“The Last Sin Eater” (Fox Faith)
The “Little House” Legacy Lives
Fox Faith is a branch of 20th Century Fox that focuses on movies with a religious bent or message. The first of their product that I viewed was titled “Thr3e.” I didn’t get the religious connection and I didn’t enjoy the film. Now they have released another movie and it is titled “The Last Sin Eater.” It is directed by Michael Landon, Jr. and it is as heart-warming and loving as any episode of “The Little House On the Prairie.” His dad would be proud.
“The Last Sin Eater” is based on the novel by Christian author Francine Rivers, and is set in Appalachia in the 1850’s. That is where Cadi Forbes (Liana Liberato) and her family live. When the movie opens Cadi’s grandmother has died. When she is taken to the cemetery to be buried the bell is rung and the “sin eater” is called. This is a tradition the settlers to this area brought with them from Wales.
The sin eater (Peter Wingfield) is neither looked at nor touched by the people in the community. He lives up in the mountains and only comes down when someone dies. Then he supposedly takes their sins unto himself so the deceased can enter Heaven cleansed. Cadi wants the sin eater to take away her sins as she feels responsible for the death of her younger sister Ellen.
The movie follows Cadi’s efforts to have her sins forgiven by the sin eater, and later her response to a stranger (Henry Thomas) in the community who tells her that her sins don’t have to be taken up by the sin eater. He teaches her the story of Christian salvation.
The movie is about Christian beliefs but this theme allows for an interesting story about the community and how they came to need a sin eater. The movie is a little rough in look and special effects but it still comes across as an earnest film that knows what it wants to say, and does.
Like most Christian films this movie is rated PG-13 for thematic elements and some mild violence.
For audiences looking for a film with a religious theme that is suitable for the entire family, this is the right movie to watch. It is ludicrous that this movie and “Norbit” would have the same rating. Something is wrong somewhere.
Liana Liberato is a worthy successor to the mantle of adorable child star once held by Melissa Gilbert. She is the heart of this movie and she gives it its warmth and appeal. Henry (“E T”) Thomas is solid as the stranger who preaches the word of God. Academy Award winner Louise Fletcher has some good moments as the matriarch of the community.
If you are looking for a warm and uplifting family film, “The Last Sin Eater” is a good movie to see. It has that “Little House On the Prairie” feel and charm to it.
I scored “The Last Sin Eater” a family friendly 7 out of 10.
