The Song (I) (2014) User Reviews

A Christian Movie without Christ

[sandramac101 · 7/10 · 13 October 2015]

I have watched this film twice. I appreciated the acting and the technical quality of the production, and would recommend the film for that reason. However, like so many moralistic films, the singer and musician failed his true calling in life, and ultimately renounced the life that brought him briefly to sin, but also could have brought him closer to the wisdom he sought through sharing his life's lesson. It made him a one-trick pony, and his wife only wanted him if he just stayed on her father's vineyard to work, renouncing his musical talent because "she didn't know anything about such things."

Whenever a film makes either the man's or the woman's work, which supports the family, appear only sinful and even harmful to the family, it makes me angry, as a wife and as a Christian. Yes, it caused him to sin, but so did his wife's inability to show him love and appreciation when he came off the road and home to her. It is part of what made him fall from grace - he had asked her to come with him on the road with their son, and she said she never would.

I would have been far more supportive of the film if he had fallen, rediscovered God's love and purpose in redemption through Christ, and taken that new understanding into his music, to inspire others. As it was, the movie gave out a lot of Old Testament platitudes in the narrative, and lost a great opportunity to demonstrate growth in both the characters of the husband and wife. So, watch it for the scenery, and the bits of good music, or as a cautionary tale, but don't look for answers in the lives of its lead characters.

Christian film made for Hollywood, not the other way around.

[ldelie1 · 5/10 · 3 October 2014]

This film was heavily hyped in the Faith Based community by email campaign and advertising on many web sites. I didn't want to leave an early review, as I didn't want to dissuade people from it, but I have to be frank; this film doesn't help much of anyone. It doesn't even hit the self-proclaimed target of being honest about marriage problems very well. It claims to be the 'best film about Marriage since Fireproof'; no way! There is far more to making a marriage work than just physical fidelity. There are better relatively low- budget faith-based films about marriage (albeit not theatrical releases) right now: Redeemed—Grace Abounds and The War Within just to name two. The former of the two deals honestly with real fidelity, and the latter with emotional fidelity. If you want to know how to fix a marriage, watch one of them! I really don't believe that was the film's true intent; I think it was an attempt at making a Christian film that Hollywood would embrace; if so, it had to fail. Hollywood could not help but ignore it; they already do sleaze better—so it's not 'cool enough' for them. The Faith- based community can't love it either; it's based loosely on the life of nobody's hero; Solomon. So what are we left with? An updated story about someone we don't (or shouldn't) even want to know. I can't blame the actors; to play a proud pompous jerk, you have to become one. Sorry.

Inspirational, Good Acting, But Repetitive In So Many Things

[rgkarim · 7/10 · 28 September 2014]

My last review again deviates from the normal blockbuster and instead turns to a lesser advertised movie. Instead of mind numbing action, stupid comedic gestures, or yet another animated movie, this one instead falls in the line of… yes you guessed it the drama. This review is centered on a movie called the Song, who you may have not seen advertised, because I didn't. So let's get down to it and give you the 411 on this cinematic journey as I will call it.

You might be asking what the heck is this movie about? The Song is a tale about a singer, surprise, named Jed King who is in the shadow of his famous father, who has a bit of sinful past. At the promise of not following in his footsteps, Jed puts his religion first in hopes of using that to keep straight. When love and a career begin to develop though, Jed is put to the trial of turning from the sinful life that the world offers.

So where does the Song come in? I wish not to ruin the surprise, but a part of it is that this movie has a lot of soundtrack to it, with a decent number of scenes involving some musical track. If you're a country lover, then you'll be pleased to hear that almost every song is in this genre. Most of the tracks sound exactly the same to me, the twang of the violin and banjo filling your eardrums with the sounds of Kentucky life. This annoyed me as the movie progressed, but mainly because 1. I hate country music, and 2. a majority of the numbers were the same song, only slightly mixing it up about halfway through. Luckily the numbers, for the most part, had a point to the story, often an outlet for the pent up emotions of young Jed, as a means of expressing himself. Some of these numbers made the point, but some of them seemed to be just whining with a certain beat that didn't do much for me.

As I mentioned the music is integrated into the story, but how good was the story in this film. The first aspect is that this movie is a big drama film, filled with the basic plot elements of a soap opera. Right at the start the tale is depressing, filled with a quick bout of adultery, death, redemption, and then more death, and these characters have little involvement in the tale. From there it goes back into the classic set up with a quick set up of romance that last no longer than ten minutes. Once the relationship is set, the real drama begins, which becomes the theme of the entire movie. The second component of the movie is the life lessons taught in the film via internal monologue and dialog between characters. Jed's journey through the stages of his trial is narrated by his thoughts, quoting from some poetry or verse summing up his feelings and actions. At times this is well done, but like everything requires a little balance, instead of beating the dead horse. Despite the delivery of the message, the lessons are grand though, the wise words delivered in such a manner to breach your conscious and make you feel the teachings. Well that, and the fact that Jed continues to make horrible choices, some of which had me saying "You idiot, or No don't do that dummy!" Outside of that though, the story isn't so much complex as simple and drawn out, with very little twist or surprise to the matter. Most of the things you can see coming a mile away, with the only thing keeping me in mystery being the ending. Yet, those that love emotional, tear jerking movies are going to be enthralled most of the movie.

Of course the thing that really brings this movie alive is the acting in the film. Alan Powell takes point in this movie, being the tragic "hero" in this tale. Powell's character has a nice set of pipes, not the best mind you, but decent enough. How much is autotuned? I have no idea, but he does a nice job for the most part. Outside of singing though he plays the emotions of sincere, sad, happy, and angry quite well, but goes a little overboard at times. He can even play the pathetic role quite well, all while looking good, at least from the comments by the female audience members. Overall his acting is good, though I can't say I enjoyed his character the most. Caitlin Nicol-Thomas also does a nice job playing the role she did as well. She's got edge, flare, and plays the wild girl quite well. In both music and acting, the girl brings spice to the picture and offsets the comfort zone the beginning part of the movie sets. Of course of all the cast my favorite is the lovely Ali Faulkner. Not only is this girl beautiful, but I loved her character in the film, and even more how she brought her to life. Faulkner plays the entire spectrum, and brings both wholesome goodness and loyalty to the screen. Of all the characters, I felt she was the one who kept the acting in check, not going overboard with the screaming and crying as some of the others did. My only complaint with her, the depressed sighing got a little old at some points.

The Song is a great teaching movie, and is meant for drama lovers who want that soap opera method. However, if you are looking for something a little more… fulfilling and less preaching, then skip this movie and watch it on Netflix. Just give this picture a try at some point; you may just learn a lesson that will go a long way.

My scores are: Drama/Music/Romance: 7.5 Movie Overall: 6.5

An outstanding movie with substance and truth.

[jamie-281-800131 · 29 September 2014]

"'The Song' is a gripping story of a singer that seeks the wisdom of God, and that tastes the temptations of this life along the way. A modern day Solomon, Jed King learns the hard way that fame comes at a heavy price. The way we all often find out when we 'go into the world'.

Alan Powell (singer of Anthem Lights) pulls off an outstanding preference on the 'Big Screen.' His captivating and believable character development was strongly brought to life through his acting. Throughout the movie you can feel his battles, from the fame, to the lust, to the struggles within his own marriage. That without God everything is 'meaningless.'

Sadly we find that most Christian movies are of low quality when it comes to acting, graphics and everything else that goes into making movies. But 'The Song' aced it. The scenes were beautifully done and the cast acting was enjoyable. It always makes me happy to watch a Christian movie with such an amazing impact. We definitely need more of these films in theaters.

Where to begin..

[jlindsayh · 1/10 · 15 April 2015]

I cannot even begin to describe the disappointment and trauma I faced after viewing this film. As a Christian, I was surprised to find that little to nothing about this movie had to do with the song of Solomon, either the natural relationship the book possesses or the Spiritual paradigms to Christ and the Church. The movie mostly quotes Ecclesiastes and the Proverb about the adulterous woman. If you want a romantic movie that draws your heart closer to your spouse or to Jesus, this is NOT your film.

This movie was about an honorable man who was portrayed in the beginning to be full heartedly pursuing God and avoiding the mistakes his father made. He continues to honor God and his wife as he becomes a big star and then all of a sudden...his marriage gets rocky because his intimacy with his wife dwindles and his new opening singer, Shelby hits on his weak spot, his humanity. He falls with Shelby and begins to live a crazy lifestyle of adultery and drugs. He lies to his wife and ignores his son, then finally comes to his senses and starts to make a turn around ONLY to go back to his old ways and so it seems, to Shelby. The movie ends with two minutes of redemption of him singing a song to his wife and her accepting him back with little question. He quotes Ecclesiastes and declares "life is meaningless" and so everyone should just enjoy their wife before they die and TAKE.

I'm very familiar with the book of Ecclesiastes but I felt hopeless after this movie. I appreciate those trying to make "Christian films" but where was Christ? Redemption? Perfect love? Where was true repentance and restoration? Don't see it. You will only cry buckets of tears with your friends/spouse/loved ones after.

Filled With Platitudes

[larrys3 · 4/10 · 11 February 2015]

Although I'm sure this movie will have it's ardent supporters especially in the faith-based community, I'm not a big fan of films which are filled with platitudes and agendas, because they invariably come across to me as preachy. Although this movie, written and directed by Richard Ramsey, is a little more low key than most in it's presentation of moralistic ideas, and has some good music and a decent story, it still registered with me as having a 'holier-than-thou" air about it.

Alan Powell stars here as Jed King, who's a struggling musician and singer living in the shadow of his father David, who was a famous country singer but has now passed on. With his career stalling, Jed takes a gig at a harvest festival, in Sharon, Kentucky, where he meets Rose Jordan (Ali Faulkner) and her father Sheppard, who own and manage the vineyard where the festival is being held.

It's love at first sight for Jed and Rose and they soon will marry. Jed is so inspired by his new love that he's able to write and perform with a new energy, and one of his songs about Rose becomes a big hit, and soon Jed has a rocketing career.

However, with his fame comes the expectations of musical tours, and on one of these Jed, who has his own strict moral code, meets the vampish Shelby Bale (Caitlin Nicol Thomas), who's an excellent singer and fiddle player in her own right, and will be his opening act. Shelby seems determined to seduce Jed from day one. Will Jed succumb to her temptations, plus the lure of drugs and alcohol so commonplace on road tours? Stay tuned.

I imagine the central theme of this film is that if you live a good and moralistic life, then it will outweigh any money or fame you accrue along the way and which you can't take with you when you leave this Earth. Thus you'll be in good stead to face God in the afterlife. However, despite those positives mentioned in the beginning of this review, I just couldn't buy into the preachiness of it all.

Well-done & Inspiring

[daniel-j-hall-vt · 10/10 · 27 September 2014]

I did not know what to expect when I saw the screening of this movie, and boy was I surprised. I knew it was based on the life of King Solomon but nothing else.

The script and acting quality was top-notch, and the directing was well executed. I was drawn into the storyline and found myself rooting for the characters. It was a wonderful movie to take my wife to for our anniversary, and we found ourselves talking about it for days after we saw it.

The movie is intense at times and probably not suitable for young children, but I highly recommend it for teens and up!

What an insult to women

[Southern-Blues · 2/10 · 3 April 2019]

This is such a garbage movie. First off, the stereotypes of the virginal young blonde wife and the voluptuous brunette temptress were obvious and pathetic.

It started off nice enough, and as the main character spiraled, I was expecting his road to redemption. His road to redemption was BS. It was a joke. You cheat on your wife, and you leave your girlfriend humiliated on the stage by herself, not once, but twice, and you get to go back home, shave off your spectacularly bad props department beard, and live happily ever after with the wife you stepped out on, all because you sang a crappy Byrds song at a wine festival??? And this is a Christian movie that's supposed to speak to Christians? I can't even.

Both the wife and mistress in this movie deserved better than the dirtbag who got his happily ever after.

Solid in every way + Every performing artist should watch this movie

[naturallyrockin · 8/10 · 4 March 2019]

I looked up this movie out of curiosity, once I discovered that Alan Powell -- a former member of Anthem Lights -- had left the group to pursue an acting career, and The Song was his first. Anthem Lights has been my favorite singing group since they debuted their first album. Making the transition from singer to actor doesn't always work, so I wanted to see this movie for myself -- which I did last night.

I had no preconceived ideas or pre-knowledge about this movie. It was interesting, stylistically, to see how the movie unfolded. Fortunately, I was familiar with the story & writings of Solomon, so I was able to track with the movie -- and found it to be creatively & masterfully woven. But someone unfamiliar with Solomon's writings might not understand or enjoy the format. The storyline itself though, is great, and everyone should be able to appreciate the realism of the drama and the life story it tells.

Personally, I was super-impressed (and surprised) by Alan's acting ability -- he is obviously a natural, and belongs on the screen. The entire film was solid -- cinematography, acting, editing, writing. If someone saying this is a "Christian" movie would scare you away, don't let it. I would not really know it was a Christian movie -- just a real movie about life and the true struggles of mankind.

For Sunday School Only!

[SwollenThumb · 2/10 · 10 May 2018]

Cheap cult-based story. Couldn't finish (life's too short!). This is for the deeply Christian believer who loves the Bible being quoted to him/her as the story unfolds. Leave it for Sunday School!

Surprisingly good!

[bushrod76 · 3 January 2018]

This is currently on Epix and when you first read the synopsis and look at the cover you think this is probably going to be a low-budget cheap movie with bad acting, especially since most of us have never heard of any of the actors. But I have to say the acting was excellent and the storyline had me captured, so captured that I'm sure I will watch it again! Alan Powell is excellent! He gives off a Joaquin phoenix type vibe and look during certain parts of the movie we all know Joaquin is a very good actor. All in all this is one of the best Christian-based movies I've ever seen and it was full of depth and heart. Pay no attention to the negative reviews, this is a must see!

An awful movie

[ljglei · 1/10 · 27 January 2020]

This is the one of the worst movies I've ever seen!! I thought it was going to be about a modern-day Solomon, but it was about this awful guy that cheated on his wife, became a drug addict and then tried to kill himself. It was very hard to try to figure out the point of the movie. I wished I'd never watched it and now I don't even like the actor who played the main role. Don't waste your time with a real bummer of a movie.!!

A++ Must see!

[musicman929 · 10/10 · 26 September 2014]

Great story, great acting, great music, great message. You can't go wrong with this one! Its a love story but also has the excitement of music and life on the road. It deals with real life issues with couples and the struggles of relationships. The music scenes alone are worth seeing it. Wonderfully crafted songs with great musicianship and slick performance footage. The cinematography is beautifully done. The three lead actors are new to the craft and pull their rolls of great. "Faith-based" films too often shy away from issues of sex, drugs, drinking, affairs, and marital struggles, but not this one. It hits hard and goes deep. It is layered with parallels to king David's and Solomon's lives, and the narration is straight from Solomon's writings.

One of the better movies on love and relationships that have been produced lately

[lawsonbusiness · 10/10 · 27 September 2014]

This is one of the better films I've seen on marriage and relationships lately. The film is set in a beautiful vineyard in central Kentucky, and has musical influence from that region. The cinematography is beautiful shot and the best words I can describe it is captivating. I would search for the sound track online and listen to one of the tracks to get a good impression of the genre of the film.

Some of said the story has a typical story-line, but then again, so do most romances (as well as most comic book movies lately produced). What makes a romance compelling is not in the novelty of the ending (any more than a Spiderman movie where Spiderman looses at the end), but what the journey seeks to tell us about love and relationship. This movie has a unique and compelling message to the typical romance. The Christian side is taken mostly from the wisdom parts of the Bible, so really interesting statements about the philosophy of life (and not dogma). I'm really glad I went to see it, and will probably buy the soundtrack when it comes out.

I Would Definitely Recommend this Movie, Especially to Married Couples

[California_Girl_2058 · 10/10 · 27 September 2014]

I hesitated to watch this movie since it was made by Samuel Goldwyn and not by a Christian Studio. However, to my surprise, I liked it! The main character and his wife are very happy until the husband falls for the oldest trick in the book (by no doubt a very pretty and unscrupulous female). If you don't have a babysitter for your children, please see IMDb's Parent's Guide for movie's cautions, to see if this film is safe for your child to see. The movie is about a Singer, so expect some singing; about six or more partial (not full length) songs. The romance is when the main character and his wife go on a date or two and get married (the wedding night consists of one kiss, in a medium to almost dark bedroom) No sex is seen or heard. No Nudity (I don't count a man without a shirt as nudity). A Drama film with a few intense scenes and a very wise message to whoever gets this movie. We did.

Awesome Film! Great Acting, Great Story & Great Message!!

[djbarratt · 10/10 · 7 April 2015]

I do not usually do on-line reviews but just had to give one for this awesome film. Good Christian films and that have talented acting and a great story line are few and far between, but this film has both. It is the biblical story of David and Bathsheba and their son Solomon, yet is done with real people who struggle with real life problems that we can all relate to and still triumph in the end. I applaud Kyle Idelman for producing the film and the casting director who picked the right actors who could pull off the story line. The acting was very well done by all the actors involved in the project, even though I was not familiar with these actors and any of their other projects. While I am not a fan of country music I felt the music was also well done and touching. Ignore any negative reviews and see this great picture. There are so few movies made that touch your heart and leave you with a good feeling and have a good cast and great directing. Take a chance and see this film. You will not regret it!

A beautiful executed faith-friendly movie

[thebillsawyer · 10/10 · 3 March 2017]

I think this is one of the most well made Christian films I've ever seen. The acting is really good, and the photography is beautiful. Overall it's well directed, well edited, and the music and musical performances are a real treat. If you're looking for an inspiring, entertaining movie that's edifying without being cheesy, this is one you should check out. In my opinion this film is a notch above most other faith-based movies. Personally, I'd like to see far more high-quality faith-based movies like this one be made.

Excellent Movie, brings Biblical theme to life

[macmack5 · 10/10 · 2 October 2014]

I really enjoyed this movie, and you should expect interesting sub plots and good directing and filming. It is an age-old theme, but what story line really isn't? (There is nothing new under the sun.) Check it out, you will not be disappointed. Not overtly spiritual or preachy. Just real and contemplative. The music is also interesting, and the scenery is breath taking. I like to study the art of film making while watching a movie, but the story and the plot did capture me enough that I really got into the story. Watch how the actor's appearance changes with the flow of the story. Really effective! I don't think attendance and box office will do this movie the justice it deserves, but don't be a crowd follower, give this movie a try.

Raw, real, & romantic. A must see. Best film with a musical soul of the decade.

[Readtobreathe · 10/10 · 26 September 2014]

Raw, real, & romantic. A must see. Best film with a musical soul of the decade. Cineamatography is beautifully executed. Acting is well done. Masterful storytellung. A movie that promises to be a benchmark and set a new standard for faith based films. This one will disturb the co fortsble and comfort the disturbed. The music was like a character in the film. The musical performances were well polished and professional. Grapples real temptations of life on the road while giving an example of redemption and hope. The film is the sexy, sleek, and unsanitized. Many chrisitans may bash the film while secular audiences may likely flock to support the film. The secual chemistry between the lead actors is palatable enough to strike terror in legalistic church goers while peaking interest in the souls that have strayed from the faith. It's siren call may just be a lighthouse on the shore for those looking for a lifeline for love.

Absolute must see for both marrieds and engaged couples !!!

[dkoeplin5 · 10/10 · 10 February 2015]

I first heard about this movie on the local Christian radio station and thought it sounded too sappy and unrealistic. Then I noticed the reviews it was getting. Really good reviews actually! Even from "secular" sources. So we went to see it and were not disappointed at all. Based on King Solomon, the movie didn't sugar-coat any of the ugliness of reality, and I appreciated how true to life the movie was. Right from the start it was captivated. The music was unexpectedly enjoyable too. I laughed, contemplated my own marriage and I got choked up (no tears fell😉). I left the movie with a better understanding of God's plan for marriage. I was ready to give my marriage all that God had planned for us! I wish it had done better at the box office because it was deserved. I look forward to watching it again and plan on buying copies for other couples I know! See this movie!

Loved it!

[pcgagliardi · 8/10 · 29 July 2019]

This movie came from the heart. People fall down & scrape their knees, scab up a bit & learn from their mistakes.

Good drama movie

[damonsbaby · 8/10 · 10 July 2019]

Don't watch this with your partner, if they've been unfaithful

Powerful and artful

[tseib · 9/10 · 28 July 2022]

Movies with Christian themes often have an undefinable cheesy quality--a non-realism reflecting the righteous ideals and high-minded puritanism of their creators. I found "The Song" to mostly avoid that tendency--though the idea that this couple didn't even kiss until they were married seems like a stretch, as does Rose's sudden shock upon discovering that cumulative years away on the show-biz circuit have taken a toll on her husband's morals. But those details aside, this is a solid tale of human weakness--the slow, soul-crushing compromises that can overwhelm us in work and relationships--and redemption. The music is excellent, the acting is convincing, and the quality of cinematography is superb. My favorite touch is the periodic and highly appropriate voice-overs from the Old Testament's Song of Solomon and what must be Proverbs or Ecclesiastes. Paired with dramatic imagery that illustrates our inescapable humanity in modern times, these ancient words are poetic and haunting, leaving you on a knife's edge between hope and despair at the human condition. In fact, I find the three-minute introductory section that illustrates the downfall of Jed's father to be one of the most powerful and moving passages in cinematic history. Seriously, the way it is shot and the story it tells in such concise form makes a profound statement on marital infidelity and literally gives me chills with its artful combination of visual storytelling and words of ancient wisdom. I am truly baffled as to why this didn't become a bigger hit.

One of the beste movies ever!

[kayleeraadschelders · 10/10 · 5 July 2022]

This realy is one of the best movies i have ever seen!! I have Watch this movie in 2014 en now again on Netflix. This movie is so good! Love it !! You need to Watch it, i"m sure you are gonna like this movie !!

A wholesome movie about the ups and downs of life

[jrrn-16201 · 10/10 · 25 September 2021]

Great movie from start to finish that has everything a movie should have ~ all the great life lessons you'll learn and none of the foul language and unnecessary nudity. One of the top all time movies for me ~ kind of like the notebook meets Ring of Fire.