After recently reviewing I am Gabriel, by Echolight Studios, I was excited to have a chance to review another of their movies, 1 Message.
1 Message is the story of Becca, a young breast cancer survivor. Through flashbacks, we learn that by worldly standards, Becca seemingly had it all: beauty, a great figure, and a successful fiance. After her cancer diagnosis, and treatment, she loses all of those things, and becomes depressed and agoraphobic. But then she meets a friend on-line.
Through his encouraging emails, Becca learns what truth is. "We are all of infinite worth." "Our bodies are just gift wrapping, the real treasure is inside." "Courage is doing what you are afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you are scared." The biggest truth Becca learns is about forgiveness and Jesus.
The movie has a positive Christian story line, and shares the importance of belief in and encouraging others. It also shares the important message to breast cancer survivors (just in time for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October) that the real treasure of us is on the inside.
However, at over 2.5 hours, the movie was too long. Because it was a drama similar to a Hallmark or Lifetime for Women movie, it didn't have the action to warrant that much time investment. And for me, as someone who likes the end of a movie to be wrapped up with a pretty bow, the ending left me wanting more. (I'll leave it at that, so I don't spoil the ending for you.)
I think the movie was a solid 3 out of 5 stars. As Christians, I believe in supporting Christian films, and this movie would be a nice chick flick to watch on a cold, rainy afternoon when you had the extra time. It is inspiring, encouraging, and honors God. That's a pretty good find, and a rare one at that, for a movie today.
Here is a trailer for the movie. If you are reading this post through email, you will have to visit my blog to see it.
Kelly Combs is a Christian wife, mom, writer and speaker. You can learn about Kelly by visiting her website at www.kellycombs.com