[Movie] Cherished Memories and Lessons That Connect Me to the 2019 Movie: [Overcomer]

Phew! It's been months since I wrote my last movie review here on Hive. Honestly, this category of writing is deeply personal to me, and with my past reviews having little to zero readers, I intentionally decided to save my efforts. But thanks to PeakSnaps for making me discover the incredible @wiseagent, who, in collaboration with @acidyo, put together a contest here to raise more awareness of the Scrobble.life project. And here I am with a new review. I hope you enjoy!

Movie Details

Title: Overcomer

Genre: Christian Drama

Release Date: August 23, 2019

Main Cast: Alex Kendrick, Priscilla Shirer, Cameron Arnett, Shari Rigby, Aryn Wright-Thompson, Denise Armstrong, Jack Sterner, Caleb Kendrick.

Synopsis

After losing one of the biggest games of the season at Brookshire Christian College, a high school basketball coach(John) struggles with the pain of letting go of his cherished team as their families begin relocating due to the town's inability to keep its biggest manufacturing plant open. Shortly after, he is faced with the responsibility of heading the school's cross-country program. He becomes a mentor to Hannah Scott, an orphaned, asthmatic junior who happens to be the only interested participant in the entire institution. What begins as a boring endeavour with no foresight of success grows into a story of hope, determination, and breaking barriers for both Hannah and John, who eventually discover their true identity in Christ.

What Makes This Movie Special to Me

Genuinely, I think that at different stages of our lives as cinephiles, we will come across that one movie that may not have the greatest direction, props, or finest actors, but the central message settles in our hearts and teaches us a lesson that changes us forever.

For me, that movie is Overcomer.

I watched this movie at a point in my life where, just like Hannah, I struggled with a few bad habits, constantly questioned my existence, wondered if anyone truly loved me completely, and even worse, doubted my capabilities despite growing up as a brilliant child.

The first time I watched Hannah steal a headphone from some boys playing basketball at the park, I felt totally disappointed because I already liked her as a character. But then, I realized that even I was not without sin. I had my own imperfections that stopped me from being a totally awesome child and friend.

Hannah's resolution to turn a new leaf inspired me to do just the same. By watching her, I began the hard work of killing my flesh; doing everything within my power to remain disciplined. Over time, I got to understand that my parents and guardians only reprimanded me because they loved and wanted the best for me. Not the other way round.

Another defining moment from this movie for me was seeing Hannah's coach, John, get into a wrong room during a hospital visit with his pastor. Instead of walking away, he sat and listened to a blind, bedridden male patient whose curiosity led to him asking this question:

"What have you allowed to define you?"

This question stuck with me so much that after seeing the movie, I began to write down a list of things I had let define me as a teenager. I realized I was prioritizing some wrong ideals, and only then did I understand that those impressions were part of the reasons I felt dissatisfied with the world. Eventually, I made a commitment to begin a new life defined only by the things that mattered the most.

Finally, the part of forgiveness and finding one's true identity. In this movie, Hannah met with a relative whose absence created a huge vacuum and left a feeling of unworthiness in her heart. She was aggrieved and confused, but she ended up taking the difficult path of forgiveness because at the end of the day, we are all fallible humans capable of erring.

Through Hannah, I got to see how liberating forgiving someone could be. As a young girl, I used to struggle with it, too, but this movie changed that part of my life. It became easier for me to forgive others, and each time I did, it felt like a burden was lifted from my chest. I was indeed free, and even now, I still ask:

If others find it in their hearts to forgive me when I do wrong, what reason do I have to say no to forgiving those who trespass against me?

I also may no longer be as religious as I was as a teen, but I remember reading the book of Ephesians simply because Hannah did it in a bid to discover herself. I cherish chapters 1 & 2 of that bible book because it equally reminded me of the value of my existence and the light I carried inside of me. I, who was once broken, got healed by the positive words in Ephesians. Negativity became a distant echo to me rather than a close neighbour.

The most cherished memory that connects me to this movie was passing an exam I had failed the previous year. I thought, if Hannah could go from being the 34th position in a cross country race to being a champion, then I can conquer that examination no matter how tough it may seem.

Even today, I still repeat these affirmations:

I AM LOVED

I AM BLESSED

I AM WORTHY

I AM TALENTED

I AM ENOUGH

I AM AN OVERCOMER

I hope this review reminds everyone reading this that they, too, can change their lives if they believe in themselves and in the process. You only have to open your heart and commit to doing the hard work, which often requires courage, patience, and determination.

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Rating: 80/100

Originally posted through scrobble.life/movies.