All Saints (2017) User Reviews (27)

A Solid And Inspiratonal Movie

[sddavis63 · 7/10 · 13 September 2019]

In spite of the fact that I, myself, am a pastor, I'm not generally enamoured of Christian movies. They're too formulaic and entirely predictable to be truly interesting. But this movie did pique my curiosity. First, because it was a true story about a real church and a real pastor facing a real challenge that's so familiar to many churches today. Second, because it didn't sound as if it was a hard-sell evangelical type of story (it is, after all, about an Episcopalian Church - hardly a hotbed of fundamentalism) but was rather about the real journey of one congregation to redefine its purpose. All Saints was a small and struggling Episcopal Church in Smyrna, Tennessee that was slated to close because it could no longer afford its mortgage. Then, suddenly, a large group of refugees from Myanmar - who happened to be Anglican - moved to the community and started attending the church. Together with the pastor, Michael Spurlock (who was newly ordained and had been assigned to All Saints for the sole purpose of guiding them to their end - a sort of pastoral palliative care for a dying congregation), the newcomers transform the church by creating a farm on its property, and using the produce to both feed the refugee population and to produce income for the church, giving the congregation new life and convincing the ecclesiastical powers that be to keep it open as a mission church.

The story isn't exactly an "exciting" one - but it's very faithful and faith-filled. Not in a fundamentalist sense, but in the sense of a diverse group of faithful Christians who work together to find a way to make a difference, and who feel themselves led by God to a new way of being "church." It's a pleasant and inspiring movie to watch. It's not hard-sell Christian. Among those who contribute to the farm are Buddhists and even "nothings" (presumably atheists) along with long time congregational members and members of a presumably evangelical mega-church nearby. But this particular church and its mission drew together all of these folk who in the normal course of things might never have known each other or worked together.

I thought the cast - particularly John Corbett and Cara Buono as Pastor Michael Surlock and his wife Aimee and also Nelson Lee as Ye Win (who was the leader of the refugee population) - were strong, and the story resonated with me and should resonate with anyone concerned about the plight of the church in so many places today and who are looking for a sign that the faith still matters and the church still makes a difference. This movie accomplished that. Well done. 7/10

A nice film you can take your mother and children to see

[planktonrules · 8/10 · 28 September 2017]

While Hollywood is loathe to admit it, while the studios often make money, a very large percentage of the public simply never goes to movies. Some of this, no doubt, is because movies often are filled with violence and other offensive content and many choose not to see it and spend their dollars on such films. Fortunately, in recent years various small studios have sprung up to fill this gap...and "All Saints" is among the best of these films I have seen.

This is the inspirational story of All Saints Episcopal Church, which is in rural Tennessee. The church was about to be sold as the membership had dwindled down to almost nothing. Reverend Spurlock (John Corbett) is brought in to close up shop, so to speak, but ended up leading an effort to try to save the church property because it had just become such an important part of a group of Burmese refugees' lives...and with their help he worked himself practically to death to save something many felt wasn't worth saving.

While technically speaking, there are films that look a bit better and feature CGI and huge stars, this one manages to entertain anyway and it sure didn't hurt that the picture had Corbett and a few other familiar faces. Overall, very well made and uplifting...the sort of film you could take anyone to see (unless, perhaps, they are Satan worshipers...I would take them to see "It" instead).

Embracing and Hopeful

[katetsubata · 9/10 · 1 September 2017]

I was pleasantly surprised by the strong acting and professional quality of this film. "All Saints" depicts the struggle of a fledgling pastor to revive a nearly-defunct church, while trying to meet the needs of a wave of refugees from war-torn Burma. While many faith- based films focus on miraculous conversions and battles with the secular, this film dealt with the more prevalent problems many congregations experience. Shrinking membership and aging populations, as well as the financial struggles of maintaining buildings--these are the painful reality for many faith communities. Poised for dissolution, the All Saints Episcopal church is about to be sold off, and the members scattered. Rather than go along with the sale, the people band together--old and new--to try to save the church through growing produce. The story is powerful, and the filmmakers have mixed professional actors and actual congregation members in the cast. This, and the use of the actual church and grounds for the filming location, brings a strong authentic feel to the film. Audiences will resonate with both the dilemma--and the solutions found by the main characters. Kudos to all for a relevant and uplifting film!

Great Faith-based film especially for Nashville area residents!

[Tarkin · 10/10 · 10 December 2020]

It is so amazing to see a local story being told in a film. It is even more amazing that our news channels would rather tell you about every house that catches on fire or vandalism in our city rather than tell you about this miracle in our own backyards. Taking place in 2007-2008 in Smyrna, TN this is an inspirational story that seems almost too good to be true. But as you do some digging you will find that almost everything in the film is depicted just like how it happened in real life. It is shocking to learn about the genocide of the Karen people (a state in Burma) and realize that we never hear about this on the national news front. OK, forget the attack on our news channels...this is a fun and family friendly movie. It is so fun to hear about local places constantly in dialogue (Nashville, Franklin, Smyrna, Murfreesboro) and neat to see local areas like the old Music Valley Drive (the Trail West sign can be easily seen) outlet shopping area (boy does something need to be done with that area) being used as a movie location.

See this movie to see what can happen when we start thinking more about others, see it to challenge your faith, but see it because it is a local story that made it to the movie theater!

I went in not expecting to like it. I ended up loving it.

[jrneptune · 8/10 · 23 June 2018]

Everything I was seeing told me to expect another feel good preachy movie. Where folks have an obstacle and overcome it with faith.

It was so much more than that and a great and inspiring message for all of humanity. There indeed obstacles, many major ones. How those obstacles are faced and overcome and how they change people and their community was worth the watch and even worthy of a movie ticket in my opinion.

If you have not seen it please do.

Far from perfect, yet a remarkable and moving story

[Amthermandes · 7/10 · 15 September 2017]

Overall the film is very enjoyable, and will be more so for those that are religious, even more so, for those with Christian backgrounds. It panders tho those audiences, but anybody with good sense can find something pure and inspiring from the film's story.

It starts off rocky, with poor editing and confusing scenarios, however as the plot develops and we learn more about the characters, it seems to pick itself back up and progress more smoothly. The film is rather plain in and of itself, but does a great job bringing an ordinary and believable true story to life, while delivering a strong message about community and faith.

Nothing truly stands out as extremely amazing about the film, but neither is there anything horrible. What the film does very well, is bringing a true story to the screen. It is quite real, believable, and does not exaggerate miracles. It is simply what it is, nothing overly grandeur, even using real people from the story to play themselves, because why not? The story is about them, and a humble tale to help inspire those who watch it.

Through its flaws, it's well put together and quite enjoyable. It's essentially a feel-good completely family friendly story, a film Hallmark movies pretend to be.

Its all about community

[Molongirl · 8/10 · 7 September 2017]

This a such a good true story on how a failing church is totally revitalised by the most unlikely of preachers and also how "community" can develop among the most unlikely groups of people. Cultural differences, age differences disappear as they work together toward a common goal.

When a preacher is told to close a church and sell off the land it seems just another move in the downsizing of churches and their people. Then the miracle happens, no not the Hollywood "happy ever after" sort of miracle where all crops would be harvested, there would be no floods nor trucks impounded on a hot day, but the real miracle of people learning to listen to each other, to work together, to respect each other, to love each other.

The speech by the Karen man to the church leaders is a focal point and grounded the movie, such a moving moment and so heart breaking, so well done.The simplicity and honesty of this speech helps the church leaders and us as viewers get a small glimpse of what others have suffered and what "mission"actually is.

Each main character learns so much from the experience of trying to save the church and the movie demonstrates it well, the preacher, that sometimes we think God calls us to do something for a particular reason when in reality it is a totally different plan He has in mind. The church leaders learn to listen and one particular one hears again his call to ministry and lastly the ordinary people learn not to give up. A good story told well and with a sense of humour, do go and see this, you'll feel better for it.

All Saints - Against All Odds

[krocheav · 8/10 · 11 July 2018]

This is the true story of Michael Spurlock, a salesman turned Pastor of a small Smyrna Tennessee Episcopal church. It traces what happens after he's been told by the diocese he must close his church due to low attendances. The events that transpire over the difficult months that follow are as unlikely as they are remarkable. Nothing runs smoothly for Michael, his struggling family or his small band of supporters. The hardships they encounter are at times soul destroying but, hardships can also push people to work against impossible odds - in an attempt to turn them into goals that build community bonds. The outcome of this curious story is one that needs to be seen and won't be readily forgotten. What can be achieved by people of different cultures - when their ongoing communal existence is threatened - is powerful indeed. An unusual story of survival against the odds, told with intelligence, quality production values, good performances and a better than average music score.

Unique Inspirational film

[michele_hixon · 7/10 · 26 August 2017]

While inspirational, this movie is also very real in depicting the awkward and unpredictable messiness of life while trying to follow God. Some of the casting is really strong. It may push us a little toward out-of-the-box thinking. I will try to see it again partly because it was thought provoking and also because there were a few scenes I couldn't understand what was said. It is not necessarily Christian, but more spiritual. As far as reviews go, it's humorous to see how a spiritual movie predictably ends up averaging 6 stars when only 7% of viewers rated it 6 stars. Since 40% rated it 10 stars and 20% rated it 1 star there's a much higher chance (60%) you will be in one of the totally love/totally hate it groups.

This movie will make you cry

[pezcleo · 9/10 · 27 August 2017]

Its the true story of Burmese refuges, a new pastor with a dying church. Disclosure I background actor on the film. (I'm on the cutting room floor) So knew what the story was in general a year ago. This film moved me to tears 3 times after seeing it for the first time. Even if you are not person of faith, this will move you. Don't want spoil it just go see it in the theater!

Based on the truth faith

[bethjazotte · 10/10 · 14 November 2020]

Baseado numa história real (e filmado no lugar real) esse é o filme que melhor mostrou, pra mim, que o desígnio de Deus é absolutamente desconhecido para nós mas que, sem dúvida, ELE está sempre ao nosso lado e nosso favor. Que Ele sempre seja louvado, mesmo nos tempos mais difíceis! Based on a real story (and filmed in the real place) this is the film that best showed, for me, that God's design is absolutely unknown to us but that, without a doubt, HE is always by our side and our favor. May He always be praised, even in the most difficult times! #netflix #movieslover #christianmovies

A terrific movie about how God shows up in unexpected ways for His faithful

[jacobs-greenwood · 7/10 · 22 September 2017]

All Saints (2017) is a terrific movie about hope and faith, but it's more about how God shows up in ways we don't expect. Even when one believes that he has received a clear calling and is obedient to it, one has to leave the results to Him.

Based on a true story about a church that's about to be closed in Smyrna, Tennessee, the film begins with Michael Spurlock (John Corbett) getting sworn in and receiving his instructions from the Bishop (Gregory Alan Williams). Michael is to oversee the closing of the All Saints Church over 2 months time because its dwindling membership can't afford the mortgage payment to the diocese. Cara Buono plays Michael's wife Aimee; Myles Moore is their son Atticus.

It's a sad event for the few remaining members, especially a widower named Forrest (Barry Corbin), a retired farmer-Vietnam veteran that's a bit of a curmudgeon. He 'convicts' Michael of his duties as a pastor. So Michael posts some flyers to grow the congregation and, the following Sunday, is pleased to see a handful of Karen refugees from war torn Burma (Myanmar) attend. However, only Ye Win (Nelson Lee) speaks English, so Michael enlists Win - who has already assumed many of his fellow countrymen's responsibilities - as a translator.

The Karen - mostly farmers by trade - are poor and in need of jobs and food. Win asks if they can start a garden on church property to help feed their families. Michael pleads with local businessmen to help and finds only Boyd (David Keith), who's willing to supply some jobs at a chicken plant. When Michael is offended by the crassness of some prospective buyers of the church, he runs them off. Meanwhile, he institutes a second service for the Karen, which has become a growing population in the area.

It's at this point that Michael receives what he believes is a call from God, to turn the church's acreage into a farm, to provide food for the Karen while selling the rest to pay the mortgage. He successfully sells the idea to the Bishop - to delay the closing of the church - for a season.

While Aimee - with help from Atticus - educates and teaches the Karen children to sing English-language songs etc., Michael becomes a farm foreman. The Karen work the fields in the early morning before Win has to drive the men to the chicken plant for a 12 hour day, which causes his marriage to fall apart.

Also, there's a lack of rain which causes the fields to be watered by hand, a difficult and time consuming process for Michael. But because of Win's budding friendship with Forrest, the old farmer joins in, and proves invaluable to Michael, especially when negotiating the price for a tractor. In order to pay for the tractor, Michael has to take out a loan that would force him to leave the clergy and go back to his prior sales job if the farm fails.

Despite these difficulties, it appears that everything will work out okay until a rainstorm washes away most of the crops before they're harvested despite a tremendous effort by the entire community. Another unforeseen event destroys their only remaining hope, the sour leaf that was to be sold to Asian restaurants in nearby Nashville.

However, from Proverbs 19:21 "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." I won't spoil what God does, but it's consistent with His character (and involves the Bishop).

Very Nice (true) Story

[celebration_kids · 8/10 · 2 September 2017]

This movie is based on a true story. I just saw it in the theater with my friend last night 9/1/17. It was the 2nd week of release and the theater was about 40% full, which was nice for a Christian movie. It's about a former paper salesman who has problems with authority. He's tossed in his salesman hat, for a pastorship in the Episcopal church. The Bishop Council start him off easy with a failing church in TN, of about a dozen people. He is meant to be a temporary fill-in while they get ready to sell off the property and close the church. However, he feels a connection and wants to do more than just close the doors and usher everyone out. He decides to hang some flyers around town inviting people in for those last few visits. Little does he know, real people in need are about to show up, and completely change his way of thinking. He and his family go on a journey that will bring them real connection. It's not easy, and God's ways are not always clear. It's not an over the top wow movie, but the quality is good and we both enjoyed this story. It's real life, and people striving to be better. I recommend it for adults. I doubt young kids would enjoy sitting through it for very long, but there's nothing bad in it if you choose to watch it with them. John Corbett is an enjoyable actor and elevates the movie. Barry Corbin plays a cantankerous long time local who also adds depth to the story. I thought they could have gone even further with his character. **SPOILERS FOLLOW** There were times in the movie when John Corbett looks pasty white out in the fields. I thought they were preparing him for a heart attack or something. But, no. That did not happen. The little boy was super pale (not tanned) which was not realistic for a kid supposedly working several days in the fields. He would either be burnt or tanned. So that's just a random detail that didn't fit the story I noticed. I found it interesting that a Bishop stepping down from his position, was enough to pay off the enormous mortgage of the church, and the debt that Rev. Spurlock had personally incurred in trying to save the church. It was commendable the Bishop choose to do so, but why are Bishops being paid that much to begin with? Food for thought. I also was bummed the Council choose to move him and his family away to NY at the end, and let a more seasoned pastor or reverend (?) take over. I know he has remained friends with that congregation, but still would have been nice to let him stay and grow with them. Just my opinion of course, and I realize God could use him anywhere. :)

A film that brings a breath of fresh air to faith-based stories

[pranderson063095 · 10/10 · 19 September 2017]

Mild spoilers at best, no bombshells.

I was somewhat pushed to watching this movie in the theater. We had seen previews of it and a short story on television about the making of the movie and while it seemed to be a little bit interesting, I was more skeptical since so many faith-based movies are full of contrived situations. I was very pleasantly surprised and thanked those who convinced me to go see it. Giving it a 10 because there is no reason not to.

The story is well detailed in other viewer reviews and the synopsis. The pace of the film is slow, somewhat predictable but not completely. The slow pace is all right most of the time but there are a few places were I was urging the story to get on with it. Considering the plot, the screen play probably needed some of that padding to fill the time necessary for a theater feature length. The visuals were somewhat repetitive but not much was there to have impressive cinematography. The actors all did a very good and convincing job and the roles were very well cast. Barry Corbin is superb. How he played his role, slowly developing and brutally honest is in our opinion the best in the movie. John Corbett is also very good. Always with a touch of Northern Exposure in each role he plays, this time he was very convincing as a newbie minister in the Episcopal Church. Cara Buono was the most surprising of the these three. She was fresh without any telltale from her previous roles.

The ending is surprising and unexpected. Impending doom is suggested suddenly and very quickly. There are a couple of twists at the end which makes it worth while to stick with it to the end. The postlude story which reflects back to those in the true story is great. You know this is one movie that is truly "Base on a true story." Too often that tag stretches the imagination. Not this time.

Share this story with your children

[lmbeene · 10/10 · 2 September 2017]

Based on a true story. Great back story. Relax and escape the stress of your life while in the theater routing for the success of these people. Run, don't walk to the theater. The story line is one of determination and who doesn't need that right about now. Go see the movie and then hear me say, "I told you so."

The Miracle in Smyrna

[lavatch · 6/10 · 12 January 2018]

In the bonus track of the DVD version of "All Saints," the major theme of the film was described by the film artists as one of "hope and faith." The film was shot on location of the actual All Saints church in Smyrna, Tennessee, that is the subject of the film. It was interesting to meet a number of the real people alongside the actors performing them.

The main narrative focuses on the attempt to save an episcopal church in rural Tennessee that is about to be shut down and sold, due to lack of parishioners and funding. The improbable story that unfolds is a bold (or hare-brained?) plan of a dedicated pastor, Michael Spurlock, and the newest members of the congregation, a group of Karen immigrants who have fled the civil war and genocide in Burma (Myanmar), located between Bangladesh on the west and Laos and Thailand on the east. The idea is to pool their efforts in starting a farm on the church property, and sell the crops to pay off the debts and save the church.

By far, the most interesting character in the film is a young man named Ye Win, who organizes his family members and friends to become an integral part of the congregation and save the church. The best scene in the film is when Ye Win delivers a speech to the bishop and church administrators in an effort to buy time in saving the church. He wins over the elders by arguing that "we are one family."

The film was not as successful in developing how the members of the Smyrna community rallied around the farm idea that ultimately gave the church a new identity. Much of the action was overly sentimental and melodramatic. And, for an episcopal church in the south, it was surprising that there was very little church ritual presented in the dramatized church services, which were far too informal and unstructured.

In the bonus track, it was noted that the struggle to develop the farm and race against the clock was not merely an effort to save the church, but to save each other. But, as depicted in the film, the characters were so resourceful that it really did not appear that they needed any "saving." The more important drama was how they came together in a shared purpose and inspired others who eventually flocked to Smyrna to be a part of something that is all but vanishing in today's world: the vital importance of people working together and developing a unique bonding as a community.

great movie

[jimjoachim-54265 · 10/10 · 26 August 2017]

saw this movie this morning thought provoking entertaining as a Christian makes me think what can I do for others highly recommend caused me to focus on GOD and serving others great music based on true story this is the focus of faith with different cultures blending & serving GOD & others

A nice and pleasant movie

[DogeGamer2015 · 10/10 · 20 September 2020]

This film is an inspiring experience, it has a good plot and moments to reflect on.

energiser and satisfying

[ruhaniulzaidy · 10/10 · 28 March 2020]

Within this time of negative energy everywhere, this type of creations is much more needed to energise everybody. thumbs up for the creator

if only

[pilot1009 · 2/10 · 7 October 2018]

Quaint retro supposed to be uplifting but ends being trite and boring, mainly because it is so so predictable, on the piisitive side no one swears, burps or in any way disgraces themselves (except the script writer). Ok if you are religious and want something comfortable, otherwise read a book.

Not really how things work

[dawh1 · 8/10 · 18 February 2018]

I loved the movie. It was very inspiring, all the more so because apparently it really happened, or most of it did. However, I am an Episcopalian, and I know that some of what was depicted couldn't really happen the way it was presented.

A diocese can't balance its budget by the resignation of the bishop and the use of his salary for some other purpose. A diocese has to have a bishop. The definition of a diocese is the jurisdiction of a bishop. If the bishop resigns, there has to be an election of a replacement bishop.

Secondly, the Bishop of Tennessee can't appoint a priest in his diocese to a position at St. Thomas, Fifth Avenue, New York. For that matter, neither can the Bishop of New York. St. Thomas is a self-governing parish, and the rector, wardens, and vestry would make that decision. There might have been some conversation between the Bishop of Tennessee and the Bishop of New York which led to a suggestion by the Bishop of New York to the Rector of St. Thomas to consider Fr. Spurlock for a vacant position. But the decision was made at St. Thomas and was not as clear-cut as it was shown in the movie.

Very Good movie will buy DVD

[theseedofgreatnessshow · 10/10 · 16 April 2018]

Movie shows God works in mysterious ways. Trust. Based on real truths and happenings.

Good acting, love John Corbett, however...

[Samuela55 · 4/10 · 29 September 2017]

All of the acting is good and I love John Corbett. Prior to watching this movie I knew nothing about the suffering of the Burmese Karen people and was educated about them by this movie. Unfortunately the ending of this movie is so depressing that I believe that this movie should not have been made about this situation.

Corbett and Corbin reunited!

[MariaLBD · 8/10 · 19 March 2024]

I loved John Corbett's portrayal of Chris Stevens in the 1990s TV series Northern Exposure, so I decided to see what else he's been in and came across the 2017 movie All Saints. It had a decent imdb rating and was available on a channel I get, so I watched it not expecting much. Well, I really enjoyed it and the presence of Barry Corbin (Corbett's Northern Exposure co-star) was an added treat. Their relationship in All Saints was reminiscent of their Northern Exposure relationship, so that was fun. Corbett's sermons as Pastor Michael Spurlock were also strikingly similar in tone to Chris Stevens's on air musings on Cicely, Alaska's radio station.

All Saints is a sweet, uplifting, wholesome movie anyone can enjoy.

Good story, terrible ending

[TomK75 · 1/10 · 12 February 2019]

Good story, terrible ending. I don't care if it was based on a real story. We need heroes in our lives and the ending stole it away. TERRIBLE. Come on screen writers do a damn better job!