This movie states in a powerful way that one man can make a difference. The film opens with the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and they are: “A man who won’t die for something is not fit to live.” In this story a world renowned evangelist, John Luther (James Remar), is under pressure from Senator Donald Harrison (Bruce Davison) to join with a new faith movement which places all religions together as equal under one umbrella. Luther, a strong Christian and powerful influence, refuses to compromise his Christian beliefs and won’t go along with the plan. Harrison decides Luther must be framed and the corrupt senator works it out so that Luther appears to have committed the murder of a young woman.
On the run, Luther is not sure what to do as his story of possible murder makes the news. He goes to his father, a Catholic priest, who tells him he must either face being caught or prove his innocence. Luther decides to do the latter and hatches a plan to prove that he’s been framed. This film contains a very strong redemptive message. However, it does feature some strong violent scenes as well, including a few characters being struck in the head with bullets and some shedding of blood. Therefore we are awarding our Dove “Faith Based” Seal with a Caution for Violence to this movie. “Persecuted” is nicely acted and features a compelling story that shows what one man with faith can accomplish.