20 Minutes (2023) User Reviews

Powerful Film About Finding The Will To Live In The Final Minutes........

[jasonprix · 9/10 · 16 December 2020]

Just saw the film at a screening in Hawaii. It was packed despite all this covid stuff. This is the ONLY movie that has made me cry. I don't think I'll find another epic like this that'll make me cry.

I can only imagine what the people of hawaii went through when they all thought they were going to die.

People just have to watch this movie with ABSOLUTELY NO BIASED OPINION or preconceived notion that it is a faith-based film. That's how I came to love it. It's now my favorite movie of all time. Perfect blend of romance and disaster. They don't make movies like this anymore. This movie is full emotions, you feel love, despair, fear, you laugh, you cry, you feel bad for these characters and how they all find Christ in the end. PHENOMENAL STORY. So many people were weeping at the screening. Huge ovation. Everyone I went with LOVED THIS FILM. It stays with you until the end. KUDOS to all the actors and director.

Simply the best disaster movie ever made.

[gemgil · 9/10 · 14 February 2021]

What a movie! This is it. This is the pinnacle of old-style, non-think, glamorous, suspenseful entertainment.

*Probable SPOILERS* - the missile actually comes, but it's already advertised as such so no spoiler.

By far the best disaster movie ever made with a terrific, diverse cast. Not to be missed.

The entire cast is brilliant and totally believable. This film is an instant classic, watch it now.

You will weep and laugh. Very well-made and actually quite stunning...

Emotional

[jana-32508 · 9/10 · 18 December 2020]

Best emotional movie I have ever watched, I'm watching it again in 2021 & now also it brought me to full of tears, a must watch movie All cast are exceptional in conveying emotion.

It Doesn't Matter about your race, riches, or fame if you have 20 minutes to live!

[seanmorkikawa · 10/10 · 30 March 2023]

The Motiff: It Doesn't Matter about your race, riches, or fame if you have 20 minutes to live! That's what the movie's all about as the previous posters have said. Loved this movie. It's beyond explanation. Only people who survived the first false missile warning truly understand what I'm saying. That's what makes this film so special. The filmmaker guy survived it too and then took it to the next level.

Kudos to everyone involved with this excellent production. The twist ending was powerful and awe-inspiring. So many people have told me they left the theater really changed. All I can say is if there's one movie to see in your lifetime, this may be it.

God bless everyone on this!

I just witnessed history

[southglenndenver · 10/10 · 23 March 2023]

SCORE: 10/10

I actually feel speechless. That was one of the most amazing things I have seen in my life and I got to see it 3 days early. Wow. I feel like that changed the way movies will be made forever. It was the perfect blend of old and new, with absolutely incredible audio and visuals and some of the best storytelling I've ever seen in a movie. I just witnessed history. And this is based on true history in Hawaii.

There were multiple points in which the movie could've ended and I would've been satisfied, but it just kept getting better and better and better. I was also here for that nuclear warning in Hawaii, but all i can say is we were all a part of history that day and this film is a definite must watch. I was sucked in during the moments of breath-taking action, and I cried during every emotional moment this film had to offer.

I LIVED THIS!

[oscarchavez-363 · 10/10 · 23 March 2023]

I was in Hawaii when my family got the missile alert - it was terrifying. But you know what? I'm actually glad I went through it. This film brings a ton of closure. I saw this at the Hawaii premiere and it was packed. So many people were crying it was incredible. I also cried as well.

Very touching movie - maybe one of the best films I've ever seen. Maybe I'm saying that because I lived through this incident and the film really makes everything wonderful and clear: If we only got twenty minutes to live, make peace with God and your enemies. Nothing else really matters.

The film gets a perfect 10 from me.

Saw this at the Cannes Film Festival last year

[ochenko-teresa · 10/10 · 2 January 2021]

We were at the Cannes Film Festival last year (when life was normal) and a bunch of my colleagues and friends wanted to attend this screening, but it was packed. But I got in thankfully.

This is truly one of the best movies I have ever seen. I warn you though that there is discussion on God which might make some a little queasy. I loved how the director really connects you with the nine characters as the nuclear missile approaches. Everyone talked about this after the screening.

I did get teary-eyed as everyone says their final farewells - this is not a spoiler by the way as it shows this in the trailer. You'll feel the pain of the characters as the missile comes. A film like this has never been made before.

In a way the entire film is a beautiful, horrifying masterpiece. What if you had twenty minutes to live as this monstrous missile approaches beautiful Hawaii? The absolutely stunning cinematography mixed with the urgent story-telling is simply masterful.

This is simply one of the best movie I've seen in last few years and I think you will agree when you watch it.

Problems. Well, the romances were perhaps too contrived, in the sense that I just don't accept that the significant others were separated as the missile was coming in.

A minor quibble, though. This is truly an excellent movie. My only regret is my other friends could not get into the screening at Cannes.

9/10

Loved the incredible twist at the end like everyone says....

[deltacomanager · 10/10 · 29 March 2023]

Very Thought provoking film, outstanding feel good movie especially the end which seems strange, but you will understand after seeing it.

Writer-director Tim Chey has a knack for storytelling--already evident by his previous work--but he outdoes himself with this one. Nothing is ever truly predictable, which is an impressive accomplishment considering the type of film. Never is there a dull moment, and the dialogue is so effortlessly perfect without ever feeling contrived. The sappy moments are never that, when any other writer would know no other way. It's a powerful faith-based thriller for the ages and may even be the pinpoint for redefining the genre. Highly recommended for those of you who haven't seen it and are arguing with your other half about what to watch tonight. I promise you'll both enjoy it.

Rating: A+

heart taking and the nearest I ever felt to crying

[emilia-rodriguez · 10/10 · 3 January 2021]

English is not my best language forgive me - i cannot describe feeling of the moment when kevin and his wife are separate during their impending death. the most emotional moments of my life contain heavy amount of this film scenes. the movie has a diffrent essence which blossoms with every bit of great acting of a most deserving and the best cast in the whole world. with the score of music that personally is the best thing I ever heard and listening in the name of music. when kevin was ready to die i couldn't stop crying...very emotion for me...i give highest score. thank you.

.....a film that will never be forgotten

[DallasFilm21 · 10/10 · 22 December 2020]

................I recently watch this movie two weeks ago and it's was the most emotional yet so beautiful of a movie it was one of these movies where it made me cry as the nuclear missiles were descending on oahu - it was so emotional and so painful and yet it was a masterpiece I'm glad I saw it and I definitely recommend this movie for all those that need tissues it's just amazing..........

From the same producer of "Freedom"

[BelieverinGod90 · 10/10 · 13 February 2021]

Great movie! This is about the Hawaii missile alert crisis that happened a couple years ago! Great story line with incredible and powerful apologetics about God, meaningful relationships. This is from the same guy who did 'Freedom' I saw on Showtime. Keep these coming, please - we need more intelligent filmmaking that focuses on God rather than always man.

Sit back and enjoy the ride

[purposedriven2002 · 18 February 2021]

The concept for '20 Minutes' is the Hawaii missile alert warning that came in 2018. I remember hearing about this on the news. All the brave people in Hawaii! As a Christian, this movie is very profound and is a total must see film - you cannot miss this movie.

All in all, 20 Minutes is a bonified masterpiece. I normally don't say that about a lot of films because I have been critical in the past with movies of this genre (disaster). Edited splendidly by J. Michael Rosen nd directed with gusto by Tim Chey, "20 Minutes" has the real feel of a true Best Picture Nominee (if it wasn't for the Christianity which is what makes this film work!). It also kind of serves secretly as a public announcement about the dangers of a future missile from a deranged dictator from guess what country?

"20 Minutes" is dangerous, epic, exhausting stuff and when it does move closer and closer to its conclusion, we get the pleasure of seeing two surfer friends come together to escape from the missiles destroying everything in its path. I've gotta admit seeing these two talented actors on screen gives me goosebumps. Oh heck, the whole film gives me goosebumps. If you love Christian movies and want to escape, "20 Minutes" is pretty serviceable. Just get a big bucket of popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the ride. I promise you will leave a changed man for God!

I'm a Christian movie review critic by trade (just FYI)

Wait what?!

[jemiller-21676 · 1/10 · 29 March 2023]

This movie is awful. It's obvious the filmmakers were not even actually present during the actual missile warning. It's so completely out of touch. It's pretty much your typical Christian Propaganda flick. Complete with laughable dialog and awful acting. The message: if you only get 20 minutes left to live you'd better get saved. Haha.

There aren't even any locals in the film.

Funny how you can't find any critics reviews online. They've marketed this film as "critically acclaimed". That's a reach. This movie is a joke. Seriously...where are all these "best movie I've ever seen" comments coming from?!

A CONTENDER FOR MOVIE OF THE YEAR. WHAT AN EXPERIENCE 🎥🍿🛫

[roym-92275 · 10/10 · 23 March 2023]

Just saw this at a media screening in Honolulu last week and guys what an experience it was.

Components of this Movie-

1. Firstly what a cast! EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER had a great redemption moment in the movie INCLUDING the most unlikable. Great Performances all around.

2. Every Scene flows so well. The time flew by with the clock ticking and flashbacks.

3. Many of the Scenes Landed Strongly throughout the Movie with the audience I was with. Especially the "They can't even finish the rail system" Scene. 😂🤣 Only us Hawaii locals get this. No one on the mainland will. And this movie is for a worldwide audience don't forget.

4. The Visuals of the finale were Astonishing. They looked so good.

5. The Story was good enough, on top of that, the suspense was built up throughout the entire movie. '20 Minutes' gets a 10 just for that

Overall, What A Movie and Going Further, What an Experience it was.

A masterpiece: an emotional and visual thrill ride

[jokovic-stanco · 10/10 · 12 December 2020]

I thought the performances of everyone were magnificent: I cared about the characters and their lives on and beyond the missile approaching. Taking the time to introduce everyone and weave their stories together was masterful, even beyond the main characters.

I loved how the most important thing: Jesus Christ is all that matters in the end. This is a hard-core Christian film, but it will appeal to all. Why? Because it answers the question of what if you had 20 minutes to live?

Visually pleasing in every way, dramatic, musically astounding, great acting and above all a fantastic story make this an undeniably iconic, enduring film.

This film is one for the ages.

Powerful, Heartfelt Movie

[wburkhart29 · 9/10 · 25 December 2020]

This was a good film with a powerful message of tragedy, love and redemption all rolled into one. I loved the transformation of each of the nine characters and the repercussions of this possible, horrible 911 event happening with a ballistic missile from North Korea. Well-acted and well-directed. If there were any flaws, I'd have to say that the story showed the typical Hawaii locations again. What about all people of all cultural backgrounds? I would love to see a movie where all of these cultures are shown - like in real life. Nevertheless, the film soared in terms of its values and its understanding of the how a stark ending - 20 minutes left in your life - can bring someone closer to his or her maker. Loved the film and it brought tears to my eyes.

Special thanks to Ed, Julie, Clement for inviting me to the amazing screening. You were right in this is one of the best films I've seen in my life.

My Friends Saw this at Cannes

[forhispurpose22 · 10/10 · 24 February 2023]

Looking forward to seeing this film - I've heard so much about this film as I live in Hawaii. My friends saw this film at the Cannes Film Festival and said it was packed. FOR THE RECORD, I lived this horror when I got the missile warning on my phone! I understand this time the missile is real and is heading towards Hawaii and these characters have about twenty minutes to live - extremely fascinating!

I hope they don't change the release date. It's suppose to come out in late March and my friends at my church are all going to see it. God bless us all with N Korea at our very door threatening the world with nuclear missies. Time to get right with God.

so happy this film is hitting theaters this summer 2022!

[DonnaClark67 · 10/10 · 7 May 2022]

This was one of the only - if not THE only - faith-based film at the Cannes Film Festival. I was fortunate enough to see this film at the Majestic theater in Cannes, France and it blew everyone in the theater away. I remember '20 Minutes' was like one of the most talked about films at Cannes.

I heard this film is finally hitting theaters this summer (2022) after the covid shut-down and it's about time! Hoping everyone gets a chance to see it!!

10/10 I agree with everyone.....

This movie restores my faith in the cinema.

[eddieluceroHI · 10/10 · 28 March 2023]

Wow!

I have just walked out of the cinema, and feel absolutely buzzing, a 95 minute emotional ride, what a spectacular movie this was.

I so often feel disappointed by hyped up films, but this deserves all the hype, and then some.

'20 Minutes' is a classic, one of those films we've all seen, and many love. When I first heard about the film I thought it would be religious, but it while it was extremely about faith in God, it was an incredible movie that even secular atheists would be interested in.

All involved were outstanding, Director Chey, clearly a perfectionist, and that side of him is evident here, I cannot find a single fault. His last film 'Interview with the Antichrist' is without peer.

Visually amazing, great music, great story, superb acting.

Nailed it! 10/10.

This movie restores my faith in the cinema. Many thanks to the cast and the whole crew for making this pure cinema experience. Best in years! Go see it, go see it now!!!

What a film!

[gwensteiner · 10/10 · 28 March 2023]

This movie had me crying, laughing, praying and totally getting lost as this missile descends on the characters. This is arguably the most beautiful film ever made. It drips of courage, redemption, and sacrifice unseen in our society today. Literally, you must see this film or you miss out on something truly breathtaking. The filmmakers understood this and hit a home-run with this movie. Human connection is the theme of the film and in watching it you will find yourself evaluating your life and what matters to you and what you want in life. This movie offers terrific, sharp writing, great acting, solid pacing and perfect use of music as well, and a great blend of faith and tear-jerking drama. .. For me, this movie earns a rare 10/10! A stunning film from start to end.

This is why we go to the movies

[jjackson1-2812 · 10/10 · 23 March 2023]

This film was delayed by COVID and other issues. Its almost as if we were not meant to see this. But now it is here and the question is, was it worth the wait? The answer is a resounding yes. I saw this film at a special media screening last week in Hawaii and it blew me away. The most touching scenes are at the end. People coming together - it doesn't matter about your race, ethnicity, tribe - if you've got 20 minutes...man. I like how the atheist comes around too.

The script is great and fast moving. Director Timothy Chey (a guy who has directed 15 movies including Showtime's 'Freedom') nails making the film about the real missile alert. Making the action sequences cinematic. And hugely poetic. Majority of the action scenes are practical and realistic which makes it better. The climatic sequence with the missile coming is profound. Definitely worth seeing this film on the biggest screen with great sound quality.

The best cinematic experience of my life and a perfect gift to all the Hawaii residents who got that missile warning.

Propaganda at its worst

[lrod-66288 · 1/10 · 1 April 2023]

I lived through this event in real time - well, to be honest, I slept through it. There were no sirens in my neighborhood that I recall and there were no sounds of distressed neighbors. By the time I got up and turned on the radio the TV was already reporting that it was a false alarm.

All the teaser commercials are overloaded with less than subtle religious and political garbage. It's clear that the actors and production crew have no local connections at all. Also, there was no cell phone interruption, so the scene on the beach is pure shibai. The movie is horrid. There was no missile.

Don't waste your money. This movie is 5 years too late and about.

hauntingly beautiful - one of the greats

[ferguson-esther · 10/10 · 20 December 2020]

A great story, great film, simply great - it will stay with you forever.

based on that hawaii missile crisis that happened in 2018 where everyone thought an incoming missile was coming. this takes it to a whole new level where a real missile is actually coming!

This movie will make you laugh, cry, and learn all in one

[erinmarkes · 10/10 · 14 December 2020]

An absolutely spellbinding film.

This is based on that Hawaii missile alert warning about an incoming nuclear missile that would hit Hawaii.

This is a very strong Christian film (not for Christ-o-phobic people).

I absolutely recommend it.

The most soul-searching action movie in modern times....

[gregberninhonolulu · 10/10 · 23 March 2023]

I've lived in Hawaii with my family for over 10 years.

Acting was great. This is a movie making as good as it gets. Was it predictable? Yes. But at the same time i was excited and glued to the screen during its whole 95 minutes run time.

The music and score are terrific, and the cinematography is another major plus. Some might find the initial few acts a little slow, but the action sequences completely steal the show, especially in the lengthy and spellbinding final act.

You won't find a better movie of this type in the theater right now, especially for anyone who is from Hawaii. It will provide a memorable experience. I like how the main characters finally all came to redemption in the end that all was built up quite well.