3 Religious Patriotic Movies To Watch This Independence Weekend
(ANALYSIS) America has long been a place where faith and patriotism comfortably go hand in hand. Whether that’s “In God We Trust” on our money, “God Bless America” in our songs, or “One Nation Under God” in our pledge of allegiance.
While some are uncomfortable with a tight relationship between love of God and love of country, these values are only becoming more tightly intertwined demographically. Liberals are increasingly abandoning both faith and patriotism. Meaning more and more, all the same people who are religious are also going to be the ones who are patriotic.
So it is no surprise that for America’s 250th anniversary, faith-based filmmakers have made a point to push out multiple patriotic and American history-themed films. Whether that’s historical dramas, war epics, or documentaries. All of which are widely available to view on July 3rd for patriotic-minded American Christians.
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‘A Great Awakening’
Made by Sight & Sound Films and Roadside Attractions, “A Great Awakening” follows the friendship and parallel lives of American Founding Father Benjamin Franklin and Whitefield.
Before the American Revolution, the Rev. Whitefield sparked the first Great Awakening, uniting an entire generation with his thundering proclamation of liberty in Christ and gaining the begrudging respect and friendship of the deeply secular Franklin. Years later, after the war with the nation’s freedom hanging in the balance, Franklin has to learn from his friend how to save the country from destroying itself.
The film excels in showing how the friendship between Franklin and Whitefield parallels the tension in America between religious fervor and enlightenment, commerce and statesmanship, and how the marriage of the two is what made the country what it is, both good and bad. Its weakness is when the film gets dragged down in traditional biopic melodrama. Still, for those looking for a film that celebrates the religious history of America at its founding, it might just hit the spot.
The film is available to view on The Wonder Project through Prime Video.
‘Rush: The American Revolution’s Most Indispensable Doctor’
Joseph Loconte, a New York Times bestselling author and filmmaker (and also my former college professor) has gone on a kick of making documentaries that chronicle the best of Western civilization for his YouTube channel. Now, he’s taken the videos he’s made about the lesser-known Founding Father Benjamin Rush and turned it into a full documentary.
Produced by The Rivendell Center and NOBLE, it is about the remarkable life and legacy of Rush – a signer of the Declaration of Independence, chief surgeon in George Washington’s Continental Army, a pioneer in psychology, a fervent abolitionist, a champion of women’s education and a man of faith.
The strengths of this documentary rest on Loconte’s keen charisma and clear love of the subject matter, as well as an obviously fascinating under-appreciated member of the founding fathers. If there’s a flaw, it’s that the film follows a pretty straightforward expert interview and narration pattern. More scenes like Loconte debating with his friend on whether allowing slavery was worth it to preserve the union would have enhanced the film. But at a mere 60 minutes, this is a great way for families to learn about how people of faith shaped America’s beginnings.
“Rush: The American Revolution’s Indespensible Doctor” is available on The Wonder Project through Prime Video.
‘Young Washington’
Easily the biggest movie on this list is “Young Washington.” Directed by Jon Erwin, the feature stars William Franklyn-Miller in the lead role, capturing George Washington’s journey long before he became known as “the father of our country.”
The production boasts a powerhouse ensemble cast, featuring Academy Award winner Ben Kingsley, Golden Globe winners Kelsey Grammer and Mary-Louise Parker, as well as Golden Globe nominee Andy Serkis and Joel Smallbone.
According to the official synopsis, before being elected president, he was a soldier fighting to survive. A single misstep thrusts young Washington into the center of a global conflict, testing his honor, loyalty and courage. As alliances crumble and the frontier erupts into war, he must confront not only his enemies but the man he's becoming. This is the untold story of Young Washington.
“Young Washington” is a big deal in more ways than one. It’s one of the first times in a long time that a mainstream filmmaker in the faith-based genre has attempted a coming-of-age action adventure war epic for males. It’s also one of the first times Washington himself has been brought to the screen as a four-quadrant crowd-pleaser. It also has a surprising fidelity to what we know of the historical record, and gives voice to both the ugly and inspirational parts of America’s birth through the eyes of the titular Washington.
“Young Washington” is in theaters starting July 3.
Joseph Holmes is an award-nominated filmmaker and culture critic living in New York. He is co-host of the podcast “The Overthinkers” and its companion website theoverthinkersjournal.world, where he discusses art, culture and faith with his fellow overthinkers. His other work and contact info can be found at josephholmesstudios.com.