Unsung Hero(film)
| Unsung Hero | |
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 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by |
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| Written by |
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| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Johnny Derango |
| Edited by | Parker Adams |
| Music by | Brent McCorkle |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Lionsgate |
Release date |
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Running time | 113 minutes[1] |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $6 million |
| Box office | $21.1 million |
Unsung Herois a 2024 AmericanChristiandrama filmwritten and directed by Richard Ramsey andJoel Smallbone.It followsRebecca,Joel, and Luke Smallbone ofFor King & Country,and their life journey to become Christian recording artists.
The film was released in North America on April 26, 2024.
Plot
[edit] |
In 1991, the Smallbone family has moved fromSydney,Australia toNashville, Tennessee,United States, in pursuit of a new beginning. David and his wife, Helen, uproot their lives and six children, seeking refuge in Nashville after the collapse of David's music company in Australia.
As the family settles into their new home, they encounter numerous challenges, including financial struggles and the daunting task of starting over in a foreign country. Despite the uncertainty, Helen's unwavering faith and David's determination propel them forward, instilling hope and resilience in their children.
Three of the Smallbone siblings,Joel,Luke andRebecca St. James,grow their musical talents and navigate the competitive music industry. Joel and Luke eventually form the duoFor King & Country,while Rebecca St. James embarks on her own successful career as a Christian recording artist.
Cast
[edit]- Daisy Bettsas Helen Smallbone
- Joel Smallboneas David Smallbone
- Kirrilee Berger asRebecca Smallbone
- Jonathan JacksonasEddie DeGarmo
- Lucas Blackas Jed Albright
- Candace Cameron Bureas Kay Albright
- Terry O'Quinnas Grandpa James
- Hillary Scottas Luanne Meece
- Diesel La Torraca asJoel Smallbone
- JJ Pantano asLuke Smallbone
- Rebecca St. Jamesas a flight attendant
- Lance E. Nicholsas Art Meriweather
- Rachel HendrixasAmy Grant
- Roslyn Gentleas "Nana" Jean Francis
- Don Mostas Pierce
- Kevin Downesas a suit
- Beau Wirickas Matt
Production
[edit]On November 30, 2022, Joel and Luke Smallbone announced via social media that they had made a film with their brother Ben about their mother.[2]The film is scheduled to release on April 26, 2024 byLionsgateand produced byKingdom Story Company.[3]
The film was directed byJoel Smallbone,making his directorial debut, and written by Joel Smallbone and Richard Ramsey. The cast also includes Jonathan Jackson,Candace Cameron Bure,Kirrilee Berger,Lucas Black,Terry O'Quinn,andHillary Scott.The production team comprises producers Justin Tolley,Josh Walsh,andLuke Smallbone.[4]
Release
[edit]The film was released in the United States on April 26, 2024. It was scheduled to be released in Australia on May 30, coinciding with For King & Country's "Homecoming" musical tour through Australia and New Zealand.[5]In the lead up to the film, For King & Country released an updated version of "Place in this World," featuring Michael W. Smith, who originally released the song in 1991.[6]
Reception
[edit]Box office
[edit]As of 23 June 2024[update],Unsung Herowas still inwide release;in the United States and Canada, it grossed $21.1million at the box office,[7]against a production budget of $6.0million.[8]It spent its first three weeks in the Top 10 at the domestic box office, peaking at No. 2 in its first week.[9]
Critical response
[edit]On thereview aggregatorwebsiteRotten Tomatoes,61% of 33 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 6.1/10. The website's consensus reads:Unsung Heropresents a heartwarming dramatization of its fact-based story that's just uplifting enough to make up for its tepid approach to real-life drama.Metacritic,which uses aweighted average,assigned the film a score of 46 out of 100, based on 5 critics, indicating "mixed or average" reviews.[10]Audiences polled byCinemaScoregave the film an average grade of "A+" on an A+ to F scale, while those polled byPostTrakgave it a 96% overall positive score, with 90% saying they would definitely recommend it.[11]
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Award | Date of ceremony | Recipients | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dove Awards | 2024 | Inspirational Film of the Year | Won[12] |
References
[edit]- ^"Unsung Hero(PG) ".BBFC.May 21, 2024.RetrievedMay 22,2024.
- ^"FOR KING + COUNTRY on Instagram:" WE MADE A MOVIE! "".Instagram.RetrievedDecember 1,2022.
- ^Vlessing, Etan (August 1, 2023)."Lionsgate Nabs 'Unsung Hero' Drama from Music Duo For King + Country (Exclusive)".The Hollywood Reporter.RetrievedAugust 1,2023.
- ^"Lionsgate Picks up for King & Country's 'Unsung Hero' Movie".Billboard.
- ^Mitchell, Cody (April 19, 2023)."Unsung Hero: A Family's Journey from Down Under to Centre Stage in the USA".The Daily Declaration.RetrievedApril 19,2023.
- ^Mitchell, Cody (January 31, 2024)."A Film That Celebrates Family: The True Story Behind for KING + COUNTRY and Rebecca St James".The Daily Declaration.RetrievedApril 19,2023.
- ^"Unsung Hero".Box Office Mojo.IMDb.RetrievedJune 24,2024.
- ^"Unsung Hero".The Numbers.Nash Information Services, LLC.RetrievedJune 24,2024.
- ^"Unsung Hero| Domestic Weekly ".Box Office Mojo.IMDb.RetrievedMay 31,2024.
- ^"Unsung Hero".Metacritic.Fandom, Inc.RetrievedMay 26,2024.
- ^D'Alessandro, Anthony (April 28, 2024)."'Challengers' Serves Biggest U.S. Opening To Luca Guadagnino At $15M; Best For Zendaya Live-Action Non-IP Pic – Sunday AM Update ".Deadline Hollywood.RetrievedJuly 3,2024.
- ^Gospel Music Association,Past winners,doveawards.com, USA, retrieved 5 octobre 2024
