Often we see such bad things that it shakes us strongly. But we turn our backs convincing ourselves that it is someone else’s problem. “Machine Gun Preacher” is a true story of a ‘sinner’ who refused to walk away after his eyes were opened and thus changed things.
After realising the error of his ways, drug peddler Sam Childers
(Gerard Butler) turns to Jesus and sorts himself out. A few years later
on a trip to Sudan, he is appalled by killings that leave thousands
orphaned. He tries to help. When his honest attempts are thwarted, he
refuses to give up and picks up a gun.
Guns hiding behind Bibles and Korans have made the world a dangerous
place. Director Marc Forster thankfully refuses to lose his way in the
rhetoric of Christianity to create a compelling, believable drama which
focuses on an individual and what he can do to change things.
He paints the transformation of a man and provides those who want to
help a template for their own transformation and for bringing change in
the world.
We often encounter big problems. Sadly, we get so overwhelmed by
their enormity that we don’t even attempt change. After all, how much
can you do? Sam Childers answers this question: do whatever little you
can. But, do it.
In a scene that can be easily missed, Sam sees a lot of kids sleeping
on the ground outside and tries to take them to his room. When reminded
that he can’t take all, he says he will take as many as he can. All the
problems of the world can be solved if all of us could cultivate this
attitude – help and do as much you can.
The larger problems of humanity can make for compelling drama. Yet,
most creators of art, cinema and literature choose not to even attempt
it. They run after little pointless stories with beautiful but often
useless metaphors. “Machine Gun Preacher”, an action film in the typical
Hollywood mould that also packs in a caring heart with good writing and
direction, gives such films a tight slap.
Hence, besides writer Jason Keller and the director, credit also goes
to people like producer Gerard Butler to have believed in a story that
needed to be told and for saying it the way it is. That it is true,
helps to reinforce the urgency of action.
The film has an even pace and builds the transformation of Sam very
well. Yet, where it scores over many others in the genre, is in not
ending with just this. It goes beyond and explores Sam’s character, and
how he loses sight of his faith in the onslaught of uncaring souls till a
second transformation finally purges him.
The film is relevant in the Indian context as well. What’s happening
in Africa is also the story of India’s tribal hinterlands.
Those of you who have seen photos of the 644 burnt villages in
Chhattisgarh will see an uncanny resemblance with similar scenes in the
film. Perhaps burnt villages look the same everywhere. And so does
poverty. The poor are expendable everywhere. Yet, the most relevant
point is, would you shake up your rust and do even a bit of what Sam
Childers continues to do?
Rating : 4/5
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