The Apostle

             This movie is a masterpiece exploration of the Pentecostal, southern tradition, and reflects much of writer/director/star Robert Duvall’s upbringing. It also represents a great deal of research and rehearsal by Mr. Duvall, who stars as the charismatic, yet tormented preacher who folks just call Sonny. He is a warrior for the Lord, and a master in the Pentecostal preaching technique. He is also s very conflicted soul, and struggles a great deal with self-control.

            From opening scene to close, this is a great work of art, detailing a man’s life. He is preacher and pastor of a church, which he founded, and is in one day voted out in a single day by his conniving wife, as well as abandoned by her for the youth minister. He then goes on a drunken rampage and kills the youth minister at a children’s softball game. All he can do is run. He sets out for Baton Rouge, and before long he finds himself making friends and taking jobs in another town. Under the alias “the apostle E.F.” He takes up the cause of the church again. He is constantly haunted by his personal struggles and inner conflict.

            The conclusion is dramatic and powerful, and through out the story, the snippets of southern culture turn up. Just a delightful redemption peace without any frills, other than solid character acting, brilliant dialogue, and a raw southern worldscape. A certain 2, this is rewatchable, and many great quotes pervade this thunderous movie.