Unsung Hero is a biopic drama based on the true story of the Smallbone family’s move from Australia to America to rebuild their lives after they lost everything in an economic recession. This is a PG rated movie that runs for 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has themes of family, faith, prayer, miracles, perseverance, and letting go of pride, shame, and regrets.
The Smallbone family famously includes Christian music artists Rebecca (stage name Rebecca St. James) and Joel and Luke of For King & Country. But the family has seven children between the father David (portrayed by Joel Smallbone) and mother Helen (Daisy Betts). David is a music promoter who lost everything in a recession. Their family moved to America for a new job, which fell through. The movie depicts their struggle in a new country with barely enough money to fit in a jar.
It’s definitely a tear-jerker of a movie as we see the deep struggles of this family. There are many poignant moments as the family comes together and finds community in a small loving church. There are also funny moments interspersed throughout the drama, as it usually is in real life.
I am most touched by Helen’s faith and strength as she holds her family together. It was inspiring to see a strong woman of faith. I loved seeing how she gives herself moments of wavering and anguish, but finds an inner fortitude bolstered by her faith in God so she can be the glue of her family. As a long-time Sunday school teacher, I especially loved how she passed on the power of prayer and believing in miracles to her children.
The acting is amazing, not just from the adults but the children as well. They beautifully portray the innocence of childhood as well as that understanding children have from seeing more than what we give them credit for. They are able to carry even the emotionally heavy scenes, and also deliver funny lines with just the right punch and timing.
There are two instances when I clearly recall scene transitions that are too abrupt. There is no resolution between what happens in the first scene and the next scene. I think the audience is supposed to infer that time has passed between the scenes, but it only feels like something got cut on the editing floor that shouldn’t have been.
Nevertheless, the cinematography successfully captures the early 90s. The costume, hair, and makeup are wonderfully nostalgic for me. There are also plot twists that make this a satisfying story to watch. It’s a great movie for the whole family, especially as a way to teach children the power of prayer (adults can learn that too). It’s definitely one of those movies that pastors and leaders can utilize in their ministries. There are a lot of lessons and talking points in the movie. But while it is an unashamedly Christian movie, it’s not preachy. It’s the story of a family and their faith.
