Movie Review: Walk the Line
This weekend I went to see Walk the Line -- based on the autobiography of Johnny Cash. It depicts the story of the country singer's childhood marred by the accidental death of his older brother -- his father's favorite son-- and his abusive father's subsequent anger and guilt-slinging toward him. What follows includes an unsatisfying first marriage, a budding romance with singer June Carter, a struggle with drug dependency, and finally, survival.
The movie is a realistic drama which presents a series of conflicts and problems that weigh heavily on Johnny, nearly destroying his life. This heaviness lasts for the first two hours of the movie and there seems to be no let-up until June Carter reaches out to extend a helping hand. The music in the movie is superb and if you go to this movie for no other reason, go for the music.
Walk the Line is rated PG-13, but based on the content, I would limit it strictly to adults. The relationship between Johnny Cash and June Carter presents some problems from a moral and Catholic viewpoint. There is an extra-marital affair, some domestic abuse/violence, drug and alcohol abuse and crude language.
The last 30 minutes of the movie are more than worth the harrowing and heart-breaking tragedies of the first two hours. It shows us who the real Johnny Cash is and how he is delivered from "the jaws of Hell".
On a personal note, I remember seeing Johnny Cash on TV and listening to his music. My dad, who grew up on a farm in northeastern IL, was an avid country-western music fan and was eager for his family to share his avocation. I can still remember him pointing out Johnny Cash and June Carter to me and I recall him mentioning that they were also Gospel/Christian entertainers. (This movie will provide a little more insight on that aspect of their lives.) I enjoyed their music and was struck by Cash's deep baritone voice; although at the time I was more excited by the music of the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and the Doors. Today, my tastes are more eclectic.
This is an uplifting movie -- the story of a man who accepts the grace of God to rise above his human sinfulness and reach out to others living in darkness -- a true Christian. The only misgiving I have about this movie is that there was not more mention of the One who really saved Johnny from from his fallen human nature -- Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
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