Cast
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Karen Abercrombie
as Clara Williams
Priscilla C. Shirer
as Elizabeth Jordan
T.C. Stallings
as Tony Jordan
Tenae Downing
as Veronica Drake
Alena Pitts
as Danielle Jordan
Michael Jr.
as Michael Alexander
Jadin Harris
as Jennifer Stephens
Alex Kendrick
as Coleman Young
Dave Blamy
as Tom Stafford
Thomas Ford
as Leo Williams
Tyler Mitchell
as War Room Soldier
Roland Mitchell
as War Room Soldier
Andrew Hurt
as War Room Soldier
Terrence Evans
as War Room Soldier
Toochukwu T.C. Anyachonkeya
as War Room Soldier / Tony's Twin
Crew
Director
- Alex Kendrick
Writer
- Alex Kendrick
- Stephen Kendrick
Producer
- Stephen Kendrick
Reviews
Wuchak
**_An inspirational film that's actually inspirational!_**
The lives of Tony and Elizabeth Jordan are chronicled (T.C. Stallings & Priscilla C. Shirer), a couple that seems to have it all: A healthy daughter, high-paying jobs and an awesome dream home. Unfortunately, their marriage has become more of a war zone than a sanctuary and their daughter is collateral damage. After Elizabeth meets Miss Clara on the job (Karen Abercrombie), she learns how to fight FOR her family instead of against them. Her newly energized faith transforms her life and has a positive effect on those around her, but can it save her bad marriage?
An independent film, "War Room" (2015) only cost $3 million to make and incredibly became the #1 movie in America upon release. Is it worthy of such a feat?
With inspirational dramas like this I naturally ask myself if I was inspired, and the answer is very much so. Also, did the drama pull me into the lives of the characters and make me forget that I was watching a movie? Yes. The movie effectively addresses real life issues that real families have to deal with and overcome. I could relate to several of the situations.
The movie's similar in ways to 2010's underrated "Cutback" (see my review), but made with a bigger budget and is therefore all-around more polished. "War Room" is just a great drama and inspiring to boot. It overtly talks about God and prayer in a Christian context, so if that offends you you'll probably want to give it a pass. It goes without saying that topics like this are difficult to pull off realistically and un-awkwardly in cinema, but "War Room" impressively pulls it off.
The movie runs 120 minutes and was shot in North Carolina.
GRADE: A
Aug 30, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, War Room examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Alex Kendrick brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2015, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of War Room took approximately 3 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $3.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 120 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 175 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 268 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2015, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While War Room shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Rosemary's Baby, which focuses more on action than character development, War Room subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Assassination of Richard Nixon and In the Mood for Love explore similar territory, War Room stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 28, 2015
- Runtime: 2h
- Budget: $3,000,000
- Revenue: $73,267,874
Where to Watch
