It's All About HIM. Amen!
This film chronicles the touring/songwriting life of the Christian band "Hillsong United", and their band members' lives. We also get a look at the church building.
The worship experiences with the song performances are both inspiring and uplifting, and really engage you in your seat. The eight minute sequence of the song "Oceans" is particularly powerful. The inclusion of lyrics is also a smart move to help those unfamiliar with the songs learn the lyrics quickly and really helps the audience get into it.
One other really solid moment is when videos of different people, from kids to adults and from Americans to different languages, we hear a montage singing "Mighty to Save". The overall montage is clever and also engages you, albeit in a bit of a different way than the other songs. The minor plot point about the band's struggle with confidence over a new song may feel slightly forced, but it also works effectively with the film's message on God.
The flashbacks are not quite as effective overall as the music, but some really do tug on the heartstrings (particularly one about one of the band member's baby). The film's main message is this. It's not about us and our performance. It's about what we do for HIM. And that's a great message. It's not always on display though. We do hear other examples of trusting in God and to keep Him at the forefront.
On the downside, some of the flashbacks are simply not nearly as effective as others. There are some home videos of early tour footage, Lifesong church and family life that really just don't fully engage. For those that aren't familiar with Hillsong, these scenes won't engage nearly as much as the music. It was enough to offset the pace several times.
I am familiar with Hillsong. My Dad loves their CDs. And my personal favorites from them are "Oceans", "Mighty to Save", and one of my all-time favorites "Shout to the Lord" by former worship pastor of Hillsong church Darlene Zschech. It's a famous church and the band is also well-known in the Christian community. But can a movie about them actually work?
And, as a worship experience, yes it does. Worshipping God in the theater is a great idea. It brings spiritual revival to a worldly place. It truly does move and inspire in these moments. But as a documentary at times, it doesn't quite gel. There are a few moments that hit home, but these parts of the film lean more to being a mixed bag.
Altogether, Let Hope Rise struggles sometimes with whether or not it wants to be a worship concert or a documentary (the opening card regarding the "worship experience" may try to help, but the whole movie isn't exactly that).
It doesn't reach the heights of being truly revolutionary or unique, but for fellow believers and fans of the band/church, there's still plenty to like about it. And it is moving in the best moments.
Score: 7.9/10
Content Problems Families Should Be Aware Of:
Language: "Oh my gosh" and "wuss".
Adult Content: A couple of kisses between married couples.
Violence: None. A brief image shows a surgery scar down the center of a baby's chest.
Drugs/Alcohol: None.
Other: A prank in a home video involves distracting a police officer.
