The Gospel (film)


The Gospel is a 2005 American Christian drama film directed and written by Rob Hardy. It was released in the United States by Screen Gems on October 7, 2005. The film retells the Parable of the Prodigal Son in a modern context.

Plot

David, a showbiz artist, performing in nightclubs in Los Angeles, learns that his father who is pastor of an evangelical church in Atlanta is sick, and decides to go home. He learns that Frank has become the second of his father, and that he is married to Charlene. Fred announces to his son that he has a prostate cancer. David gradually abandons his old life and begins to occupy an important position in the church, which will attract Frank's jealousy.

Cast

The soundtrack features the following songs:
  1. He Reigns
  2. Victory
  3. Glorious
  4. You Are Good
  5. Still Alive
  6. Change Is Gonna Come
  7. Ooh Child
  8. The Closer I Get To You
  9. When I Pray
  10. All Things Are Working
  11. I Need You To Survive
  12. Now Behold The Lamb
  13. Put Your Hands Together

    Reception

Box office

Produced on a budget of US$4 million, The Gospel grossed $15.8 million at the North American box office, including $7.5 million from 969 theaters in its opening weekend.

Critical reception

According to the critic review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, The Gospel has an approval rating of 32% based on 37 reviews by film critics. The website's critics consensus reads, "While it features outstanding musical numbers, The Gospel reduces a series of worthy themes -- faith, family, forgiveness -- to soapy, banal clichés."

Accolades

The film received three nominations in the Black Reel Awards of 2006: Idris Elba was nominated for Best Actor, Nona Gaye was nominated for Best Actress, and Rob Hardy was nominated for Best Screenplay, Original or Adapted.