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The Grandfathers - new hearts
Published 14 September 2011
The Grandfathers (2011, PG)
For those who saw the first documentary in this trilogy, this will be a must-see film. Beyond the Gates of Splendor (2002 documentary) was followed by the End of the Spear (2005 dramatised version). These films are based around the murders of five missionaries, Nate Saint, Jim Elliot, Ed McCully, Pete Fleming, and Roger Youderian in 1956 by men from the Waodani (or Huaorani) people, who live in the Amazonian rainforest area of east Ecuador. The Waodani and their neighbours were characterised as one of the most violent peoples in recorded history. The first documentary told the story from the viewpoint of those who went to live with the Waodani people after the murders, including Steve Saint, the son of Nate, and his family. I have always found it to be a profoundly moving and challenging story of reconciliation.
The Grandfathers continues this theme, but focuses on Steve's son Jesse, as he works through his time with the Waodani people, learning subtly about the events that took place in the 1950s, which formed his father and have now formed him as a man, and have led him to continue a ministry in his own right.
The film itself is a cultural study and testament to Jesse's generation, and also different forms of film-making as it is part conventional documentary, part Terrence Malick style of personal reflection, and even part music video (how can one not like a documentary that has the Eurhythmics singing Missionary Man in the background?). The style may actually be difficult at times for some people to watch, but there are many fascinating parts, and it links well with the first documentary, often using references and even jokes, albeit with Jesse's comments, rather than his father's.
It is sobering to witness the next generation simply being with the people who had killed your own grandfather and his friends, but for Jesse he cannot contemplate being without his new relations, summing up the Christian gospel: ‘Same man, - different heart.'
Available nationally through all Christian retail outlets or Heritage HM: http://www.movieschangepeople.com/home
Peter Bentley, August 2011 (ACCatalyst)
