An artistic genius, raised on a tree farm in Indiana by a callous father, Rich wrestled all of his life with the brokenness and crippling insecurity born of his childhood. A lover of Jesus and a rebel in the church, Rich refused to let his struggles with his own darkness tear him away from a God he was determined to love. As he struggled with success in Nashville and depression in Wichita, Rich desired most of all to live a life of honest and reckless faith amidst a culture of religion and conformity. (product description)
Ragamuffin was written and directed by David Schultz (who also plays "Sam" in the film) and stars Michael Koch, David Schultz, and Wolfgang Bodison. Production companies were Color Green Films in association with Kid Brothers of St. Frank Co. and Duality Filmworks. Running time is 137 minutes and it is rated PG-13.
My Review: I am familiar with Rich Mullins music, but did not know as much about the person. The film portrays a man who struggled with many issues, including tobacco, alcohol, depression, and his poor relationship with his father (excellently portrayed by Mel Fair). Although the movie does seem to be a bit darker than I would like since I have heard that he had a more whimsical side, and it is obvious that he cared greatly for others, especially troubled youth, but it did help me to understand him. His music shows a man who loves God whole-heartedly, but struggles with both the church and the trappings of fame. Yet, I also found myself able to empathize with some of the personal demons Rich faced as he pursued peace with himself and with God.
There were a few technical issues now and then (that I lack the knowledge to fully explain) and sometimes the time frame did not seem quite in accordance with reality of the age of the character, but it was a good overall look at Rich Mullins. The commentary tract (which gives the dvd Bonus Points from me, and added ones for the Closed Captioning!) with director David Shultz and Rich's brother, Dave (who plays a DJ interviewing Rich), explained that the story was meant to be of more how Rich would have viewed events in his life, plus some characters and stories were put in different sequence or a character would be the compilation of more than one of the people in Rich's life. Understandable. Loved the music, but I was a little surprised to learn that the singing in the film was actually done by lead actor, Michael Kohl, instead of using Rich's voice. However, it works.
Buy Ragamuffin
Giveaway Details: Since my birthday is Sunday, I want to give this as a gift to someone else. All entries must be in by 5:25am (CDT) July 13, 2014. A winner will be selected that day (after I wake up!), and you will be contacted for contact info for me to send to Propeller Consulting, LLC. Simply let me know you want to be entered.
Rich Mullins:
Singer and songwriter Richard Wayne “Rich” Mullins was best known for his worship song “Awesome God” which has been embraced as modern classics by many Christians. His music has been covered by many artists, including Caedmon’s Call, Amy Grant, Jars of Clay, Michael W. Smith, Third Day, John Tesh, and Hillsong United. Mullins’ musical career formally began with Zion Ministries in the late 1970s, where he wrote music and performed with a band called Zion. Mullins first solo hit, “Awesome God,” appeared on his third album and brought his music to a wider audience. Rich Mullins was inducted into the Hall of Fame by the Gospel Music Association (GMA) on April 29, 2014.
Finally, my personal favorite of Rich's songs..."Hold Me, Jesus"
Finally, my personal favorite of Rich's songs..."Hold Me, Jesus"
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Ben Robinson has been entered.
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