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Running Head: MOVIEW REVIEW
Courageous – Movie Review
Liberty University
PACO 506
Dr. Eric Scalise
September 19,2021
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MOVIEW REVIEW
Abstract
In the paper, the review of the movie ‘Courageous’ has been presented. A high emphasis
has been given to the characters in the movie and how they have dealt with their personal
tragedies in life. A diverse range of ethical and moral situations that have been portrayed in the
movie have been explored in the paper. The dilemmas presented in the movie have been
examined, and the therapeutic, personal and professional implications of the review have been
presented. A number of scenes have been used as examples that are of high relevance through
the Christian lens.)
The Review - Summary of the plot
The plot of the movie revolves around a man who finds comfort in his religion after
going through a personal tragedy. He vows to be a better parent to his teenage son. The movie
can be considered to be a message for men to take responsibility for their family members. Many
children and teenagers choose the wrong path in life and start consuming drugs or alcohol after
being neglected in their homes. In the movie, five families have been shown. The Haynes family
is a Christian family comprising of parents and children (Affirm Films, Sony Entertainment
(Producer), 2011). The Mitchell family is also a Christian family. The third family represented in
the movie includes a divorced father and his son, who is unsure about his religious beliefs. The
next family involves Thomson, who has a daughter with his former high school girlfriend. He is
not a religious character. The last family represented in the movie involves Martinez, his wife,
and his children. They are also a Christian family.)
A number of events take place in the movie, which brings these people close to one
another, and they ultimately become good friends. However, a major tragedy takes place with a
specific family, and they all decide to cohesively find a resolution and become better parents for
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MOVIEW REVIEW
the sake of their children. Adam, the father from the Mitchell family, has been facing issues in
his family as he focuses on his work instead of giving time to his family. Both his children are
desperate to get his attention. Something tragic happens in Adam’s life, and he starts blaming
himself for it. Ultimately, to deal with his situation, he seeks counseling. He is not sure about
what to expect from God. He asks his friends to join him so that they can come up with new
ideas and help him so that he can be held accountable for the events that have taken place.
However, they decide that they are also accountable as many children rely on father figures and
mentors to learn and grow in life. Thus, the journey begins where every family starts to forgive
and ask for forgiveness.) ) ))
Therapeutic Implications
Several scenes in the movie have direct therapeutic implications. For example, there is a
scene where the Sherriff talks to people about the significance of families needing a father figure.
During the scene, a counselor should have been present so that he could give better insight on the
topic to the men. It could have increased the effectiveness and impact of the specific scene. In
the movie, it seemed like the people took a fairly long time to identify that there was an issue that
needed to be fixed. As a counselor, I could engage with the individuals so that they could
understand their responsibility towards their family members (Affirm Films, Sony Entertainment
(Producer), 2011). For example, a counselor could extend a helping hand to Adam so that he
could deal with the personal tragedy and loss and let out his sorrow. After Adam would share his
thoughts, he could be asked whether he would like to pray to the Almighty. Further, he could
also be asked whether he really blames himself for the personal tragedy that took place in his
life. By asking such questions, the counselor would be able to reach his self-awareness so that
Adam could stop blaming himself for his personal loss and tragedy (McConnell et al., 2021).
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MOVIEW REVIEW
Bible could be used as an important instrument in the situation to make Adam realize that he
must have faith in Christ in the trying times. According to Hebrews 13:5, God will never leave
mankind. During the tragic time, as a counselor, I could play an important role in showing Adam
that God would help him to deal with the loss and He would never forsake him. Further, I could
tell Adam to continue loving his family as it is the ultimate expectation of God. In the movie,
Adam has shown high moral and ethical values even during his vulnerable times. He makes
attempts to heal his family and mend his relationship with his wife and son.)
Personal/ Professional Implications . .
The movie has a deep meaning for me as I am able to connect with it at a personal level.
Most of the morals and ethical values displayed by the characters are aligned with my personal
belief system. The interlink that has been demonstrated between theological and psychological
counseling is practical, and it shed light on high cultural diversity. Various challenges were
demonstrated in the movie that exists in reality, such as drug addiction, drunk driving, etc. When
a person encounters such kinds of issues, it is quite natural to experience different kinds of
emotions such as anger, sin, pride, arrogance, and many more (Affirm Films, Sony
Entertainment (Producer), 2011). When a person faces such challenges in life, his faith in Christ
could falter. In order to deal with such a situation, it is necessary for individuals like fathers,
mentors, etc to play a proactive role.
The movie is extremely informative as it can guide individuals to act in a responsible
manner and value their families. It can be used by men to keep a tab on how their children need
to be treated and loved in the family setting. The scene in which Javier is being tested prior to his
promotion is very impactful at the personal level (McConnell et al., 2021). The scenes have been
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MOVIEW REVIEW
effectively interlined with each other as they showcase how people can follow the path of Christ
to deal with different challenges in life.)
References
Affirm Films, Sony Entertainment (Producer). (2011). Courageous: Honor begins at home
[Motion picture]. USA: Tristar Pictures and Sherwood Pictures.
McConnell, J. M., Bacote, V., Davis, E. B., Brown, E. M., Fort, C. J., Liu, T., ... & Davis, D. E.
(2021). Including multiculturalism, social justice, and peace within the integration of
psychology and theology: Barriers and a call to action.)Journal of Psychology and
Theology,)49(1), 5-21.
