Faith and Perseverance of a Christian Family

Years ago, my daughter and I were invited by friends to see Rebecca St. James at a local church. Our children got photos with Rebecca and her brothers, Luke and Joel. At that time, for King + Country were still several years from forming. After watching Unsung Hero, I looked back at those photos with a new appreciation for this musical family. This isn’t just a film about a family, it is an inspiring movie that highlights love and faith in action. In this Christian Movie Review of Unsung Hero, I give you the information you need before seeing this film with your family. 

Introduction:

Imagine being uprooted from a life of luxury and thrust into a world where survival hinges on faith, hope, and the love of music. ‘Unsung Hero’ chronicles the harrowing yet inspiring journey of the Smallbone family, led by the pregnant wife Helen and her husband, David Smallbone, whose once-successful music company falls apart, leaving them in search of a brighter future in the United States. This outstanding true story, featuring performances by Candace Cameron Bure, Lucas Black, and Joel Smallbone, underscores the power of unwavering faith and the resilience of a family determined to turn their dreams into reality against all odds. From the early 1990s in native Australia to the pinnacle of inspirational music history in the bustling music city of Nashville, their story is a testament to the enduring love, God-given musical ability, and sacrificial love that defines the very essence of the Smallbone family. 

Key Takeaways:

• ‘Unsung Hero’ is not just a film; it’s a journey through the trials and triumphs of the Smallbone family. 
• The essence of the story revolves around faith, family, and the pursuit of musical dreams against the backdrop of adversity. 
• Featuring an all-star cast, including Candace Cameron Bure and Lucas Black, the film is a beacon of hope, showcasing the profound impact of love and perseverance. 

Synopsis Christian Movie Review – Unsung Hero

Studio Synopsis:

Based on a remarkable true story, Unsung Hero follows David Smallbone as he moves his family from “Down Under” to the United States, searching for a brighter future after his successful music company collapses. With nothing more than their seven children, suitcases, and their love of music, David (for KING + COUNTRY’s Joel Smallbone) and his pregnant wife, Helen (Daisy Betts), set out to rebuild their lives. Helen’s faith stands against all odds and inspires her husband and children to hold onto theirs. With their own dreams on hold, David and Helen begin to realize the musical prowess in their children, who will go on to become two of the most successful acts in Inspirational Music history: five-time GRAMMY Award®-winning artists for KING + COUNTRY and Rebecca St. James. 

​My Synopsis:

When David Smallbone’s successful music company collapses, he moves his entire family from Australia to the United States for a job opportunity. However, the job falls through, and this faith-filled family of nine works together, securing odd jobs to build a new life. However, they undergo extreme hardship and David undergoes one crisis after another and his faith is pushed to the limits. 

Christian Movie Review of Unsung Hero – What Parents Want to Know

Language: 

The song, “To Hell with the Devil” by the Christian metal band “Stryper” is performed. Additionally, Hel is used to refer to Helen.

The word doll is used in reference to a woman. 

Violence: 

While there is little violence, there are a few intense scenes. First, the family is detained in the airport, and one of the children is scared and crying. The Custom Agents treat the family poorly and scare the child even more. 

While Helen is very patient with everyone, she reaches her limit and gets angry with David for the way he is treating their daughter, and she slaps him. She then yells at him to leave.

In another scene, David has a breakdown and destroys a phone. 

Spiritual Content: 

Helen tells her family, “We need to pray everyday for everything we need.” Additionally, a prayer is said, “Show us the way.” The family is seen going to church and spending time with new church friends. The church also comes together to help the family. One character says, “I think God wants to give you the van.” 

David’s dad says to him, “If you can dream and not make dreams your master, you’ll be a man.” 

At the end of the film, a Mother Teresa quote is shown, “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.”

Other Content: 

One person vomits due to morning sickness.

The family faces several hardships including bankruptcy, losing everything, and moving to a new country. Additionally, once they get to the United States, they don’t fare any better. 

A woman is pregnant and in labor. She has complications, and it looks as if she may die.

A married couple kiss several times. They are also shown in bed together talking.

Positive Content:

This movie highlights the importance of family. Helen is asked what her dream was, and she responds, “my dream has always been to have a great big family.” 

Teachable Moments

The Smallbone family comes together when things are tough. Helen comes up with a great way to keep a record of prayer requests and needs, and they keep track of requests that are answered. Does your family have a way to track requests and answers to those requests? It is a great way to remember what God has done for you.

Research the music of singer-songwriter Rebecca St James and for King + Country. What Grammy Awards have they received? Hint: They are five-time Grammy Award-Winning Artists.

Brainstorm ways to raise money as a family. Keep a jar with the money you make and use it for a movie and dinner out (or to pay bills!)

Christian Movie Review of Unsung Hero – My Viewing Recommendations

This remarkable story of the Smallbone family is an excellent film that is sure to inspire you! However, it may be too slow moving for small children. Additionally, some of the content especially the airport scene and the childbirth scene may be too intense for kids. For this reason, I would recommend this film for ages 8 and up.

About the Movie:

Rating: PG for thematic elements

Release Date: April 26, 2024 (Family Day)

Runtime: 1 hour, 52 minutes

Genre: Drama

Studio: Kingdom Story Company, Candy Rock Entertainment, For King + Country

Director: Richard Ramsey and Joel Smallbone

Written by: Richard Ramsey and Joel Smallbone

Produced by: Justin Tolley, Josh Walsh, Luke Smallbone

Edited by: Parker Adams

Music by: Brent McCorkle

Distributed by:Lionsgate (Jesus Revolution, Arthur the King, American Underdog)

The Cast of Unsung Hero

David Smallbone played by Joel Smallbone

Helen Smallbone played by Daisy Betts

Rebecca St. James played by Kirrilee Berger

Eddie DeGarmo played by Jonathan Jackson

Jed Albright played by Lucas Black

Kay Albright played by Candace Cameron Bure

Joel Smallbone played by Diesel La Torraca

Luke Smallbone played by JJ Pantano