  
Not Easily BrokenMPAA Rating:
 for sexual references and thematic elements.Reviewed by: Larry Barber Average
Moviemaking Quality:
Primary Audience:
Adults
Genre:
Christian, Drama
Length:
1 hr. 40 min.
Year of Release:
2009
USA Release:
January 9, 2009 (wide—600 theaters)
DVD: April 7, 2009  
Relevant Issues
This film is based on a novel by Bishop T.D. Jakes. “Life tries to break you. Love holds you together.” Producer’s Synopsis: “After years of disagreeing on what true happiness, success, and love really are, Dave and Clarice Johnson have finally reached a breaking point in their marriage. When Clarice is hurt in a car accident, the obvious truth that more than just her injuries need immediate attention is exposed. Their odds of making it worsen as Clarice begins to see a physical therapist, and Dave develops a friendship with Julie and her teenage son Bryson. The acceptance and comfort he finds in them stirs his longing for a family and a passionate partner. As temptation tugs at Dave and Clarice pulls farther away, they must confront whether their vows are or are NOT EASILY BROKEN.” The three strands of rope!! I had never heard that statement until this movie. The theory is that in a marriage there should be three strands, one for each party involved and the third for God. Without the third strand, the two cannot make a strong bond. This movie deals with a couple in what is at first thought to be a good and loving relationship—until trouble comes knocking at the door. Then the little problems that were not so evident, at first, come out into the open. Without giving away too many details let’s just say that both sides have people that are leading them into situations that are not good for the marriage. It isn’t until they both realize the need for looking to God that things begin to correct themselves. This is not something that is very noticeable, since neither of them really state it, but it is mentioned by their bishop. On the bad side, as some of the comments on this movie have stated, WAY too much language for a movie touted as “Christian.” They use the *ss word so many times in the first 5-10 minutes that it is annoying, and I would have been appalled had I gone to see it at the theater. Yes, it has other language that is not needed, as well, but I won’t go into detail about it. I would like to focus somewhat on the good aspects of this movie. First, we see good friendships that actually help to lead the couple back in the right direction, instead of giving all the bad advice that we so often see in movies. Second, we see a couple that does not want to let the world get in the way of their relationship. Third, we see a pastoral leader that steps up and informs one of the two of a situation that is getting in the way of their relationship, without making them look bad to everyone. That is exactly what we are supposed to do for our fellow brothers and sisters when they are not acting or doing as they should. 2 Timothy 4:2 tells us, “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” My final thoughts on this movie are this: the producer (T.D. Jakes and Curtis Wallace) could have used any other dialogue than he did to get the message across without all the language that was present. I know that he was trying to give this movie a “real feel,” but do Christians (or should Christians) talk like this? I think that our “religious community” is still in the process of changing the values of the Bible to blend not only with society but what we want God to accept in our lives. I liked this film because it shows that marriage is an important thing and that trouble WILL come along at some time to test your love and devotion to one another. It also shows a couple that is willing to try and make it work, even though most people would have already given up. In this day and age, we are so quick to throw in the towel in a marriage, over the little things. I can’t really say that I would recommend this movie to other Christians due to the language, if not for that it is an absolutely wonderful movie with a great storyline and cast. They all blended well and make the film very enjoyable. If a lot of mild language does not bother you, then this will be a good pick, but keep the youngin’s out, as there is language. Violence: None / Profanity: Moderate / Sex/Nudity: Minor See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.   Comments below:
Positive
Positive - …Who, I mean really, counts curse words in the dialouge? This movie is one I would recommend to any married couple, christian or otherwise who are going through somethings. Was the curseing needed? Probobly not, but so many seemed to focus on that than what was really going on in the film. I've seen this in many reviews here and it disturbs me. I have heard “christians” and “chuch goers” curse far worse than this and still be looked at in reverance. This movie tells a real story, not someone jumping out a plane and landing a car to live, but a real story about real people and how outside forces (i.e. Satan) can rip apart something God ordained if we let it. Ignore the cursing and get this movie, you won't be disappointed. Response from reviewer: There are people who find the type of language in this film not only offensive but damaging to their lives as Christians. Short and sweet, by allowing our ears to be constantly berated by the type of language that is present in this film we allow our minds to wander from the truth of the gospel. Hebrews 3:1 says; “Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.” We cannot fix our thoughts on Jesus if we are fixing our ears on vile language. Once again, while the message for this movie was good, the language was NOT a necessity and could have been replaced with something else. Positive - I think there could be a bit of a cultural divide that is driving some of the negative criticisms about the language used in this movie. In some communities the words you've mentioned might be considered a little "salty" but not really offensive - it all comes down to your culture and community. For example, I've heard foreign expressions and words used on regular TV here in the US that are basically considered the equivalent of the F-word in the country/culture that they originate from and would never be broadcast over the air. I've also lived overseas and heard the most shocking American curses being used without people associating the same kind of negative connotations that would go with these words when they are spoken here. Negative
Negative - My husband and I went to see this movie with 2 other friends, and we all were disappointed. Although the movie did have a good message about marriage, the use of one particular curse word was very annoying. I also felt like the part with the husband having a dream about Julie was a bit sensual for a christian movie. I will not go and see another movie in the future (even “christian” movies), until I visit this site and find out what the reviews are. Thank you for this site. Negative - …**WARNING**!! The curseword *ss was used approximately SIX TIMES in the first ten minutes. I stopped counting after its 12th time throughout the movie and left dazed and confused. Also, …the word d*mn… was also used and I stopped counting after it's 5th time! …What if I would have brought my children to see this “christian” movie?! I can't give you a total review because I HAD TO WALK OUT of this “christian” movie because it was the Christ-like thing to do. Negative - I was very disappointed with the use of one word in particular, it was not necessary. A less offensive even slang word could have been used. One scene in particular with the guys when they were focused in on the subject matter of that particular word was terrible! Having said that, I am extremely surprised that Bishop Jakes did not oppose the use of this word or that he would have written this material. I have followed his ministry for years and been blessed and carried through some difficult times, so I am concerned that this is the quality of work he is now presenting to us. I would not recommend this movie as a good Christian Movie. People who just go to church may use this language, but those with a real relationship with Jesus Christ do not. I watched the entire movie, hoping that some reference would be made to the meaningless use of profanity. And yes I know that the word is in the Bible...but not in the context used in the movie! Movie Critics
…a sensitive and near thorough examination of modern masculinity and the black man… …Solid acting… leavens the soap opera with a big heart and lots of belly laughs.… …God, says the clergyman, must be the third partner in a marriage. What this means as the movie plays out, however, places more emphasis on humanist decency than theology: Do good for your community; take care of each other; don't be too materialistic.… …One-sided story paints husband as injured party, wife as source of all blame in a film meant to focus on God's role in relationship… …“Not Easily Broken” gets too preachy with its message… can't avoid the stereotypes… …a routine and formulaic project that could have reached considerably greater emotional and psychological depths… |
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