Directed by Edward Zwick, this urgent, intensely moving adventure shapes gripping human stories and heart-pounding action into a modern epic of profound impact. I imagine it will be easier movie to watch on the small screen than at the movies for those who can’t cope with humankinds inhumanity to each other. The Certificate is R 16 because of the bloodshed but the love story (between Danny and a journalist) is handled sensitively with no graphic sex.

Some have likened Danny to a type of Christ figure and he is; in some ways – but not in others, being the deeply flawed man that Danny is. What touched me more was one incredibly powerful scene. Here Danny and Solomon are threatened to be shot by Solomon’s son. Here I experienced afresh the extravagant grace of God. As Dia holds a gun in his face Solomon keeps repeating “You are Dia; you are a good boy.” Now I know we are all sinful, but doesn’t God see as through Christ and keep reaching out to us, in spite of our fallen-ness?

Rich plot, great acting especially by Housou; beautiful and terrible scenery, bit of a cheesy ending but definitely worth a look for the story itself and for the grace moments along with overarching themes!

For a deeper review see www.emergentkiwi.org.nz