Machine Gun Preacher (2011)
Strong themes, violence and drug use
| Director: | Marc Forster |
| Actors: | Gerard Butler, Michelle Monaghan, Michael Shannon, Kathy Baker, Madeline Carroll, Souleymane Sy Savane |
When ex-biker-gang member Sam Childers makes the decision to go to East Africa to help repair homes destroyed by civil war, he is outraged by the unspeakable horrors faced by the regions vulnerable populace, especially the children. Ignoring the warnings of aid workers, Sam breaks ground for an orphanage in the middle of territory controlled by Lord's Resistance Army, a renegade militia that forces youngsters to become soldiers before their teens. Determined to save as many as possible, he leads armed missions deep into enemy territory to retrieve kidnapped children, restoring peace to their lives - and eventually his own.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 129mins |
| Origin: | UNITED STATES |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
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Member Reviews (37)
37 Member
Reviews
says
Graphic and thought provocating... Must Watch
Robyn W
says
I think that because it is based on a true story made it a bit more powerful, not a movie to watch if you are after something light but down to earth and thought provoking. Good movie.
Denise
says
I enjoyed this
Ross
says
Rubbish,Boring
says
This movie highlights the plight of the children of Uganda all due to Kony not being captured. Outside aid and Sam Childers efforts are angels picking up the pieces of this evil still going on in the world. PR
says
The first 15 minutes or so was very full-on, certainly easier to watch after this point. Very moving story. I didn't really know what to expect, not your average shoot-em-up as the title might suggest. The "Preacher" theme was not overdone in context; I am not religious but there wasn't too much to turn me off the movie.
Trish
says
Awesome movie. True story.Very real. If you can get past the reality of heavy swearing and selfish living of this guys former druggie, bikie days and the reality of torturred life (and death) in Africa for the families affected by the LRA and the controversial way in which this one man determines to make a difference - then this movie may just inspire you to do something, anything, for someone else too :)
says
I'm sure if there wasn't so much religion in the movie I would have stayed on to watch.... Couldn't help but feel like the church funded it.
brown moustache
says
great movie! a touching true story
Hayesy
says
Wow and to think this is happening in the world today. Very deep and moving. I cried for the children. Gerard Butler what an actor!
Joey
says
This is a serious, deep movie - the shallow minded need not apply. What happens when a degenerate, tough man gets touched by faith, and decides to make a stand for the most underprivileged human beings on the planet? Fighting not just for poor children but also for his faith in a cynical world can rip apart even the hardest of men. This movie really touched me, I never thought I would see something on the screen that actually reflects parts of my own life and thinking. A movie about an honest, uncompromising modern day Christian warrior. Very rare indeed, and I was deeply touched by it.
quibid
says
OK to a degree. Watchable once but not again.
Amanda
says
Great movie, love Gerard. So sad at what has happened over there. The killing of all those beautiful kids.
Otto
says
Graphic and all too true. However, the all American, "I have found God" theme turned me off. Still watchable.
doddery76
says
damn good movie very interesting worth a watch
Kaye C
says
Good movie. Worth watching.
Ann E.
says
I am a huge Gerard Butler fan but dispite his great talent this movie left me feeling flat and 'deaf', very low key storyline, can see how it tries to pull at the heartstrings but it was all shooting & fighting certainly not a 'love your fellow man' type of Christian movie. Maybe more for the boys but my Husband didn't think a great deal of it either.
Ric
says
What a story.
Unfortunately does not full follow the life of Sam Childers.
A good, but quite an emotional movie.
sunnycoastgirl
says
Really good movie. I have heard about the KONO 2012 uprising but actually didn't know that this movie was about this topic. Really good movie to educate what life is like. Gerard Butler cast into the role was a great choice and Michelle Monaghan supported him brilliantly. Not one for the light hearted with the MA 15 rating spot on. When you watch the movie please watch all the way through until the credits end as you see live footage of the real Sam Childers that this story is about and it really hits the spot with the question he asked at the end of the credit. Makes you think and agree !!!
GH
says
Great movie, not what I executed. Coney references, now I understAnd.
TR
says
worth watching
revengers
says
Watched it for 15 minutes. No More said
stanarosa
says
Dont really know how I feel about this movie. very sad all way round.
eva
says
only good if you are very religous and belive in helping childeren in africa or places like that as it as too much religon in it. but as a lot of freedom fighting in it.
Cairo49
says
I like Gerard Butler, but this one did nothing for me. Probably too much religion for my liking.
mk
says
just made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside
Aaron Ramon Ki Re
says
Damn good movie despite being somewhat pro-religious. The drama is captivating throughout and the brutality of the war in Sudan is hard hitting and gut wrenching. Great acting performances by the entire cast with a special credit to the supporting cast of African actors. Worth watching for sure.
ben
says
loved it good film
Regan
says
This movie maintained my interest throughout. The storyline was quite good, I thought some of the characters weren't overly believable. Still worth a watch
ted
says
Typical no story movie,ordinary acting,used violence to cover lack of content
Tracy
says
This movie was confronting but a must see! Loved it!
aaron
says
This movie must have been close to getting a cinema release, possibly due to the religious overtones it didn't. Quite a good movie and one of Butler's best performances. Raw and disturbing at times but suitable for teenage viewing to understand the turmoil and violence currently being felt in the depicted African areas within the movie.
DanP
says
Not Bad... not great either!
Steve
says
Really cool movie...
jtbug
says
Gerard Butler's finest performance to date (though I guess that isn't saying a whole hell of a lot). This true story is mostly riveting to watch and hits you in the guts as well as the heart.
AS
says
well worth a watch...such a great movie based on true story. luv this guy and his acting.
Phil
says
Didn't like it much. Long movie for a conventional, simplistic Hollywood movie. Based on a true story, didn't feel like Butler was right for the role. Also some of the dialogues especially between the father and daughter sound ridiculous. Also the the beginning of the movie takes the story to a fast pace and all of a sudden what was a bad guy decides to turn to god. Lack of pain, lack of remorse and how it seems too easy make this film too superficial.