Father of Nations (2022) User Reviews

Must see

[LRE10 · 9/10 · 11 October 2022]

This made in Alberta film blew me away - I wasn't sure what to expect but I loved the characters, the original story, the thread of hope that kept them going. I loved that this movie was unique and so real. The conversations between characters were authentic and the emotions so relatable. The landscape backdrops are amazing, it never feels like you are seeing a fake movie set. The origninal background music is beautifully made for this story, not overwhelming or distracting, it fits just right. I've rarely seen conversations about faith in film done so well, so realistically.

I highly recommend watching this one, it is truly a remarkable film.

Eight years in the making

[futuretype · 7/10 · 2 October 2022]

The photography was exceptional; the settings were realistic for a dystopian situation. Hilda, Alberta served well (as in the community coming together) in making it seem like a run down existence.

The monologues were well written and the main roles were well acted but some minor actor deliveries were stilted. The editing was intriguing (moving back and forth in time). However the story was thin; the movie was too long.

Cyril Anderst had less of a role than he did in "Where Were We in '63" and the same amount of dialogue. The same old house was in the movie but in one scene it burned down; it won't be in any future films.

Excellent local production

[zedx-38014 · 9/10 · 15 October 2022]

I really liked the movie, so much so that I saw it twice. The movie is very well done - cinematography, acting, story line, dialogue, directing, music, etc. And overall production values. I didn't know what to expect as a production going in, with the movie being an independent film made locally, but was blown away by the high quality of the work.

This is a post-apocalypse movie dealing with the likely extinction of the human race and how the characters respond to that realization while they are struggling to survive. It's a great movie on its own merits. It is an amazing movie for one made in Alberta by Albertans.

Thought-provoking, beautiful cinematography

[erin_heide · 10/10 · 11 October 2022]

I really enjoyed this film. Super thought-provoking. Post apocalyptic isn't my number one genre... But this would be the best film I've ever seen of it's type. Reminded me a bit of the film "Children of Men". If you're looking for something shallow or pure entertainment you might be disappointed... this asked a lot of deep questions and contained thought provoking subject matter. It seems pretty appropriate for the season we are living in where so much of society's future feels uncertain. The ending was surprising but hopeful. I thought it was well acted, with moments of humour. Lots of flashing back-and-forth to different time periods, so you have to pay attention. There was action interspersed with in-depth conversation. I think this film gets even better with multiple viewings because you understand it more and the layers and intricacies of it. The cinematography was really beautiful. I love the fact that it's an Alberta made film!

Canadian Tree of Life

[ainsleydaumler-17275 · 10/10 · 11 October 2022]

It is a moving portrayal of perseverance in the face of hopelessness. Of choosing faith over fear and doubt. Awe-inspiring cinematic landscapes. The incredible heartstring pulling acting. And thought provoking script.

The filmmakers were obviously inspired by Terrence Malick's masterpiece but spun their story into the territory of apocalyptic action.

Although the poetic writing had content worthy of meditation, sometimes it stalled the story or retold aspects that were already understood. Despite pulling from a depth of literature and philosophic thinkers, when every word is important, it exhausts the viewer and can fall flat. The interspersement of action and story propelling information saved this film from being a beautiful letdown. Now it can stand on it's feet and have something to say. I'll add this to my list of great Canadian filmmaking and recommend anyone to view it for both the masterclass in cinematography and its ability to carve into the hallow spaces inside us all that calls out to something outside and says "Why?".

Amazing movie!

[mjhmsw · 10/10 · 11 October 2022]

We have had the privilege of seeing this movie twice. It was so good the first time we had to go back and see it again! Amazing cinematography. Music was outstanding. Dialogue was very thought-provoking. The movie broached hard subjects with courage and depth. And the plot was well written and intriguing. The acting was excellent. I cried several times during the movie. Going back-and-forth in time created a lot of intrigue and interest. This film was entirely done in Alberta, and the cast and crew did an amazing job! Although the film dealt with some hard subjects and the characters' varied emotional reactions to these, the ending was very hopeful! I would like to find out what happens after the story. Keep going Thousand Year Films! I am very much looking forward to your next movie!

Solid and thought provoking film

[dgfgpu · 10/10 · 13 October 2022]

Beautiful cinematography. Aspects of the film reminded me of The Road and The Book of Eli. There are some intense action scenes in the film, yet the overall story feels more character-driven than plot-driven. This film is a conversation that explores the various ways that people confront the breaking down of society and their search for meaning. There was some exposition at the start of the film and the pace picked up after that. I appreciated the unexpected comedic moments in the film. Great soundtrack. I am blown away that this film was made by a young production company. It's scale is epic.

A Dystopian Christian Movie

[astroboardgaming · 2/10 · 10 October 2022]

This movie was really disappointing as it was slow-movie, had maybe 10 minutes of actual action and had long stretches of Christian-themed dialogue and narration...and when I say long stretches, I really mean that. Oh, and frequent ones too.

I don't have an issue with a Christian movie per se, but it is not one I or the others in my group wanted to watch. I actually looked at the film synopsis during the movie to see if I had missed it when I read about it and it isn't mentioned--and it really should be--since it is really the main focus of the movie. I was expecting a dystopian survival drama and instead watched a religious movie that could have really had any theme but just so happened to have a dystopian one. There was even some Libertarian political messaging in it.

The cinematography was good but it began to wear on you after awhile because there was a lot and it became pretty "samey". I didn't really have very high expectations going into the movie but it was actually worse than I thought it was going to be.

This movie might be what some are looking for, but it certainly isn't for most people. Is there a Christian SciFi genre? I don't know, but if that's your jam, then you may like it but don't expect it to be action-packed.