This wonderful film is about the forgotten struggle for freedom. Eighty-three years before the ratification of the 13th Amendment ended slavery, John Laurens fought for and died for his belief that all men should be free. The beautiful thing about this film is that it looks at freedom from a few points of view, including the spiritual freedom that Christ has given men. The battle against the British and those that opposed the freedom of slaves is realistically portrayed with rifles firing, featuring the after-effects of smoke, and cannons striking targets with deadly force.

Robbin Knight heads up the cast in a passionate portrayal of John Laurens, playing him as a man who put duty and the fight for freedom before his own wife and child. His temper is hot, his passion fierce, and his actions explosive. He and his father, Henry Laurens, don’t always see eye to eye, but Henry himself winds up in the Tower of London as he opposes the British and is discovered carrying a secret message.

There are moments of eloquence in the film too. For example, one of the characters says that one can become a slave to anything and willingly, but the word “slave” implies forced bondage. The irony of the statement and the need for men to be free is nicely dramatized. The spiritual need for God is nicely illustrated in the line, “The sunlight of truth in Christ.”

There are a few tavern and drinking scenes and a few scenes of violence which include blood seen on various characters and on bandages. However, this historical story deserves to be seen, and we are awarding it our Dove Seal for Ages 12+. Parents should consult our content listing as some parents will be okay with their kids a bit under 12 watching this significant film.

The Dove Take:

This wonderful historical story is nicely portrayed in this dramatic movie! It is relevant yet today—just as freedom and justice are still relevant truths and goals of men and women everywhere.