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..

---

Plot Keywords:

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

---

Taglines:

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

---

Genres:

Biography | Drama | Family | Music

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for thematic elements including some violence

Did You Know?

Trivia

The hospital scenes were filmed at Oklahoma City Community College in the nursing lab.

---

Goofs

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

---

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.

---

Connections

Referenced in Honest Trailers: Jurassic Park 3 (2018)

---

Soundtracks

The Great Adventure
Written by Steven Curtis Chapman, Geoff Moore
Performed by Steven Curtis Chapman
Courtesy of Sparrow Records
Under license from Universal Music Enterprises

User Reviews

Pleasant surprise.

I enjoy a wide range of movie genres. I don't seek out Christian movies in particular. I knew from the trailer the basic premise of this film, however nothing more. I knew it would be a tear jerker, but it has much more substance and is a good film on its own merits. Good performances, Denis Quaid did a very good job. It's sad that Hollywood would not even take this film seriously because, well I'll digress, someone would take offense or argue about my because opinions and I'm not a keyboard warrior. It's worth seeing in the theater, just take a Kleenex or 12.

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