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This faith-based film tells the true story of the Smallbone family from Australia. The film is written and directed by Richard L. Ramsey and Joel Smallbone, one-half of Christian musical artists For King & Country.
The film begins in 1990 in Australia where David Smallbone, played by his son Joel Smallbone, works as a successful concert promoter for Christian musicians such as Stryper. David and his wife Helen, played by Daisy Betts (Last Resort, Chicago Fire), live in a large home, have six children and a seventh on the way. While David pursues his dream in music, Helen looks after the children and the home.
But David suffers a major loss when a recession impacts Amy Grant’s Australian tour. He loses everything. And now nobody wants him to handle their tours.
As a result, he convinces Helen to move the family from Sydney, Australia to Nashville to work in the Christian music industry there. Helen agrees to give the move two years, even though it means leaving family, friends, schools, etc.
***SPOILER ALERT***
But things don’t go much better there for David either. When David’s job with Christian singer Carmen falls through, we see the family struggle financially, and they ultimately receive help from their church and church members. David is proud, and feels like he has let the family down. It is hard for him to receive from others. We see him go into a depression.
David’s father James, played by Terry O’Quinn (Lost), suggests that he should look at the musical talent living under his own roof. From that point on, the film focuses on the family’s 16-year-old daughter Rebecca, played by Kirrilee Berger, trying to get a record contract.
The unsung hero of the story is Helen, who holds the family together when everything around her – David’s depression, financial woes, etc. was falling apart. But Helen refuses to give up, instead telling her family that they need to pray.
There are no content concerns with the film. The family demonstrates a strong Christian faith throughout. Themes include marriage, family, depression, sacrificial love, faith, and courage through trials.
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The acting is solid throughout, especially that of Daisy Betts. The 1990’s costume design and musical soundtrack is on point.
This true story is about faith and family, and will especially be enjoyed by fans of Rebecca St. James and For King and Country.
Accompanying the release of the film is an album entitled Unsung Hero: Inspired By, featuring For King & Country, Michael W. Smith, Lecrae, Stryper, Rebecca St. James, Amy Grant and Hillary Scott.
