The Apostle (DVD, 2002)

The Apostle is a story along a standard plot line, redemption. But it is told in a new way making it an enjoyable film. If you are a Robert Duvall fan, this will be a very enjoyable film for you. He wrote it, directed it, financed it, produced it and edited it. This means you get a LOT of Duvall, but in a very solid performance.

There are some solid supporting roles as well, John Beasley is great as always, Billy Bob Thornton is always well cast as a creepy redneck, and musician Billy Joe Shaver plays Duvall's best friend.

Many of the preachers in the film were real and pulled from people Mr. Duvall met on his travels. Some were 10-15 years older than when he met them, but still able to spew the kind of fire he was looking for.

The dank Louisiana swampland becomes a character in its own right, playing the darkness he has fallen to and the springboard for his return.

This is a solid film with good acting and a easy to follow plot.

I personally loved this movie. Robert Duvall is a versatile actor and one of my all time favorites. He played the main character in this movie. He was a preacher named Sonny who was married to Farrah Fawcets character. She had an affair with the music minister which resulted in Sonny having a few drinks and really clocking the guy hard with a ball bat. (I won't tell the ending). At first you are repulsed at the idea of a preacher physically harming someone, but then, you begin to see the frailty in the character and actually feel pity and compassion for him. It really brings to light the flaws we all have within us. As Sonny goes on the run and you see him leave his children and ailing mother behind, you can feel his anguish as he struggles with his guilt, his love for God and his humanity. Although this may not have been one of his most popular movies, it is a must see for any Robert Duvall fan. You could really believe that he was a preacher from the old south. June Carter Cash did an excellent job portraying his mother. There is also a cameo by Billy Bob Thornton as an angry sinner that Sonny helps turn to God. It is truly a classic as far as I see it.
Robert Duvall was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance and surely deserved it. His portrayal of a man on the road to redemption in the face of certain prosecution if caught is nothing short of astounding. This movie does not disappoint. I decided to buy it after a long search at my local stores because after seeing it originally on a cable movie channel, I knew I had to have it! Do yourself a favor and check it out.

For those that do not know the world of "The APOSTLE" as depicted here in this excellent motion picture, there is little wonder then this film did not even get an Oscar nomination nod. Although DUVALL did. ROBERT DUVALL wrote, produced, directed and used his own dollars after 14-years of molding this gem together to make a personal memorable entertaining event. You can tell from each, he puts his heart,sweat, and soul into every scene. And every frame is terrific. Not only fun eyes-wise watching , but dramatic,amusing and all so true-stuff. Just ask your best friend that might be a member of this kind of a pentecostal church,that DUVALL portrays as the preacher,who is preaching, forced to leave ,builds another church and then forced to leave again. His faithful,then un-faithful wife Farrah Fawcett,does a great job along with all the other cast members. Yes,that's Mrs.Johnny Cash as Duvall's mother in a splendid performance. Reading this or any other review will not in any way give you a true description of how great,loving,honest and haunting memorable this film is that is going to stick with you. You must watch it yourself...or especially with another good spiritual church member. Those who don't attend any church much, will simply grade this film as another ordinary "backwoods-preacher and church-movie". They simply won't get it.

I had seen this movie once on HBO several years ago. Although I am a much more conservative Christian than what this movie portrays, the subject and story line are facinating. Robert Duvall is one of my favorite actors and he really stretched himself with acting, directing & producing this movie. The movie is spiritual, funny, sad and very thought provoking. It's not going to be to everyone's taste, and frankly am surprised that I enjoy it so much. An interesting insight into spirituality. You need to have a very open mind to watch and enjoy this movie.

Bought this movie for my husband as he is a Robert Duval fan. He is a great actor and a natural. He is a preacher in this movie and is good at it.

I had seen the first 1/2 hour of this film a few years ago in a Master's class and always meant to see the rest on my own. I finally bought it.

To say that I was spell-bound might be somewhat of an exaggeration - but I did not take my eyes off the screen for an instant. Duval's performance is nothing short of a tour de force - he achieves an intensity and believability that is without peer.

The movie, conceived of, produced and directed by Duval, avoids pitfalls that other films about this subject might fall into - smarminess, condecension, or ridicule.

Duval offers a compassionate look at a man who errs greviously, yet who has a sincere heart and desire for others to come to know "the Good News" and who shifts from rolling high to doing his work through sweat and tears.

I am not at all a movie/film fan, nor do I watch many films. I am, however, a lover of literature, the classic human struggles that great literature can portray, and the perspectives literature can offer.

THis film is so finely and carefully crafted that it is at once a compelling look at a human struggle equal to great moments in literature and a visual/audial delight.

Duval's Apostle's frenetic preaching is the most obvious piece of high energy, but the whole of his characters being is taught with energy and passion.

The other members of the cast bring exquisite perfomances, as well. Professional actors and non-actors alike bring such richness to this film.

Duval has a masterpiece here.

Having grown up in a "holiness" community in the south-- okay, we thought Missouri was in the midwest, but everyone else seems to classify it as south!-- I was very curious about this movie, which I missed seeing when it originally appeared in movie theaters. And . . . I really enjoyed the movie! It had some great acting and really presented its subject matter accurately. Robert DuVall did an excellent job of making me feel the painful humanity in Sonny's character flaws. None of the patronizing, look-down-your-nose attitude (think CARRIE, RV, or thousands of other examples!) that usually causes Hollywood movies to ring just a bit off-key in approaching religious subjects. However, I did find the story line to be a bit disjointed, and some of the action was difficult to follow, especially at the beginning.

I love this movie this is a movie. christains needs to watch this movie. I wish there were a part 2. I can watch this over and over. I will never get tired of it

Couldn't find this video elsewhare, but found it on ebay for a great price. Thanks!!!

Felt the enrire processfrom ordering to receiving the merchandise went well. When I contacted the seller by email, I got a response back immedicately clarifying what I needed to know.

Everything went well.

Fast exactly what I wanted and in excellent condition?The DVD is in great shape and this is ridiculous that I have take the time to do this. This is a fantastic buy and I was very please with the product. I also have some other products that i bought from ebay after this and this was the first to arrive in the mail. I am running out of things to say sO i am going to stop and see if this stupid thing will go through.

Someone raved & raved how good this movie was & How they watch it over & over, That it was their favorite movie, I bought because I was trying to watch a borrowed VHS & it broke, I replaced with a DVD continued to watch & it was OK, I wouldnt want to watch it over & over as I was told this person did, maybe you will enjoy!

i can not give this a rating today (09/01/07) due to the fact that i have not recieved this item. my ebay account shows pmt and conformation of address of seller as of 08/04/07.

when product is recieved i will leave a review.

Note: rating only because i HAD to select one.

Great purchase! Item was new as stated and shipping was quite fast for USPS. Seller was very professional and responded quickly to my emails. Thanx

We love this movie! My husband is the hardest person to buy for and he suggested that for Christmas next year I could get him this movie. So I got it for him for Valentine's Day this year and he was very surprised!

I ordered a dvd and it really took a long time to get it in. They are very slow about answering the e-mails I sent and did not answer some that I did send. When I finaly recieved the movie it was in a generic case, I guess that was ok. However, the dvd itself was ugly!! It had some kind of blockbuster stickers covering it along with some kind of writing and numbers. It did play ok. I finaly got an e-mail back from them after I complaind and they said send back and I'll get a refund for purchase amount - shipping. Shipping was as much almost as the dvd and more if you count the cost of me shipping it back. I would not buy from them again!
Tracy

one of the best movies ever made and has life lessons for anyone. Try it you will like it I am sure. Thanks

I love the movie and the item was in great shape. The item was just as described on ebay and came very quickly.

Good price and was on backorder so shipping was delayed. it took about 3 weeks to get the dvd........

Great movie, came new and wrapped. good prices and overall product Will do buisness again with this seller if I ever need to buy another movie.

I received my DVD well packaged, just as described. The only thing that put a bad taste on this purchase was the fact that the DVD was being offered while on backorder which delayed receipt of the movie. To make matters worse, they sent me a late payment email for a second copy that I purchased when they did not even know when they would be able to send me the first one. Would you pay for a second one knowing you may never receive the first one?

I LOVE THIS MOVIE, IT JUST GOES TO SHOW THAT ALL OF US HAVE ARE SHORT COMINGS, WE ALL JUST NEED TO LIVE, LOVE AND GO ON WITH LIFE AS IT COMES. WE CAN BE WHO GOD HAS CALLED US TO BE, NO MATTER WHAT THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

this show is the best out there.if you do not have it get it .it is excellent this moveie is one that will put you faith to the test and make you look at your life with God.one good one

I purchased this for a friend. He really loves this movie.A+A+A+ I would recomend this to all. The price was really great and it was sent fast. We all watched it last might. It is one of those movies you will want to see again and again.