I Can Only Imagine (2018)

The inspiring and unknown true story behind MercyMe's beloved, chart topping song that brings ultimate hope to so many is a gripping reminder of the power of true forgiveness.

Directors:

Andrew Erwin (as The Erwin Brothers), Jon Erwin (as The Erwin Brothers)

Writers:

Bart Millard (based on the life story of), Jon Erwin (story by)

Stars:

J. Michael Finley, Madeline Carroll, Dennis Quaid

6 wins & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
J. Michael Finley	...	Bart
Madeline Carroll	...	Shannon
Dennis Quaid	...	Arthur
Trace Adkins	...	Brickell
Cloris Leachman	...	Memaw
Jason Burkey	...	Mike
Mark Furze	...	Nathan
Randy McDowell	...	Jim
Cole Marcus	...	Robbie
Alexander Dominguez	...	Kent
Brody Rose	...	Young Bart
Taegen Burns	...	Young Shannon
J.R. Cacia	...	Rusty
Tanya Clarke	...	Adele
Nicole DuPort	...	Amy Grant

Storyline

10-year-old Bart Millard lives with his mother and abusive father Arthur in Texas. One day his mother drops him off at a Christian camp where he meets Shannon. Upon his return from camp, Bart finds his mother has left and movers are removing her belongings. He angrily confronts his father, who denies that his abusiveness was the reason she left. Years later, in high school, Bart and Shannon are dating. Bart plays football to please his father, but is injured, breaking both ankles and ending his career. The only elective with openings is music class, so he reluctantly signs up..

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Plot Keywords:

abusive father | song | religion | christianity | based on true story | 

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Taglines:

The song you know. The story you don't.

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | Family | Music

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for thematic elements including some violence

Did You Know?

Trivia

Before Bart (J. Michael Finley) begins writing the title song, I Can Only Imagine, there is a guitar case in the background that says "I Can Only Imagine" on it.

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Goofs

Young Bart is handed the U2 album The Joshua Tree (1987) in 1985.

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Quotes

Brickell: Let me ask you something Bart, what are you running from?
Bart: My dad. He, uh, he...
Brickell: ...he beat you, didn't he? Ya ain't got no poker face kid.
Bart: I carry that. I have to live with that, you know. I always will.
Brickell: Then write about it. Stop running from it. Let that pain become your inspiration.

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Connections

References Forrest Gump (1994)

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Soundtracks

Hallelujah
Written by Leonard Cohen

User Reviews

New outlook on song

I have listened to the song I Can Only Imagine probably thousands of times and after watching this it gave me a new understanding of forgiveness. I am going to be honest here and say I was in tears throughout this movie. This is definitely a must see and bring a tissue or two.

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official Site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 March 2018 (USA)

Also Known As:

I Can Only Imagine

Filming Locations:

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$7,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$17,108,914, 18 March 2018

Gross USA:

$83,482,352

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$86,086,881

Company Credits

Production Co:

Kevin Downes Productions, Mission Pictures International, City on a Hill Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

110 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1