One woman's odyssey through a hellish life of sexual abuse, drug addiction, and crime is resolved in faith in this tough but inspiring drama based on a true story documented by evangelist Bishop T.D. Jakes. Michelle Jordan (Kimberly Elise) was raised by a single mother, Cassie (Loretta Devine), who became involved with a cruel and opportunistic man named Reggie (Clifton Powell). Reggie began displaying an inappropriate interest in Michelle when she was only eight, and at 12 he began violating
her on a regular basis. Stung by her mother's denials of Reggie's wrongdoings, Michelle ran away from home and ended up on a dead-end road of drug abuse and prostitution, which led to a stretch in prison for murder. While behind bars, Michelle hears of the teachings of Bishop T.D. Jakes and his work with abused women, and writes the noted preacher in hopes of someday meeting him. To her surprise, Jakes (who plays himself) pays her a visit, and as she shares with him the story of her blighted life, she takes the first steps on the road to emotional and spiritual recovery. Jakes arranges for Michelle to have a three-day furlough from prison so she can attend a revival he's hosting in the area; opting to stay in a half-way house rather than see Cassie and Reggie, Michelle reconnects with many of her old friends during her three days of freedom, including former stripper Nicole (Idalis de Leon), childhood friend and hairdresser Twana (Debbi Morgan), and former boyfriend Todd (Michael Boatman). ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
It is more a public service announcement than a movie, but it has to be more useful to its audience than a summer blockbuster offering Halle Berry's tips on how to use a bullwhip.
The film raises the questions it hopes churches will answer. It's clearly designed to open discussion on these questions, and to encourage churches to discuss sexual abuse.
For a 'message' movie that features Bishop Jakes revving it up onstage in Billy Graham-style crusades, it's surprisingly successful as dramatic entertainment.
As with a good sermon, it is engaging, and strives to inspire and provide food for thought. Audiences going in knowing what to expect shouldn't be disappointed.
It sounds like a rather overt Christian message, but the film is actually more of a cautionary melodrama with religious sermons sprinkled in between the various scenes
while director Michael Schultz's work is unsubtle...it's guaranteed to find a sympathetic audience, much in the same way Jakes' plainspoken sermons connect with his followers.
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