I saw Heaven's Rain just a week after it was released in theaters. I was apprehensive, because I knew the subject matter is horrible and sad and I was not sure If I could stomach that kind of story. But, I was very impressed and satisfied overall with the delicate manner that Brooks Douglass used to tell this story. The acting was believable and deep. The story was carefully and gently told, focusing on a meaningful message. Regardless of personal opinions about the events, it is besides the point to me. This film was just as measurably good of a film as so many out there and far better than many of them. This is definitely a good and heartfelt film that kept me interested and caring. It was not too slow, and certainly not at breakneck speed ... it just moves and feels. It is delicately dealt adaption to this real life story and I really enjoyed it and hope to see it again to absorb the fine performances, and to appreciate it again.
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industarz13 December 2010
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digiteum19 September 2018I'm not an American and know nothing about what happened, but on reading afterwards on Wiki about the Douglass family, this film teaches us that crime victims and families of a person who was murdered can forgive the culprits. Could we all learn to forgive that way?
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spikebeatty21 April 2011This is an incredible (true) story of love and forgiveness and illustrates the importance of the lessons imparted early in life and the strength that can come from a loving family.
You need to see this movie. The R rating is uncalled for. There is no graphic violence, nudity or even cursing. A family with teenagers could watch this one for movie night.
For a movie with a small ($1,000,000) budget, the production is excellent and the cinematography is well executed. The acting was terrific, with Brooks Douglass turning in an outstanding first time performance, playing the role of his own father. Mike Vogel is great and has all the mannerisms of Brooks Douglass down cold. Taryn Manning really drew me into the story as Leslie Douglass (Brooks' sister). Erin Chambers was very good as the reporter who ties the whole story together. -
cmad7323818 August 2011I watched this movie today after watching the true story on Dateline NBC. This movie has something in it for everyone. Everyone has something to learn from this story and the amazing abilities of the Douglass children. Even though it was surrounded by such a senseless act, it is amazing how some people are able to rise above and make something good happen. I think there is a great lesson for all to learn in this movie, children and adults alike. It teaches you so much about the human spirit. Also teaches us all a wonderful lesson on forgiveness. It also shows us what is important in life. The things people complain about makes them realize (after watching this movie)that their problems are small comparison to what this family had to deal with. It was pretty amazing that Brooks was able to play his father, it was as if he had been an actor his whole life. It was also satisfying to watch Leslie sing, she has a beautiful voice. I am sure their parents are smiling down upon them and are so proud!!! I am in awe of this family and the life lessons they are trying to pass on to the world. I highly recommend this movie, it is awesome!!! Carin M
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jayce-1420 January 2011I had the opportunity to see this movie when it first premiered in Hollywood at the ArcLight - I'm a bit of a critic when it comes to Indy/smaller budget films so I didn't know what to expect, but hey, for a free ticket...why not? Needless to say I'm writing this review because the film left a lasting impression on me. I'm also writing because this movie deserves at least 9 stars and if you are looking for an Indy film with a ton of heart behind it, this should be on your list.
The beautiful part about this film is the story transcends everything else one might critique (i.e. production value, acting, etc). This film tells the captivating story of Brooks Douglass, a true story that is relevant to everyone -- diving into the human condition and exposing hard truths that many of us have dreamed about but few have endured. The story is a testimony to life, love, family, perseverance, tragedy, and vengeance. I don't want to give any spoilers in this review, but to quote one audience member in the "talkback" after the screening, "where did you get the idea for this story?!" The answer is obvious - sometimes truth is more captivating than fiction.
Watch it. And then do what I did: Google "Brooks Douglass" - this movie just might change your life. -
seabunny258 August 2011If you need a good cry. This is the movie for you. Its an incredible movie about the power of forgiveness. The best thing about it is that it is a true story.
How many of us would be able to do the same thing? It will touch even the most calloused of hearts.
I never would've believed that this story would've ended like this. Especially after the lives the family led before the events of the movie took place.
A positive movie about the human spirit and the way God moves in even the most evil of settings. -
yellow313127 September 2011Heaven's Rain is a wonderful film about a tragic story. I was very impressed with how the emotions of everyone involved in the story were presented. Mike Vogel does an excellent job portraying Brooks Douglass and walking us through the heartbreak and hope that has occurred in his life. Douglass even portrays his own father, a feat that I'm sure was daunting but helped connect the story to the viewers in a powerful way. In addition, the great performances of Taryn Manning and Erin Chambers help tie the story together. Thank you Brooks Douglass for not only telling your story, but for reminding us all that forgiveness is possible no matter what.
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I honestly didn't know what to expect from this movie. I was pleasantly surprised, as was my husband. The movie was, at times, a heart-warming family story. At other times, it was dramatic, suspenseful,sad,and inspiring.
Heaven's Rain is based on the true story of the Douglass family. The family served on the mission field in Brazil, and later returned to the United States. A tragic event left the children orphaned, angry,and bitter. They eventually were forced to come to grips with the past.
The scenes in Brazil were shot on location, with natives "acting" as the tribesmen. Brooks Douglass plays the part of his dad, and does a fine and believable job. The other actors were good, especially the part of "young Brooks". -
Did you ever feel the need to forgive a friend or loved one for doing something? Usually it is for something that winds up being pretty insignificant but what if you felt the need to forgive someone you did not know? What if that person shot you and your sister leaving you for dead? What if the same person shot and killed both your mother and father? This is the dilemma that Brooks Douglass struggles with in his autobiographical drama HEAVEN'S RAIN. Douglass the son of a minister and his sister Leslie have shared this journey for over twenty years. It dramatically comes to a conclusion when face to face with the man who decimated his life and tore his family apart, Brooks makes the decision of his life . a decision which helps him to regain his life. Forgiveness is more times than not much more beneficial for the one bestowing it than the one receiving it. If you have ever struggled with whether to forgive someone (and who of us hasn't) this is a story for you to watch. It is part adventure story, part family drama, part murder mystery and the pursuit of victim's rights but mostly a story of forgiveness and redemption. The redemption Brooks Douglass finds through the act of forgiveness.