“The Good Lie” is based on the true story of civil war breaking out in Sudan in 1983, between the North and South, over religion and resources. This led to many people, including many children, leaving after their villages were destroyed by the Northern government armies and the militia. This story focuses on a few of them who were able to flee to America.

Mamere (excellently portrayed by Arnold Oceng), Jeremiah (Ger Duany), Paul (Emmanuel Jal), and Abital (Kuoth Wiel) are able to get to America but the three are separated from Abital, Mamere’s sister, when no host family is found for her in Kansas City. She has to travel on to Boston, but Mamere and the others promise to find her. The story, although beginning with the heartbreak of losing many family members and friends, hits some comical points as the three men get a place together, find jobs, and adjust to life in America. The first time they go to McDonalds is funny, as is their reaction to the first time their telephone rings. One great scene has one of the guys telling the other two the joke about why the chicken crossed the road; their responses are priceless. Reese Witherspoon plays Carrie Davis, who is associated with the employment agency, and both she and a supervisor named Jack (Corey Stoll) go the extra mile to help the young men and reunite them with Abital.

There is also a plot line featuring Mamere’s desire to get Theo (Femi Oguns), his brother and former chief of the group, to America. The movie features both dramatic and comedic moments, as well as excellent performances from everyone. And the refugees have a strong faith in God: reading their Bible, praying, and going to church. Unfortunately, three categories in our content ratings are outside of our family-friendly perimeters, including the use of one strong profanity in addition to a few other words, and we therefore are unable to present our “Faith-Based” Seal to “The Good Lie.”