The Blind (I) (2023) User Reviews

Great intentions good watch

[rockdude-68045 · 7/10 · 22 February 2024]

The movie performed better than I was expecting. I knew the story had substance and even if you aren't a dynasty follower/fan it would be something that could stand on its own and be entertaining. Which in my opinion it was!

The things I enjoyed about the movie was that it felt like a movie. Production, cinematography, acting, and dynamic plot helped put together a solid film start to finish. This film did a good job balancing the biopic - documentary and just inspired real life movie balancing act pretty well. In other words it didn't feel like a documentary but didn't feel like just a made up movie either.

I think the movie probably will appeal to certain audiences that most likely know what the movies already about but could be a nice find for people who happen upon it. I think this movie has decent rewatch ability and intends to have a good message.

For things I wasn't a fan of - well not too much to be honest. I guess it would be just the overall feel of the movie. It was above lifetime movie quality but in between blockbuster films. Nothing too bad but just something about either the acting or the ambience of the film just kept it more at the forefront than I'm used to that I was watching a movie and yes its one of those inspiring message typed movies. But again it wasn't anything terrible just something that others may not like or be more sensitive to.

Definitely a movie that would get played at church, bible study, homeschooled kids, or etc. But not in a bad way on the contrary for good reasons. I think it was again a interesting story and film. 7/10.

Simple, old-fashioned 70's B-movie that kinda sucks

[markmelsh · 5/10 · 9 October 2023]

I did enjoy the photography but that was all. Phil and Kay tell their stories in a mid-life chat held with a friend. It's a fictionalized, family-authorized "true story" that's equal parts "Where the Crawdads Sing" and a classic Christian redemption story of the "Sergeant York/Apostle" variety. We see the selfish, childish hellion Phil was before alcoholic rages and the near end of his marriage led him to Jesus. A classic narrative of white Southern culture that is wildly loved by those with hard lives who recognize the turning point that faith might have offered them. Still, the film is sometimes amateurish. It lets the Robertsons have it both ways by boasting Phil as a s-kicker and ties his success in life to his Baptism. One cannot vouch for the truth of the Robertson family lore related here. The acting is indifferent, the production values single-wide/wrecked pickup cheap, with a score built on plaintive violin solos and cut-rate covers of pop oldies. Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top covers "La Grange" for a version for use in the film's 1970s scenes. Whatever potential it had, the film just isn't very good, with or without fact checking. Redemption stories work for a reason and done right, it touches people. Director Andrew Hyatt can't make this one work and the script's humorless, emotionally flat treatment of the material smothers "The Blind" in the crib.

It had its pluses and minuses...

[LiveLoveLead · 7/10 · 14 October 2023]

I've only seen a couple of episodes of Duck Dynasty, but I know a little bit about the family, the Robertsons, and as a Christian was eager to see this movie The true story of Phils redemption was interesting, but nothing we haven't seen in movies before. I enjoyed learning the story of Phil and Ms. Kay, but the quality seemed a bit low budget and came off more like a Lifetime/Hallmark TV movie. The acting and directing were not the best, but what was most frustrating is the lead actors were very hard to understand and you miss a lot of the dialogue due to the accents and mumbling. Phil, especially, barely moved his lips. I couldn't understand half of what he said.

The theater said this was a special showing/production so we couldn't use our Regal Unlimited, (which would've been nice to know ahead of time) so had to pay full price, as well is traveling a bit further to one of the limited theaters it was showing at. Was it worth it? I love movies, so I'm glad I saw it, just wish it had of been a better quality of movie. IMHO! 6.5 stars 10/2023.

Powerful story of redemption!

[traciturner-19891 · 10/10 · 29 September 2023]

Such a beautiful picture of hope, forgiveness and redemption. It was powerful! The Robertson family could've made a movie about their fame and fortune or business success. But they chose to show the "dirty laundry" to give others hope. To show that there is no one too bad, no sin too great for the Blood of Jesus to cover. The scenery was beautiful Louisiana rivers and swamps. The acting was great. The story line was accurate. I pray that this movie might impact folks to want to hear that same story that the preacher shared with Phil. And that they might surrender to the Almighty! Highly recommend!!!

Beyound boring

[bryantmadeline · 4/10 · 21 November 2023]

Started off great. If you have read the books by both; this was a disappointmemt. The actors just dont cut it. It was like watching a cheap C movie at best. They left a load of the story out. I dont understand why it stopped in the 80s? They talked about God but it was more of a backround thing. A few of Phils siblings was missing. Also, timeline seemed off. A bigger production and casting company should have been in charge. It was way way too sugur coated. They didet even really show any of the story about the duck calls. They never explained how Kay made money when he was drinkimh. Just much wrong.

You cannot run so far Jesus cannot reach you!

[lgarrett-09490 · 9/10 · 29 September 2023]

Wonderful film demonstrating the redemptive love of God! The true story of Phil Robertson of "Duck Dynasty" fame. The film takes you from his destitute beginnings to "Duck Commander". The power of "burying the old man" and being born again to a new life in Jesus Christ cannot be denied. If you are trying to fill the hole in your heart with everything this world offers-you will never find true peace until you give Jesus control of your life. Try Him!!! Ask Jesus to come into your heart, find a Bible-believing church and be baptized, as shown in the movie. You will never regret it! Join the family of God-your life will be changed for eternity.

Didn't Like It !

[rotini-52586 · 1/10 · 9 November 2023]

Not sure what all the hype about this movie is. I really didn't like the movie. Still waiting for something to happen here besides watching a guy smoke cigarettes and kill ducks. Thought it was gonna be a lot more interesting from all the positive reviews. Couldn't get into the whole storyline. Never buy a bar that's smells like urine...I live by that rule. Just not very interesting at all. Sick of these real life stories of nasty alcoholics...and we're suppose to feel sorry for them ? Just kind of a botefest. Nothing really happens. Why the heck would she stay with him ? Women can be so stupid at times. Just not my cup of tea.

Well written and well acted!

[jh-35222 · 8/10 · 1 October 2023]

Went to see this movie for three reasons. 1. I'm from Louisiana, so I was curious about if they would get the accent right. 2. I'm Christian and like a good faith-based movie. 3. I'm a fan of Duck Dynasty, the Unashamed podcast and the Duck Call Room podcast.

Happy to say that I really liked this movie.

Storyline: stayed true to what I've heard Phil and Kay talk about in interviews.

Scenery: good and enjoyed seeing all the vintage stuff.

Acting: A+ and never thought it was anything less. The accents were good and were not overdramatized.

When the movie ended, my first thought was, "it's over already?" For me that is a sign of a good movie. Not once did I check the time, to see how much longer till the end.

Avoid this movie.

[p-14523 · 2/10 · 19 October 2023]

This is a movie of Christian redemption for a despicable character who, abused his wife, was an alcoholic and a genuinely obnoxious person.

Apparently, he had a full immersion baptism in a dirty swamp, and it cured him of alcoholism, rotten language, and smoking cigarettes. A conversion consists of killing ducks, and thanking God for the opportunity.

If you want to pay to watch a commercial for fundamentalism, this is a movie for you. IIf you find entertainment in watching an alcoholic abuse his wife, children and desert them, you should spend your money to buy a ticket, otherwise don't.

The audio was terrible and could've been in a foreign language. The actors were good but they needed a better script to deal with. The real Phil Robinson appeared at the end of the movie to pitch his lifestyle and beliefs. It was a commercial that we didn't need to sit through.

Knew there was more to Phil Robertson

[coastdaze · 9/10 · 3 October 2023]

Saw The Blind yesterday. I wondered how knowing the levels Phil had sunk down to would affect how people thought of him. Some of it is tough to watch...the anger, the lies, cheating. A side of the man I didn't know existed although not wholly surprised. It was well acted and produced for the most part and I would definitely recommend people going to see it. I would have liked a bit more character development. But it was most likely such a difficult life that it would have been a 3 hour movie. Knowing Phil Robertson and family, I imagine this is one of the most spot on biography films we're going to see for a long time.

Beyond Speechless...

[takotawebemail · 10/10 · 2 October 2023]

This film deserves to be WAY beyond what is out right now. What a high quality film with such powerful and deep meaning. Fantastic acting and heart wrenching redemption.

Please don't hear me wrong, after you watch this movie you will understand what life is about. You'll understand that marriage is hard but not without hope. BUT the main thing to remember is that there's only one thing that gets us out of here alive...Jesus Christ.

We are given a gift after we surrender and it's called The Holy Spirit. It changes our thoughts, our desires, and works alongside our own spirit. It's our helper, it gives us JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, GENTLENESS, SELF-CONTROL.

Go see this movie, please...I promise it's worth every dime.

Unwatchable

[jonmills23 · 1/10 · 11 November 2023]

As much as I'm a fan of the Robertson family and their story. This movie is almost utterly unwatchable. The cinematography is absolutely horrible, and this movie heavily uses handheld camera work in many shots.

***WARNING*** If you have a sensitivity to shaky camera work or motion sickness, I HIGHLY advise skipping this movie. It will make you sick. There are many close up shots and walking shots where the camera jostles around and it will make you nauseous.

I find it absolutely mind boggling that we are in 2023 and these movies have million dollar budgets, but they can't seem to have a steady camera shot.

Beautiful story of redemption through Jesus

[emilywing-54259 · 10/10 · 30 September 2023]

What blessing it is that this family can share their testimony and the gospel in this way with the world. Casting is amazing! The actors really look like the people they play. Inspiring to be a better wife, husband, parent, and follower of Jesus. I've followed this families story through podcasts, books, messages, and their show for a while and this movie perfectly displays their true story. What a great example of the redemptive power of Jesus that turned this family around and changes their generations ahead. Today they bless people all because of faithful people filled with the hope and light of Jesus.

Redemption

[adamkendall-10937 · 10/10 · 30 September 2023]

This is an amazing story about a man who lost his battle with his sinful self. Through the power of Jesus' redemption power he was restored and brought his family and many others to Christ.

Phil (Duck Dynasty) was born to a poor family in Louisiana and found love in a wealthy young woman, Miss Kay. Phil and Kay brought life into the world, but with life came death to Phil's life. After spiraling you see the true and powerful redemption story that Christ offers to us all. Along with his friends, family and church you see how Christ changed him and if you have followed his life you see how many people Phil has changed as well.

Amazing in every way! Raw, honest, loving, forgiving, redeeming

[emailittoashley · 10/10 · 30 September 2023]

This true story is portrayed accurately. It is a wonderful display of how the love of Jesus changes lives for the better. I always get nervous going to see a southern based movie because it seems rare that actors pull off the accents and tone of the south. The actors nailed it!! The acting was superb!! The writing, storyline, dialog, and how the movie wove its' message was perfect in my opinion. I loved the real life pictures and videos at the end of the movie as well. I love this family and the others portrayed in this movie. I cried a lot... they are ultimately happy tears. IT'S A MUST SEE!!

Honest look at alcoholism and recovery

[pastordad · 10/10 · 30 September 2023]

As Phil Robertson said, this movie is not intended to make him look good, but it does show the negative effects of alcoholism on everyone involved. All of the actors played their roles well, with Amelia Eve shining above the rest. The cinematography is good as well, you feel like you are sweating right in the bayou with the characters. The depictions of family abuse may be too intense for young children, particularly those who have personally experienced abuse. Everyone else should find this to be an enriching experience. Even those who are unaware of the Duck Dynasty story should be able to quickly be drawn into the story.

Great Movie with a heart wrenching

[theprestonator-37584 · 8/10 · 1 October 2023]

Wow! I loved the show Duck Dynasty. I can't say I watched every episode but I enjoyed the show very much. I never knew The Robertson's story or Phil Robertson's story for that matter. The Blind is very well written. It just goes to show that not even some of the most solid Christians out there had a great upbringing and this movie shows that. The movie tackled very well how Phil and siblings had a hard life growing up and then the movie takes it a step further and shows how Phil's childhood affected him in his younger years and how her overcame it to be the strong Man of God he is today. Just shows that no matter how far we run from God, he can always find us and bring us back to the right path.

Powerful movie!!

[gavinskifam · 8/10 · 2 October 2023]

Boy was I looking forward to this film, and it did not disappoint. Me and my four boys were fans of Duck Dynasty and I am a regular listener to their Unashamed podcast. It was great to get the story of their life before all their success. What a great witness to the power of the Gospel to change a life and save a lost soul! Praise God ! It should be undeniable to anyone watching this film. I pray that many have their eyes opened and are drawn in by the Holy Spirit and accept the invitation to give their lives to Jesus. Thank you Robertson family for being vulnerable and open to putting this out there for all to see. Bless you for your example and witness.

Full of depth

[melissazuber · 10/10 · 2 October 2023]

The Blind is full of depth and very engaging. Exceptional performances by Aron von Andrian and Amelia Eve. Their portrayal of the Robertson's was very convincing. I was also impressed with the film score. The film soundtracks were so well thought out.

The Blind offers a painfully honest look at the life of and alcoholic and the cost of addiction. I particularly loved that the writers didn't sugar coat the redemption of the Robertson's life or marriage. The change was evident, and felt authentic. The movie is raw and honest. As a child who grew up with an alcoholic parent, I found the story struck a chord of truth. It ended with hope, but it wasn't rainbows and puppies.

A Christian movie that doesn't suck.

[theethinethou · 8/10 · 4 November 2023]

Reading some comments, I think some people missed the entire point of the movie, which was not to present us with cinematic perfection. However, on one point mentioned I agree with, it was hard to understand the actors at times. Subtitles might've been appropriate. Not that this takes away at all from the gospel message, of course, which is the thing that several people here in the reviews seem to miss, surprisingly even Christians are missing that point. I'm pretty sure that Phil Robertson was even worse than depicted in the movie-some things can't and shouldn't be shown I'm sure. All one has to do is observe him in real life to see that Phil Robertson was beyond quite the scoundrel at one time. So maybe the movie didn't even present the worst of it. But the gospel is what's important here and it was front and center and shining through. That was Phil's entire point. He succeeded. Or should I more accurately say God did.

Great movie!

[springroberts-50987 · 10/10 · 6 October 2023]

My 17 year old son and I went to see this movie. He is now rethinking how he feels about church and the Lord. He stopped believing for awhile and now has asked to start going back to church. This movie really opens your eyes to a lot of things and makes you think. If you have the chance to go watch this movie take it you won't be disappointed I promise. I'm so glad we got to go together and I got to see my sons reaction to Phils story. I hope everyone gets a similar experience that's needs it and is able to find the Lord and turn their life around after seeing this movie. There was so much faith, family and love in this movie. Please go watch it.

R.I.P. Mark Drabek

[juliedrabek · 10/10 · 24 November 2023]

My husband got to be an extra, in this movie. He was in the bar scenes as a local. He fit right in with his long hair, beard, and clothes!! We lost him to stage 4 pancreatic cancer, right before the movie, came out. Wish he could have seen it. He was a Louisiana guy, and loved watching Duck Dynasty. He said doing the movie was fun, but the filming took a day, and he didn't get home, till the next morning, he said he wouldn't want to be an actor, their work days, were way too long. We used to live in the area, the bar was in, it was a very rural area,down past the families deer camp, and brotherinlaw went to college at Tech, when Phil was there.

I once was blind...

[mbcgrad03 · 10/10 · 1 October 2023]

But now I see. Our family loved this movie! We took our 13 year old, and he loved it too. Thank you for sharing this difficult testimony. The message is so powerful. The raw intense brutality of Phil's descent was gut wrenching. And I cried many times seeing his realization that all the weight he was carrying could be gone if he made the choice.

Phil's sister Jan was right, and Phil has already brung thousands to the Lord. His story through this film will continue to do so for years after he has gone home to be with the Lord.

Thank you Robertson family for sharing your faith, witnessing on such a large scale, and laying it all to bear so that others can understand the redemption that is one small step away.

Salvation and Forgiveness on Display

[kdraughn-40264 · 10/10 · 30 September 2023]

We do not live far from the Robertsons as a matter of fact as the "duck" flies we live about 5 miles across the river from Phil and Kay. We have known the true story for a very long time about how Phil left Tech because he would rather be on the river fishing or hunting than be on the football field. If not for him taking leaver would we have ever heard of Terry Bradshaw?

But the rest of the story came in bits and pieces and this move gave us such a good look at the lives of people we and much of the world have learned to love and respect, both locally and as their lives were put on display on Duck Dynasty. There would not have been a Duck Commander or Duck Dynasty and the Robertson family would not have become the icons if not for Phil coming to the end of himself and allowing God to enter his life. The Blind gives us a picture of how all of that happened and was so very well acted out. From young Phil, Kay, Si and the rest of the beginnings of their family to the boys that were portrayed at the end it was all so beautifully acted out. I am thankful for them allowing the world to know their story, but most of all for using the story of forgiveness and salvation on the big screen. They are as one of the podcast that the family has says, "Unashamed" of their lives as Christians. Oh and in case you don't know, baby Willie is portrayed by Willie's real life grand son John Shepherd.

Very good

[benj1013 · 9/10 · 20 February 2024]

I love this family's story and love that it is in a way for even more people to see it. While they have had some controversies with the show and such, it is amazing to see that they are still willing to fight for the truth. God truly works in mysterious ways. Only thing from keeping me from giving it a 10/10 is simply because it feels a little rushed at some points and it switches to a new scene too quick, other than that it is great. God has truly blessed the family and the fact that they do not stop keeping Him front and center is truly something remarkable for Hollywood today. Everyone should watch this movie, this is a great movie to show the greatness of God.