullins, you are better off browsing his YouTube videos or reading his concert transcripts and interviews.

Highly Recommended

[stephan-fenton · 8/10 · 27 February 2014]

I love this story. It breaks the stereotype of Christian movies, most of which start with a messed up person who then meets Jesus and gets their life cleaned up. And they all lived happily ever after.

Rich Mullins was a mess. He was a mess before he met Jesus, he was a mess after he met Jesus. Maybe that was why he had such a keen understanding of grace. That's really what this movie is about. They wanted to tell the true story of Rich Mullins, as messy as it was, although I'm sure they had to clean it up some in order to get churches to show it. The in-concert monologues are mostly, if not all, taken verbatim from things Rich said during concerts. The music is well done and fitting with the story.

The movie was made on a shoestring budget, and in many ways it shows. The sound recording and mixing during interior scenes were not good (although that may have been partially due to the church where we were viewing the movie). The acting was sub-par compared to big budget movies, even from Wolfgang Bodison, who has plenty of acting experience. The sets all felt cramped and poorly utilized.

But for all its faults I think it's still worth seeing. Even if you have never heard of Rich Mullins, it's a compelling story. The movie, like Rich Mullins, can be full of faults and still have incredible redeeming value.

very disappointed

[lilisant · 1/10 · 19 May 2014]

I am a big fan of Rich Mullins, I have all his albums, and have been to several of his concerts, so when I saw this movie I quickly bought it. I have to say for a man who wanted his legacy to be one of joy, this movie presented him in such a depressing way. I know he was a flawed man, a lot of his songs reflect his (and our) struggle with being like Christ and living for him, but the makers of this movie seemed to dwell so much on his flaws (was he an alcoholic?) that it took away from the joy he had in writing music, singing, ministering to children and teens and sharing the love of God with others.

The continuity was terrible, one minute he had short hair, the next he had long ugly, unkempt hair and that was a big distraction in watching this movie. In all the interviews and pictures I have ever seen him in, he never seemed to look as disheveled as the movie depicts him.

Yes some of his music was introspective and dark, but a lot of it was whimsical, joyful and hopeful like, Pictures in the Sky, and With the Wonder, and so many were truly inspiring like, If I Stand. I didn't know the man personally as did some of the contributors including his own brother, but from what I have read about him and seen of him in concerts and interviews, and just listening to his music, he deserved so much better than this sad depiction of his life.

Well worth the investment and time to watch

[eskraay · 8/10 · 25 May 2014]

I have been following the development of this film and was disappointed when it could not achieve theatrical release. The minute it came out on DVD, I got on my bike and headed down to Walmart. I have watched it twice. There are things in the film production I can criticize, like the length of Mullins' hair in different scenes, but that is pointless. The fact is, the film drove me to Brennan Manning who I had no knowledge of. I consider the most important scenes in the film, the ones with Mullins and Manning. I actually had to go to IMDb to find out who Manning was. Since then, I have read The "Ragamuffin Gospel" and purchased two copies for friends. Rich Mullins was a messed up genius whose faith never wavered. That came through loud and clear in the film. He was not ashamed of his shortcomings and addictions. When Manning tells him God will ask only one question when you die: "Do you know how much God loves you?", I think Mullins could answer 'Yes,' despite his problems. This is a film that inspires the viewer to look deeper into the subject matter, and for that single reason, it is a success. For that single reason, you need to watch this film despite its flaws.

Engaging and revealing

[dbrayshaw · 9/10 · 11 October 2014]

In the 70s, I experienced a similar intensity as what is expressed in this film. Being saved in 1972 was not a panacea for me, although the initial awakening or quickening of my spirit, was indeed celebratory.

I knew I'd tapped into something special. At the same time, I had come from a broken home, a truly dysfunctional horror story, that left me in pieces. My endless patterns of faithfulness, like Bible reading and prayer, weren't a quick fix. Feelings and never-ending reminders of events held tightly to my thoughts and dreams. Well past my first year, then second, and even the tenth year of my "new" life, I continued to hurt, and all the promises in the Bible, no matter how often I spoke them, simply didn't make it go away.

Was there depression? Certainly there was, but it was more than that, because, even after I was saved, there remained a kind of toxicity inside and around me. I didn't feel like I belonged. The cliques in the church, I never fit into because I was a struggling, penniless college student who seldom had a dime in his pocket. I couldn't tithe; and so, the handshake that givers got when they walked in the door wasn't waiting for me.

Nevertheless, I gave what I knew, my ability to play an upright bass to help lead worship, and yet, no elder took me in, chose to mentor me, or understood my need. The prevailing doctrines told me that it was all about one's quantity of faith, and apparently, I had none. Among all those who believed that error, I continued in a kind of existential disconnect.

Like Rich, I found some help where God chose to lead me, to what is known by psychologists today as "inner child work". Through videos and books by John Bradshaw, I discovered the word "dysfunction" and its meaning, as well as the dynamics of the family. It was through that reading and listening that I began, slowly, to get in touch with that little hurting boy inside me. I learned to talk to him, to tell him things were going to be okay, that life was worth living.

So, pretty much, my story is what you'll see taking place in this film. I'm sure, even though the film is consistently gloomy, there will be those who relate to it. Some will sit hoping for an answer to their continuing scars.

Do as Rich did: start that conversation with the little kid inside. Tell him/her what should have been said long ago. Build yourself up by showing love to yourself.

Not what I had hoped it would be

[dianewilson826 · 1/10 · 24 August 2014]

We were not able to watch the movie during the theatrical releases but recently watched it On Demand at home. I am (still) a fan of his music and own each release. When he was alive my friends and I never missed a concert and North Texas was a big concert market for him and he was in concert a lot here.

I have to say that overall I was a bit disappointed in the movie. Overall the screenplay was slow and severely plodded along in other places. (I know there was a lot of ground to cover, but 2 plus hours was too long.) The background music did not help in the pacing of the movie either. There were several gaffes with props/clothes from the wrong decade being used. (My biggest annoyance was the 2000-era rolling suitcase used in the 1974 dorm move-in scene.) Some of the scenes in the group house were so poorly acted that we started fast forwarding through them.

I agree with those who have said in their reviews/commentaries that the movie did not show his joyful, whimsical, humorous side but focused on the dark periods. I noticed in one particular concert scene he was portrayed as scared and uncomfortable and in the multitude of times I saw him in concert he never came across that way. He always appeared to be having fun and enjoying himself. And during the after concert bookstore appearances he was friendly and would stay and visit for hours.

After the movie ended we started talking about questions that were raised – From the dirty hair (and disgustingly brown and greasy pillow case) are we to take away that Rich was unable to attend to basic hygiene? (Every time we saw him in concert or bookstore appearances he appeared to be clean and put together.) From the quick clip at Harry's Uptown Bar are we to take away that he picked up women in bars? One of the biggest questions we found ourselves asking from all the raging drunk scenes was if he was an alcoholic then why did nobody in his life intervene and get him in to rehab? Why were certain people in his life he talked a lot about and were close to him, not included in the story? Would he have been humiliated to have his greatest private struggles revealed?

I think that anybody who followed him closely knew he struggled with many things in life. While he did not share details (as it was his personal life) he did share enough that the person who was really hearing him could read between the lines. You knew that God was still able to use him to share about His love and grace despite his shortcomings. I wish the movie had showed more of the people who were ministered to by his music and shared that with him after his concerts. Rich's music opened many folk's eyes/hearts to what God was able to do in their lives as He had done in Rich's life.

Life changing

[kaptainkring · 10/10 · 1 January 2021]

This movie made me aware of the fact that I'm a ragamuffin, as I can relate to many of the issues addressed in this film. I've been around "nominal Christians" all my life and didn't know that I was just one among them. This movie also made me aware that I am loved no matter what goes down. I respond to that love by shaping my life to better reflect Christ in it. I watch this movie every couple of months to keep the concepts fresh in my mind and to remind me of where I came from and why I left.

I wish it was better

[evidence7 · 3/10 · 17 May 2014]

As a huge admirer of Rich Mullins music I was excited, but skeptical upon hearing a movie was being made about his life. Sceptical because Christian produced movies are nowhere near the quality of "Hollywood" movies. Mullin's music can, and does hold it's own alongside mainstream music. Would Ragamuffin be able to rise above the cheesy, fluffy, second rate production associated with most Christian movies? Well, the answer is yes, yes, and no. The movies is not cheesy, the story is compelling and believable. Most important the story is interesting. The movie id not fluffy. The really is conflict and struggle. Unfortunately the production values range from above average to pretty bad. Acting by a few major characters is not good. Tom Koch, the actor portraying Rich doe a good job, but he never seems to nail the sharp wit that Rich possessed. The wig he wears throughout most of the film is also unconvincing. The movie is better than say, Coureagous or Fireproof but nowhere near the level of The Buddy Holly Story. Rich Mullins music was better than this movie would have you believe. He played bigger shows than those represented in the movie. This film was clearly made with love for Rich, but the production values are never in league with the man the film depicts.

Better the Second Time Around

[twelve-house-books · 9/10 · 11 August 2018]

I have seen this film twice, and it was better the second time. Maybe because I had never heard a Rich Mullins song before the first viewing, and before the second quite a few of his songs have deeply touched me. I see my life reflected in his--not exactly, of course. Where he went to the Indian reservation I went to India, and where he wrote music I wrote poetry--but the alcohol was still the same. What I am saying is that this film shows the real side of Christianity, and should be seen by anyone confused by how many so-called Christians act and present themselves to the world. But if you really want to get into the study of Organized religion versus Real Christian Living, listen to Rich Mullins--maybe especially his song 'The Color Green'--and spend some time with his mentor Brennan Manning. Oh, and watch this film more than once. It's the antithesis of every other so-called Christian film you've ever seen--and if you've never seen one, all that much better. See this one, though.

This does not show the real Rich Mullins as it claims to

[suedeiss · 1/10 · 11 November 2014]

The people who created this movie to show the world the real Rich Mullins must of wanted to be cruel to him and his memory. Rich wanted to be remembered as a man of joy and compassion. The movie shows him constantly depressed and having fits of temper.

I could go on and on. For the sake of 1,000 words. Please know that I know Rich had a drinking problem and problems with a mean dad. And in 1970's getting medication and counseling in the conservative Christian camp wasn't popular. But why didn't you show OTHER parts of Rich.

He had a lot of friends. He was so popular, his band of Ragamuffins almost started a whole new religion!

He had a great sense of humor! Pick out any live footage of Rich and he's hilarious!

The movie made him ugly. Terrible wig! He was MUCH nicer looking than that. Why did the movie makers do that to the memory of Rich?

I am going to remember Rich as real, with real problems, yes. But I am also going to remember that he had friends and was funny.

I am going to trust that he loved his ministry of singing and that gave him a lot of joy. (Not the fame and all).

Not ONCE did the movie show Rich reading the Bible or in prayer. It showed him preaching and singing the Bible, but not once in any personal devotion. Why did the movie NOT portray that? His songs had to be bread out of a personal relationship with Jesus.

I wish there was another movie to apologize for this one.

Can't wait to see Rich in heaven. I know he's very happy there.

A movie I watch every other month.

[desertgypsygal · 10/10 · 24 August 2014]

First saw this movie in early April 2014, again end of May 2014, and again August 2014 after being given it as a gift. My husband and I work out on the Navajo Reservation, where Rich worked much of the last 5 years of his life. Having seen it first in Wichita, with dear friends, again in Durango, CO with some of those he actually worked with on the Rez, it really opened my eyes to a man I had respected for years (having heard of some of his struggles growing up in Wichita, but not the whole story). It also encouraged me greatly in my walk with Christ (as he was a Christian). Rich was such an awesome song writer, and to know he struggled greatly, but was still so used by God encourage me. The hardest part was the crash... brace yourself...

Heart gripping, and a movie I take with me when I go on trips to share with all my friends.

A movie only for the unrighteous

[dddavids49 · 10/10 · 10 February 2014]

It's interesting to see that (especially for males) the higher ratings tend to be associated with the over 44 (I'm 65) group. Perhaps just living is the best revealer of our many hidden hang-ups. Because this film shows a Christian idol as a fallen human, many will hate it. But if you struggle with addictions or want to know how to be reconciled with a dead father, this film may be helpful. There are no easy answers here, but at least it honestly reveals to an image-conscious world how even fully convinced Christians are just as vulnerable as the rest of humanity, only they know they're forgiven. I hope most viewers come away from Ragamuffin wondering, "How could such a train wreck of a guy be so certain God not only loves him, but also likes him."

I really wanted to like this

[ovidnine · 4/10 · 23 November 2014]

I wanted to like this a lot. I heard it wasn't your typical "Christian" film. I grew up loving Rich Mullins and was lucky enough to get to see him in concert in my early teens.

His music and life had a profound effect on me, leading me to finding Brennan Manning's book and well, just showing me that life isn't as simple as church often makes it.

The problem with this movie is its just not very well done. The acting is mediocre at best, the writing is as well.

Some things are set in the correct time period and others they just appear to shrug and say "oh well" and don't worry they aren't.

The movie also does a pretty terrible job at flowing. We get a glimpse of Rich as a kid, it was rough, his dad was a hard man, and then, he's smoking, and then he's off at Bible college, and then he's in Zion. Stuff happens, and you sort of see how they're connected, but they don't flow into each other.

I really wish this movie had been a real documentary instead of poorly made docu-drama.

Rich Mullins is an inspirational figure who shared his genius and God's love with the world while battling extremely human flaws. He didn't hide from them, and fortunately the movie doesn't flinch from them, but neither does the movie do a proper service to the man and his work.

Great Movie about Rich Mullins

[waterdoc1998 · 10/10 · 8 May 2014]

I love this movie it chronicles the life of Rich Mullins. Rich is the greatest gospel song writer ever. I love Rich's music!! He is best known for composing "Awesome God" but may of his other songs are rich with meaning. I recommend this movie to anyone & everyone!! Rich was imperfect just like the rest of us Christians but he sought after God's heart his whole life. Rich saw himself as a missionary put here to be on a mission for God! I admire him shying away from fame & wealth and doing it all for the Glory of God!! Although Rich's life came to an end all too soon he accomplished more than most can in a much longer lifetime!! A great movie about a committed servant of God!!

Not an Accurate Portrayal of a Christian Musician

[em-65358 · 1/10 · 6 November 2015]

Next time have someone produce a film that didn't do work for Mad T.V.! Christians should have directed and produced this film, not anti-Christians. If you are reading this review (and are a Christian serving the Lord), truly, DO NOT WATCH this trash! A new, Christian biopic has to be done about Rich Mullins -- one that loves Jesus and shines His love.

Absolutely, this is a chillingly ugly movie. This film does nothing to exemplify the true musician whose work shined with the wonderful, rich talent that God gave him. I was not at all impressed with the screen time given to a light bulb swinging in front of an abusive father, or to his struggle with alcohol. The film, in order to be truly great needed to portray Mullins working in the missionary field; a Mullins that taught piano (and other instruments to the Youth of his church) a Mullins who witnessed for the Lord and knew the struggles of others less fortunate that him.

Terrible, stinker of a raga-film!!! I give this film a 1 out of ten stars...and if this were a grade, an F-.