End of the Spear
for intense sequences of violence.
Reviewed by: Chris Monroe
STAFF WRITER
| Moral Rating: | Better than Average |
| Moviemaking Quality: |
|
| Primary Audience: | Adults |
| Genre: | Historical drama |
| Length: | 1 hr. 48 min. |
| Year of Release: | 2006 |
| USA Release: |
January 20, 2006 (wide) |
Keywords
- Repentance
- Forgiveness and How to be and feel forgiven
- Redemption
- God’s grace
- Justification
- Salvation / Is Jesus Christ the answer?
- Regeneration
Answers to questions about lead actor Chad Allen, who plays both Nate and Steve Saint in this film:
Sadly, Chad Allen is not a follower of Christ himself, despite some Christian influence in his life, including living in the jungle for 3 weeks with Christian Steve Saint and the Waodani Christians. We pray that good influence will one day bear fruit. Steve is a dear and loving Christian who we trust shared the Gospel—and joyfully lives it. In an interview published in InLA magazine Allen mentions his own, rather New Age view,
“I am from a Christian background [Roman Catholic], but I have a personal spirituality that spans the distance from Buddhism to Hindu philosophy to Native American beliefs.”
Allen is openly homosexual and a high-profile Gay Rights activist and producer. He promoted same-sex marriage and Gay/Lesbian adoption in a debate against Dr. John MacArthur on the “Larry King Live” show (Feb. 24, 2004). A few days before “End of the Spear” was released, he again defended Gay marriage on “Larry King Live” (Jan. 17, 2006), debating against Albert Mohler, Jr., President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and conservative radio host Janet Parshall.
During this latter TV broadcast, Chad Allen said of the “End of the Spear” crew, “…I made this movie with a group of conservative Christians who do not agree with my expression of sexuality. But we said to each other, I will walk with you accepting your differences, and we can create together. I will give you your space to respect you fully.” Despite her strong differences with Allen on homosexuality, Parshall graciously took the opportunity to give a nod to the film and it’s message at the end of the program,
“Chad Allen stars in a wonderful film called “End of the Spear”. He plays a fellow by the name of Nate Saint, who was macheted to death by a very, very aggressive tribe in Ecuador. And you know what, Steve, his son, is now alive today. He travels with the man who macheted his father to death. And they didn’t say to the Waodani tribe, hey, make it up, you can find your own path to God. They told them exactly how to find God, and their whole lives and their entire culture changed because of the gospel of Jesus Christ. So, Chad, it’s a great film, and I’m going to be happy to be seeing it.”
No Gay issues are promoted in the film, and we presume that Chad Allen was hired for his talent, looks and other practical considerations—not his anti-Biblical views. However, it seems the producers used poor judgment in knowingly hiring an actor who is actively promoting sin—and publicly confronting the Bible—to play a famous and much-loved Christian missionary and martyr. We acknowledge that despite decisions fallible humans make, God is certainly capable of using all for good—just as He did with the Saint and Elliot families and the Waodani tribe.
• Fellow Christians, please join us in fervently praying that Mr. Allen will one day repent of the sins he is practicing, as Nate Saint and Jim Elliot did, and humbly serve our Lord Jesus Christ, rather than opposing Him. The end of his story is known only to God.
• What were the producers thinking? Response from the Director of “End of the Spear” on criticism received about the casting of Chad Allen (off-site blog)
Answers about homosexuality:
- What about gays needs to change? Answer - It may not be what you think.
- What’s wrong with being gay? Answer (Homosexual behavior versus the Bible: Are people born gay? Does homosexuality harm anyone? Is it anyone’s business? Are homosexual and heterosexual relationships equally valid?)
- What does the Bible say about same sex marriage? Answer
- What should be the attitude of the church toward gays and homosexuality? Answer
How to share Christ’s message with homosexuals
Claim: God made me a homosexual. Response
| Featuring | Chad Allen, Louie Leonardo, Jack Guzman, Christina Souza, Chase Ellison, Sean McGowan, Cara Stoner, Beth Bailey, Stephen Caudill, Matt Lutz, Cheno Mepaquito, Jose Liberto Caizamo, Patrick Zeller, Magdalena Condoba Traci Dinwiddie |
| Director |
Jim Hanon |
| Producer | Every Tribe Entertainment |
| Distributor | Jungle Films LLC |
“Dare to make contact”
The dramatic event of the murder of five missionaries in the jungles of Ecuador in 1956 can be told in numerous ways from numerous perspectives. In the brilliantly titled film “End of the Spear”, several of these various points of view are included, but the one that transcends them all is the personal story of Steve Saint, son to one of the five missionaries killed. It is Steve Saints experience that begins and ends this redemptive drama, but his tale is one that highlights a theme that runs throughout all of the tales: the divine concept of forgiveness.
The question raised at the beginning of this film—although not completely clear—is how will one man respond when he meets face to face with the very men who murdered his father. This is the same story that is explored in the documentary film “Through Gates of Splendor” (also directed by Jim Hanon), which takes us through various events leading up to Steve Saint returning to the very place his father lost his life and facing the men responsible for his fathers death.
This narrative account, “The End of the Spear”, first flashes back to 1943 and gives us background into the indigenous Waodani people of Ecuador. It emphasizes the relationship Steve (Chad Allen) had with his father as a child, highlights the missionary endeavor and tragedy, and retells how this violent tribe of people is changed by the Gospel and the power of God. Other subplots and key characters, such as Dayumae (Christina Souza) and her relationship with Nate Saints sister, Rachel (Sara Kathryn Bakker) are briefly described in the film, but the focus remains on the personal journey of Steve Saint and the difficulty he must face.
The filmmakers for “End of the Spear” have managed to keep a Gospel message in the retelling of this story. In the scene where the Gospel is most clearly laid out, Dayumae, who has become a believer, shares with her people how the “carvings of Waengongi” (the Word of God) teaches them not to kill each other. She explains that Waengongi (God) once had a Son who was speared, but that He did not retaliate. It is the most straightforward depiction of the Gospel message, showing how Christ Jesus suffered unto death, but did not take revenge. This is a key point for the Waodani culture, since they live and die by the spear.
While this scene is very meaningful and poignant, at first it was not clear to me who they were referring to when they said “Waengongi.” Someone else also thought it may have just been another person in the tribe, but it soon became obvious in this scene that they were referring to God. Not that this is a prerequisite for telling this story, but there is no recollection of the word “God” (other than Waengongi) or the name “Jesus” ever spoken in the film. It would seem that, due to the subject matter, it might have been helpful to emphasize these a little more.
Apart from various semantics regarding names and titles involving the spiritual significance of the story, the facts and the events themselves are ones that teach these biblical concepts well enough. For instance, the fact that these five missionary men contacted the Waodani tribe with absolute love and pure motives and willingly died in an attempt to lead them to Christ, parallels what Jesus has done for us in giving His life as a sacrifice. Further, it is highlighted several times that these five missionary men—when they were attacked—were armed and could have fought back. They did not. This fact alone was crucial for the Waodani in understanding the Gospel. This point led them to realize that the five men were out to help them and not to hurt them, and it gave the Waodani an example to follow in not killing any more.
Again, this film could have many different perspectives, and, if you know the story in any other way already, you may notice various aspects that have been left out. For example, we see Dayumae throughout the story, but don’t see the process she goes through in coming to faith in Christ. Similarly, we don’t see Mincayani explicitly surrender to Christ. Perhaps because this is not always easy to show on film (i.e., a prayer of faith to God showing absolute trust in Him), what is emphasized are the different actions the Waodani people take. This is primarily shown in the fact that these people increasingly ceased to spear and kill each other. They use visual actions, such as Kimo (Jack Guzman) breaking a spear in half and refusing to fight. It is clear depictions like this that show us that these people are changed, but it feels as if the reason behind these actions is not emphasized enough. The only way these men could have done this is because of the power of God and through their faith in Him. The main decision-making we see is with Steve Saint and the choices faced at the end.
This is a wonderful and amazing story, but “End of the Spear” feels like it limits some of the heart behind the things that happen. In the beginning, it is mentioned that these five men are missionaries, but it does not show the heart behind why they are excited to “reach” the Waodani. As a believer in Christ, one can understand it, but the passion behind loving these people felt a little circumvented. There were many things that were done right in this production, but when dealing with something that is so precious to so many, it is hoped that it will be told just as meaningfully as we know the story already.
The quality of the filmmaking is decent and works fairly well overall. The filmmakers have managed to curtail the violence, although there are several fairly graphic scenes involving people being speared to death. The sound effects of people being speared seem to be muted to a degree so as to not bombard our senses. This violence is the reason for the PG-13 rating.
There are many angles that this story could have been told from, but perhaps Steve Saints point of view was chosen because it spans so many years. He was a child when his father was killed, and now, as an adult, he has gone to live again in the Ecuadorian jungle with the Waodani people. A potent incident that happened in the real story, which was left out in this film, is how Steve was baptized by one of the very men who killed his father. Other events seem to be added in to help tell this story that may or may not have been true, but nevertheless are used to help convey its meaning.
At times, it felt like this film was trying to do too much. Perhaps certain events could have been left out in order to streamline the story. Another angle this film could have been taken from is through Rachel Saint, the first missionary to contact the Waodani, and also the one to lead the first Waodani believer, Dayumae, to Christ. It is then through Dayumae that her people hear the Gospel. The death of the five men also plays a key part in that process.
This is an important story to be told, and it should be celebrated that a version of it has made it into the mainstream media. It is worth supporting and can be beneficial to a wide variety of audiences.
Violence: Moderate / Profanity: None / Sex: None
See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.
Excellent! / 5
As a movie, it was interesting, with beautiful scenery and good acting. Yes, there is violence, but we knew to expect this before going.
Excellent! / 5
If I were discussing this with an unbeliever I would make sure they understood this. There is specific mention of God’s plan of redemption but they use the indian name for God so some people would miss it. This is not an “In your face” Christian movie. It is more subtle, probably to get a wider viewing. This just means that we need to do our job of spreading the Gospel—instead of letting a movie do the work for us, we can use this movie as a powerful tool to help us point people to Jesus.
Excellent! / 4
It’s a Christian film with a true Christian message. Follow Jesus, love your enemies, and your life will be changed. I wonder how many Christians will walk away from this movie still believing that in the wake of terrorism. What America does in killing the enemy is no different than these tribes killing each other.
If we Christians really reached out in Christ’s love to all the world, I wonder how much more powerfully our enemies hearts would change too. This movie’s story is a great testimony to all those who doubt in the power of the love of Jesus Christ.
Excellent! / 3
Even though a clear gospel presentation was not made, Christ’s love and mercy and the missionaries' vision shone through. The gospel was presented in terms the tribe could understand, and so mention of Jesus and God was not necessary; they instead used the name of the god the Waodoni could understand.See all »
Excellent! / 4
Excellent! / 4
Excellent! / 5
Good / 4
People that judge this film harshly based on the fact that Allen is gay probably need a refresher course in salvation. Can’t Allen be saved by the same grace that saved us all? …He is no less and no more human than you and I. I give much credit to Steve Saint for listening to his heart and what I believe was the voice of God. It couldn’t be more obvious to me that God is trying to do a work here. Judgmental Christians will interfere with this work, mark my words! Why would Chad Allen now even want to be a Christian?See all »
Excellent! / 5
The forgiveness and dedication to God’s calling that is shown is something that would be laughed at as unrealistic if it wasn’t true. Some people have been offended because it is not an openly preaching film. I find its strength lies in that fact. Without preaching, the dedication of the Christian missionaries comes through very loud and clear for all who wish to listen.
Excellent! / 4
Jesus said that people will know we are his disciples by our love for one another. I think this movie is a rarity… it doesn’t quote scripture… it paraphrases it. Nate Saint is portrayed as a Christian not by quoting scripture but by his love for his family and untimately his willingnes to lay down his life for his enemies. The world has long heard about scripture but there has been little love shown in conjunction. We are all guilty of this to different degrees.
This is where “End Of The Spear” soars. It is never preachy. There is nothing wrong with quoting scripture, scripture should be used, but it is more important to have the heart of God and explain the gospel in a way that is relevant to the listener rather than to be able to memorize a scripture word for word.
I encourage everyone to see this movie; it is so well done musically and visually as well other than having a great message.
Good / 4
I was inspired by the movie, awed by the beauty of the area and horrified at the senseless death. The juxtaposition of two lives (Mincayani and Steve Saint) is well written, in my opinion and blends well in the story.See all »
Excellent! / 5
I had so many feelings. Sadness, anger, frustration, sympathy, happiness, and relief. I have a whole different perspective on life in general, and the mission field is no walk in the park. If you are led to go into the mission field. You will not stop thinking about it, dreaming about it, daydreaming about it. It will be in your mind and pressed into your heart. See all »
Good / 4
This movie is in no way preachy. Bravo! The story was also wrapped within a “real world”… violent and uncertain. Maybe it’s true that the reason why there aren’t more media offerings agreeable to Christians because frankly, they really don’t know what they want. What deeply offends this Christian over here is perfectly acceptable to another.See all »
Moral rating: Excellent! / Moviemaking quality: 5
The film is very moving. Of course, we knew the story, so we understood what really was happening. One man left the theatre unsure of what he just saw and what it was intended to mean. I am afraid that the producer went from one extreme to another in artistic liberty by forsaking the outlandish preachiness of Billy Graham films to a practical embarrassment of the Gospel in the “End of the Spear”.
Having seen Disney’s Mormon portrayal of “The Other Side of Heaven,” which never bats an eye or shirks from it’s message, I am very, very disappointed that this high quality adaptaion of the glorious miracle of God’s redemptive story is all but clear. Sadly, it can easily be mistaken for a politically correct message of humanitarians rather than love filled lives of Christian believers.See all »
Better than Average / 3
We have no idea why the five men wanted to contact the Waodani. We have no idea why some of the indians changed. We don’t even know that the women were Christians or that the indians became Christians. In the movie, we don’t know for sure if Mincayani ever changes. In real life he became a believer early on and was a leader in the church. He was the one who baptized Steve Saint when he was 13. See all »
Good / 4
Christians were shown in a good light and showed Christ-likeness. But to the shame of the makers, the name of Jesus is not stated. Only the names, Son of God and God are used. But that’s more than “Lord of the Rings”, “Chronicles”, “X-Men” and other allegory films which Christians get so hyped up over can say. Why do we get so thrilled over allegory and let movies about great reformers, God honoring generals and missionaries go by without a thought. True this films falls short, but be faithful in the little things and God will give us better.
Better than Average / 4
The only gospel message, if it could be called that, is a reference to God using a Waodani word for him, that He has a son who was speared and did not spear back so “that others could live well.” That’s it. In fact, throughout the movie, I was left wondering if these tribesmen had had authentic salvation experiences or if they were merely turning their lives around in response to thier realization that they had killed the missionaries in error and were trying to rectify that.See all »
Average / 3
The very crucial purpose to recall this historical event, and they left HIM out!!! You cannot really tell what perspective their faith was coming from; the emphasis on true Christianity was void. These men believed that God created us and this Earth, we chose to sin against him through Adam, and were in desperate need of a Savior. God sent His Son to save us from ourselves by His death and resurrection. He called us to go into the world and tell this good news to all nations. This is what those men lived and died for, and unbelieving movie-goers will hardly grasp this after encountering “End of the Spear”. My advice: Go read Elisabeth Elliot’s book Through Gates of Splendor, and you’ll get the real, fascinating story, and God will get true glory.
Offensive / 3
That’s why I was so sad when I saw the “End of the Spear”. Jesus is not mentioned once. The missionaries are portrayed as jokers who flipantly decide to “make contact,” and their mission seemed to be to stop the tribe from spearing each other—instead of centered around the Gospel. I hope that the real life story is unlike the movie’s portrayal. I hope that the Waodani people will stand before God covered in Christ’s righteousness and not a righteousness of “well, we stopped spearing each other.”
In short, I felt like those who produced this movie were ashamed of the Gospel and did not really believe that it is GOD who has the power to save.
Good / 3
If an openly gay person is the front man for Christianity, God help the people whose souls will be lost by the hypocrisy of that message. Chad Allen states, and I quote It is a deep-founded, faith-based belief in God based upon the work that I’ve done growing up as a Catholic boy and then reaching out to Buddhism philosophy, to Hindu philosophy, to Native American beliefs and finally as I got through my course with addiction and alcoholism and finding a higher power that worked for me. The God of the Bible I read has no part of Buddhism, Hinduism or American Indian beliefs.See all »
Offensive / 3
It was beautifully shot and edited. Everything is gorgeous to look at. (My compliments to Robert Driskell and Miles Hanon). The rest of the film is mainly a dramatized documentary with disjointed sparks of emotion. Many Christians who know and love this story will miss this fact, because their ultra familiarity with the story and it’s emotion will fill in the large gaps where there just isn’t enough of anything to make a real connection between the events and the characters emotions. The film also tries to be about Mincayani, but then fights itself not to be about Steve Saint. As it tries to be the missionary version of “Changing Lanes,” what we get is simply a cataloging of events.See all »
Good / 3
Excellent! / 4
Excellent! / 5
The film making quality was exquisite while the music added the flow and intensity of mission movies. Again I was touched at the influential perserverance of the missionaries to spread the gospel to such a primitive and violent people. The acting by the Waodani people was so heartfelt, especially Kimo’s change into Christianity halfway into the movie. I loved how easily you can see th serenity growing on his face and the pure faith in his eyes.
Overall, this is an A+++ movie, and though it contains a little gore, it is appropriate to the film’s theme. I would recommend this movie to all teens and adult, but not so much for small children, since the spearings may prove frightening. See this movie, it is worth the money and so much more. …
Excellent! / 5
My Ratings: Excellent! / 5