Maybe I'm very old-fashioned, but shouldn't semi-amateur filmmakers, the kind who get friends and family to post reviews on IMDb (judging from the number of reviewers here who have one credit to their names -- this film) be a little humble? But this is the honest-to-God working/alternate title: American Hero: The Movie. I mean! And this is the tag line: One man. One Fight. The Ultimate Sacrifice. Well, there are many more than one man in this film -- it seems to be a completely male lead and made project, and almost all female characters are victims or deluded fools, with few or no lines, even about their own abortions. The one fight is clear -- against abortion, and not, I repeat, not a fight to pay for and care for children. You could say the protagonist takes it a little far: spying on the clinic behind Venetian blinds, harassing people going in and out, even pushing one girl over the edge into suicide. But I just don't see who or what the sacrifice is, let alone the Ultimate Sacrifice. Is it the abusive husband, lying in the pool of his own blood (symbolism!)? Is it the protagonist's wife, who thanks God in church for a man who opened her eyes? Or is it the viewer, sacrificing brain cells he will never get back?
16 Reviews
Pure Dogmatic Propaganda
ziosuna9 October 2016
If you wanna go see a movie that tells you it's completely OK to treat others like dirt, destroy peoples lively hoods, and enforce your own beliefs onto others; then this is the movie for you.
The summary of the movie pretty much says it all, it's complete extremist fundamental right wing Christian dogmatic propaganda that spreads the holy message that nobody should have the ability to make a choice that the church and god don't approve of. And that that's how things should be.
don't waste your time, your money, or your brain cells by viewing this movie. How anyone could give it above two stars is unthinkable, the only good thing about it is the acting is alright. not great, not even good; just passable. this movie should have been a straight to DVD without a blue-ray or theatrical release.
Just simply awful...
The summary of the movie pretty much says it all, it's complete extremist fundamental right wing Christian dogmatic propaganda that spreads the holy message that nobody should have the ability to make a choice that the church and god don't approve of. And that that's how things should be.
don't waste your time, your money, or your brain cells by viewing this movie. How anyone could give it above two stars is unthinkable, the only good thing about it is the acting is alright. not great, not even good; just passable. this movie should have been a straight to DVD without a blue-ray or theatrical release.
Just simply awful...
A dangerous and ill-informed film
deideiblueeyez1 February 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Whether you are Christian or not, I don't care. What matters is what this film tries to teach the audience and where it falls flat.
Just off the top of my head:
1) The clinic that our main character glares daggers at all the time is a clinic that offers abortions as a service. It is *not* a clinic that *only* offers abortions. The women there get contraceptives, pap smears, exams, and other checkups to guarantee their health.
2) The main character acts like something is up when he is not allowed to know personal CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION about the people who visit there. Sorry, but you're not a doctor, you're some random guy on the street. You do not have the privilege to know anything that's not your business, least of all because you are not a friend or family member.
3) The medical professional will not, can not, and would not perform abortions on unwilling women because it would mean they would be sued to kingdom come, not to mention that there are laws against performing surgery on people who have not given the OK. That abusive husband would have had the cops called on him immediately. If anything, the staff working there would have tried to stall him as long as possible while keeping the pregnant woman safe, perhaps into protective custody or a women's shelter while they dealt with the one-dimensional villain.
4) If abortions are not available to women, they will find more dangerous, back alley ways to do it. Women have been having abortions since forever and if it wasn't through a doctor it was drinking herbs or throwing themselves downstairs. Barring access to something as clean and safe as an abortion clinic for someone who is committed to aborting the fetus will only drive them to find other dangerous means to do it.
As for people who claim it's "killing children", millions of children die all around the world from hunger and disease that are aggravated by severe poverty, famine, war, terrible orphanage systems, or abusive/neglectful parents. Lives that were statistically inevitable because of the people who birthed them, their country of origin, and the state of affairs in the region they were born. I say that it is only humane to prevent such suffering by stopping it before it could ever occur. To allow people to suffer through life knowing nothing but empty stomachs and battered bones and a numb tongue is a fate worse than death.
Just off the top of my head:
1) The clinic that our main character glares daggers at all the time is a clinic that offers abortions as a service. It is *not* a clinic that *only* offers abortions. The women there get contraceptives, pap smears, exams, and other checkups to guarantee their health.
2) The main character acts like something is up when he is not allowed to know personal CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION about the people who visit there. Sorry, but you're not a doctor, you're some random guy on the street. You do not have the privilege to know anything that's not your business, least of all because you are not a friend or family member.
3) The medical professional will not, can not, and would not perform abortions on unwilling women because it would mean they would be sued to kingdom come, not to mention that there are laws against performing surgery on people who have not given the OK. That abusive husband would have had the cops called on him immediately. If anything, the staff working there would have tried to stall him as long as possible while keeping the pregnant woman safe, perhaps into protective custody or a women's shelter while they dealt with the one-dimensional villain.
4) If abortions are not available to women, they will find more dangerous, back alley ways to do it. Women have been having abortions since forever and if it wasn't through a doctor it was drinking herbs or throwing themselves downstairs. Barring access to something as clean and safe as an abortion clinic for someone who is committed to aborting the fetus will only drive them to find other dangerous means to do it.
As for people who claim it's "killing children", millions of children die all around the world from hunger and disease that are aggravated by severe poverty, famine, war, terrible orphanage systems, or abusive/neglectful parents. Lives that were statistically inevitable because of the people who birthed them, their country of origin, and the state of affairs in the region they were born. I say that it is only humane to prevent such suffering by stopping it before it could ever occur. To allow people to suffer through life knowing nothing but empty stomachs and battered bones and a numb tongue is a fate worse than death.
Cinematically awful and morally bankrupt
asfranklin-7442521 June 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Due to certain circumstances, I saw this film four months before its theatrical release. Thus, to the best of my knowledge, this is not only the first negative review of Voiceless but the first review of it at all. And as the first reviewer of this film, I must say that it is not only horribly made but dangerous.
This is not the worst Christian film ever made, and it is far from the best. It takes certain risks, such as having a tattooed protagonist and an interracial marriage, that other Christian films would not take. The cinematography and acting are B-movie competent, enough so as not to distract, but the screenplay is a disjointed mess. First of all, the "hero" is dangerously violent throughout, and this is not resolved by the film's end. He runs a boxing gym, which is entirely irrelevant to the film, only serving to connect characters. The only possible antagonist appears for less than five minutes; the filmmakers attempt to humanize her, only to immediately gloss over her (logically sound) justification for running a women's clinic that offers abortions.
And whether you believe abortion should be allowed or not (if you've seen the film, you're probably thinking not), the implications about abortions and the women who have them in this film are not only inaccurate but carry the potential to be severely dangerous to real-life women and their children. It is painstakingly obvious that there were no female voices involved in the creative process, with the film presenting the notion that women only have abortions because their parents or partners force them to. Worse yet, the film makes it immediately clear that the women's clinic in question provides services to women far beyond abortions, services such as gynecological check-ups and cancer screenings that otherwise might not be available to them. And what does the protagonist do? Ignore this and decide that the best course of action is to have the clinic closed.
By far the most offensive, inaccurate, and dangerous suggestion in the film comes in one of its most pivotal story lines. For context, our blond war vet protagonist is approached by a young woman, who asks if God will forgive her for terminating her pregnancy and if her baby will go to Heaven. Despite his best efforts, said young lady goes through with her abortion, ultimately committing suicide out of guilt. And what does our protagonist gather about the clinic from this? That the clinic made her do it. That she wasn't sure if she was ready to have an abortion but the clinic MADE her anyways. Not "allowed" (an offensive suggestion in its own right, but more stomachable). "MADE."
I cannot, in good conscience, give this film any higher than the minimum rating. It is a travesty both cinematically and morally. There's a quote from the Rotten Tomatoes critical consensus for the film Courageous that I like to refer to when speaking about low- budget Christian movies such as this that emphasize message over character or plot: "While the filmmaking is fairly competent, Courageous is overall worthless to anybody who doesn't subscribe to its dogmatic agenda." The last eleven words apply to this film.
This is not the worst Christian film ever made, and it is far from the best. It takes certain risks, such as having a tattooed protagonist and an interracial marriage, that other Christian films would not take. The cinematography and acting are B-movie competent, enough so as not to distract, but the screenplay is a disjointed mess. First of all, the "hero" is dangerously violent throughout, and this is not resolved by the film's end. He runs a boxing gym, which is entirely irrelevant to the film, only serving to connect characters. The only possible antagonist appears for less than five minutes; the filmmakers attempt to humanize her, only to immediately gloss over her (logically sound) justification for running a women's clinic that offers abortions.
And whether you believe abortion should be allowed or not (if you've seen the film, you're probably thinking not), the implications about abortions and the women who have them in this film are not only inaccurate but carry the potential to be severely dangerous to real-life women and their children. It is painstakingly obvious that there were no female voices involved in the creative process, with the film presenting the notion that women only have abortions because their parents or partners force them to. Worse yet, the film makes it immediately clear that the women's clinic in question provides services to women far beyond abortions, services such as gynecological check-ups and cancer screenings that otherwise might not be available to them. And what does the protagonist do? Ignore this and decide that the best course of action is to have the clinic closed.
By far the most offensive, inaccurate, and dangerous suggestion in the film comes in one of its most pivotal story lines. For context, our blond war vet protagonist is approached by a young woman, who asks if God will forgive her for terminating her pregnancy and if her baby will go to Heaven. Despite his best efforts, said young lady goes through with her abortion, ultimately committing suicide out of guilt. And what does our protagonist gather about the clinic from this? That the clinic made her do it. That she wasn't sure if she was ready to have an abortion but the clinic MADE her anyways. Not "allowed" (an offensive suggestion in its own right, but more stomachable). "MADE."
I cannot, in good conscience, give this film any higher than the minimum rating. It is a travesty both cinematically and morally. There's a quote from the Rotten Tomatoes critical consensus for the film Courageous that I like to refer to when speaking about low- budget Christian movies such as this that emphasize message over character or plot: "While the filmmaking is fairly competent, Courageous is overall worthless to anybody who doesn't subscribe to its dogmatic agenda." The last eleven words apply to this film.
I'd give it a zero if I could.
kajsdm26 March 2018
This film disgusts me. The statistics in it are made up, the main opinion, that criticises women who decide what to do with THEIR body, is given by a man, who won't ever get pregnant, and the film is shot awfully as well. I could write a ridiculously long review on how insulting this film is, but just take it from me, don't watch this. If you really do have a burning desire to know just how bad it is, watch the Cinema Snob's review.
Downright POISONOUS
ethal-1061115 August 2018
This movie should never have existed
ws_tgs17 July 2018
I am gobsmacked that someone is so twisted thought that this was a good message to people, there is no way that they understand how health clinics work and that its already difficult enough for them to make a choice without feeling ostracized or scared for their life. Jesse is incredibly unstable and lies, judges and causes nothing but pain for others. What better way for a movie about pro choice and how a woman feels than to have it directed, produced and starring mainly men, and I guess the term Voiceless refers to having the women have little to no lines. I hate that I saw this movie, I hate that it exists and I hate the people behind it, never do this again!
Terrible at best, toxic at worst
ethal-106113 July 2019
Like most Christian movies, this one is staggeringly clueless of how anything works in the real world. Unfortunately it goes a step beyond by suggesting that women's health clinics are pure evil and women shouldn't have access to essential, possibly lifesaving, services because some of the services they offer make the filmmakers sad. Everyone responsible for making this movie is actively trying to make the world a worse place for women and should be deeply ashamed of themselves...
Powerful Message and Lots of Food for Thought
amylsmith-5552129 August 2016
Voiceless - a powerful movie about a very touchy subject - abortion/pro- life stance. In the movie a discharged war veteran takes on a small inner city project. He works at building a church by using a boxing ring and other ministries to reach people in the community and draw them in. Across the street from the church is a family planning office. The flip side is that they also perform abortions. He wrestles with this and how God would want him to handle it as he daily sees women going in and out of that building.
This movie is likely to stir up some controversy. Personally, I feel like the issue is well addressed. As Christians we should not sit back idle, but what we do should be based on what God calls each of us to do individually. Most importantly, we should be supportive of each other and encourage each other, not try to talk someone out of what God has called them to do. The movie does contain some violence, fitting to the location and happenings of the story line. Several are mocked for their witness or the stand they take. The lead character has some aggressive tendencies but usually expressed in defensive mode not outright uncontrollable rage. There is a bit of tension between him and his wife, that I feel like the movie addressed in a positive manner.
All in all, I would say this movie should encourage Christians not only to take a strong stand for what they believe in, but do it in a way that would honor God. It also inspires us to be the person who makes a change, who not only talks the talk but walks the walk, the person who steps up to the plate to give assistance to those who need a way out, not just offer it with our voices. It is easy to say we are pro-life and criticize, but what are we doing to bring a reform? How many people are we willing to help? This movie is a powerful motivator and although I am sure will be viewed with much dispute, it is worth watching!
I was blessed with an opportunity to watch this movie a bit before its release in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to review it positively.
This movie is likely to stir up some controversy. Personally, I feel like the issue is well addressed. As Christians we should not sit back idle, but what we do should be based on what God calls each of us to do individually. Most importantly, we should be supportive of each other and encourage each other, not try to talk someone out of what God has called them to do. The movie does contain some violence, fitting to the location and happenings of the story line. Several are mocked for their witness or the stand they take. The lead character has some aggressive tendencies but usually expressed in defensive mode not outright uncontrollable rage. There is a bit of tension between him and his wife, that I feel like the movie addressed in a positive manner.
All in all, I would say this movie should encourage Christians not only to take a strong stand for what they believe in, but do it in a way that would honor God. It also inspires us to be the person who makes a change, who not only talks the talk but walks the walk, the person who steps up to the plate to give assistance to those who need a way out, not just offer it with our voices. It is easy to say we are pro-life and criticize, but what are we doing to bring a reform? How many people are we willing to help? This movie is a powerful motivator and although I am sure will be viewed with much dispute, it is worth watching!
I was blessed with an opportunity to watch this movie a bit before its release in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to review it positively.
Good, But Not Well-Made
maidenofthewoods5 February 2019
I love that they are calling attention to the fact that some churches stay silent on the issue of abortion when the Bible clearly shows in stories that there is a real human being inside of a pregnant woman (Luke 2, for starters). The movie was made with a different storyline than what I've seen before and has an unexpected twist (which I enjoy), but if I'm being honest, I did not think it was well-made. It didn't move me and get me revved up to be more active in the pro-life movement (though, I already am), which I'm sure is the reaction that they would like their audience to have. So all in all- a good message, but not a great execution.
Great movie
kent-2721015 August 2016
This is a powerful movie! The film Demonstrates what a powerful difference One person can make in their community And how standing for what is right can Influence the people we come in contact With in our daily lives. Also, it demonstrates That when we are unwilling to confront evil, It can persist in our own cities and communities. I thought the acting was very good, the setting Was perfect and the story line was believable. I thought me main character Playing the pastor was realistic in the sense of someone returning From war and trying to adjust to civilian life. I was somewhat concerned With the fighting that was in the movie but after finishing the movie, I thought it fit the setting and plot and most of it was defensive in nature. Unfortunately, in poor inner city communities, Violence is part of every day life and it is something we should all oppose. The "violence" that was in this movie I took as "keeping it real"! Any negative Comments related to "interracial marriage" is uncalled for because we are One human race!
This isn't supposed to be a "how to" movie
USFbobFL9 October 2016
For the most part, the actors did a fine job portraying believable characters. It is probably not going to change anybody's opinion on abortion. If you were against it, you will have your beliefs affirmed, if you were pro-choice, you're most likely not going to have a change of heart. If this movie was intended to show the most effective way to deal with an abortion clinic, I believe it fell way short. I don't think that is what it was trying to do. It was simply the story of one man who decided to take a stand and make a difference in his community about something that he was passionate about. The last scene was supposed to make you wonder "what happened?", but not to the point where you'd be hoping for a sequel.
Amazing Movie!
gypsytree17 August 2016
When I was contacted to review a movie for Christian Cinema, I leapt at the opportunity. Once I read the film synopsis, I was completely drawn in and couldn't wait to watch it. And I was blessed to have a private screening of Voiceless!
As someone who has not only a strong opinion on abortion but also had their life spared by adoption, I can testify that the movie hits home. What they are telling us is it's time to take a stand for the voiceless!
In the myriad of pro-life films, Voiceless stands out as...well, first and foremost, it stands out. Whether by accident or design, the story of Voiceless is unlike any other movie in the mini-genre of films that speak out against abortion. The recently discharged soldier who had a rough upbringing, found God and now is running a community outreach program; his wife who, in the end, has to take a step of faith and stand beside her husband; and the teenage girl that has to choose between having her baby and getting kicked out of her home or having an abortion.
There were so many powerful key points made in the movie. What it means to be pro-life, taking a stand even when you're the only one standing, reaching out to broken people even when it's messy, a church more concerned with numbers and appearing politically correct and following a convicted heart.
There was one quote in the movie that really struck me and left me wondering if we as a Christian community, and myself as a Christian, are doing enough to stand for the voiceless. "The church has become more like a lamp tucked under a basket than a pillar of light on top of a hill."
In life, we have to make choices and they aren't always easy. In Voiceless, Jesse had to make a choice. Is he going to take the easy way out and back off, which is what everyone wants him to do, or will he face a major confrontation which will require him to put everything on the line not just his job, but his freedom and marriage as well.
And last but not least, faith. Voiceless is filled with the theme of stepping out in faith! That through Him, we have strength. The entire movie spoke so loudly of Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Voiceless is gripping, emotional, touching and quite powerful. It displays a perfect amount of love, faith, devotion, and strength. It gives a voice to those who have yet to be heard.
As someone who has not only a strong opinion on abortion but also had their life spared by adoption, I can testify that the movie hits home. What they are telling us is it's time to take a stand for the voiceless!
In the myriad of pro-life films, Voiceless stands out as...well, first and foremost, it stands out. Whether by accident or design, the story of Voiceless is unlike any other movie in the mini-genre of films that speak out against abortion. The recently discharged soldier who had a rough upbringing, found God and now is running a community outreach program; his wife who, in the end, has to take a step of faith and stand beside her husband; and the teenage girl that has to choose between having her baby and getting kicked out of her home or having an abortion.
There were so many powerful key points made in the movie. What it means to be pro-life, taking a stand even when you're the only one standing, reaching out to broken people even when it's messy, a church more concerned with numbers and appearing politically correct and following a convicted heart.
There was one quote in the movie that really struck me and left me wondering if we as a Christian community, and myself as a Christian, are doing enough to stand for the voiceless. "The church has become more like a lamp tucked under a basket than a pillar of light on top of a hill."
In life, we have to make choices and they aren't always easy. In Voiceless, Jesse had to make a choice. Is he going to take the easy way out and back off, which is what everyone wants him to do, or will he face a major confrontation which will require him to put everything on the line not just his job, but his freedom and marriage as well.
And last but not least, faith. Voiceless is filled with the theme of stepping out in faith! That through Him, we have strength. The entire movie spoke so loudly of Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Voiceless is gripping, emotional, touching and quite powerful. It displays a perfect amount of love, faith, devotion, and strength. It gives a voice to those who have yet to be heard.
Lest we forget
Vlad_Imirivan24 June 2018
Dismiss the trolls, at least they were "kind" enough to contribute '1' point out of 10. Though,.. tread carefully.
An overheated tone and characters' questionable tactics in the struggle against abortion undercut the obviously good intentions behind the pro-life drama.
While it's clearly meant to serve as a cinematic rallying cry for the protection of the innocent, the film instead runs the risk of reinforcing the stereotype of irate, crusading picketers collaring women in vulnerable situations.
Writer-director Pat Necerato's protagonist is Jesse Dean (Rusty Joiner), a former Special Forces soldier, "self-taught in theology," who runs an inner-city Philadelphia church's outreach center where he teaches boxing. A new arrival in what the movie portrays as a dysfunctional City of Brotherly Love, Jesse is understandably dismayed to find an abortion mill operating across the street.
Previously uninvolved in the political controversy, but with a personal stake in the issue shared by his wife, Julia, Jesse works to get his fellow parishioners mobilized to shutter the place.
The pastor, Gil. is opposed to this type of activism. But Jesse is spurred on by his Scottish-born neighbour, Elsie. Elsie's husband helped found the church but she has ceased to worship there because of the proximity of evil across the way.
Angry exchanges ensue. After he learns that a woman who had an abortion at the facility has committed suicide, for instance, Jesse rushes into the building, which has unrealistically ineffective security, heatedly confronting the receptionist at the front desk.
Matters escalate with an incident in which an abortion advocate turns up with a pistol, threatens everyone. Despite the heightened stakes, Jesse perseveres in his efforts, assuring Julia, "This is what God would want."
Viewers committed to the sanctity of human life will sympathize with Jesse's frustration and outrage. Yet, just as the movie centering on him seems unlikely to change the minds of the misguided about this sorrowful topic, so too his approach to the moral horror of legal killing, while admirable for its fervor and persistence, lacks reflection and prayerfulness.
While it's clearly meant to serve as a cinematic rallying cry for the protection of the innocent, the film instead runs the risk of reinforcing the stereotype of irate, crusading picketers collaring women in vulnerable situations.
Writer-director Pat Necerato's protagonist is Jesse Dean (Rusty Joiner), a former Special Forces soldier, "self-taught in theology," who runs an inner-city Philadelphia church's outreach center where he teaches boxing. A new arrival in what the movie portrays as a dysfunctional City of Brotherly Love, Jesse is understandably dismayed to find an abortion mill operating across the street.
Previously uninvolved in the political controversy, but with a personal stake in the issue shared by his wife, Julia, Jesse works to get his fellow parishioners mobilized to shutter the place.
The pastor, Gil. is opposed to this type of activism. But Jesse is spurred on by his Scottish-born neighbour, Elsie. Elsie's husband helped found the church but she has ceased to worship there because of the proximity of evil across the way.
Angry exchanges ensue. After he learns that a woman who had an abortion at the facility has committed suicide, for instance, Jesse rushes into the building, which has unrealistically ineffective security, heatedly confronting the receptionist at the front desk.
Matters escalate with an incident in which an abortion advocate turns up with a pistol, threatens everyone. Despite the heightened stakes, Jesse perseveres in his efforts, assuring Julia, "This is what God would want."
Viewers committed to the sanctity of human life will sympathize with Jesse's frustration and outrage. Yet, just as the movie centering on him seems unlikely to change the minds of the misguided about this sorrowful topic, so too his approach to the moral horror of legal killing, while admirable for its fervor and persistence, lacks reflection and prayerfulness.
Important Message
tutorhsmath5 November 2016
Voiceless did a good job of showing the struggle of Christians who believe, intellectually, that they are called to help the marginalized. Making the leap from addressing a challenging topic with the mind, and prayer, to tackling it with action is well made. I had hoped to be entertained by this movie (I was) and I thought I might be challenged (I was). The film offers appropriate challenges viewers in an entertaining way.
Some reviews have noted that the portrayals of women coerced into abortion in this film misrepresent the truth. Those close to the industry understand all too well that coercion is a major factor in the scenarios faced by women of all ages. Accuracy in this film is not lacking.
Some reviews have noted that the portrayals of women coerced into abortion in this film misrepresent the truth. Those close to the industry understand all too well that coercion is a major factor in the scenarios faced by women of all ages. Accuracy in this film is not lacking.
Underrated India of 2016
cwjohnsonjr9 October 2016
Voiceless is a powerfully performed and well crafted story. The cinematography is moody, although occasionally fluctuations in the tint made it hard to look at the screen, the acting is decent, the characters are developed (human and not saints), and the screenplay is soul searching and thought provoking rather than preachy and feel-good. There were some problems with the sound at time that was distracting, but this is a low- budget film. One of the most powerfully characters, both in symbol and acting, was the Irish neighbor, although her background story was a little puzzling. Where was her father's church located when he fought for civil rights? Why is her accent so strong after living in Philadelphia for 50 years? However, these problems do not distract from a story that keeps moving, characters that grow, and a plot that thickens.
I highly recommend you checkout Voiceless at your local theater.
I highly recommend you checkout Voiceless at your local theater.
See also
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