Review of Machine Gun Preacher (2011) by Sarah T — 17 Jul 2012

Inspired by Sam Childers' fight and crusade in Sudan and Uganda, this film vividly portrays his real life experiences, trials and tribulations. Sam Childers used to be a felon, served time in prison then thanks to his wife's intervention, brought him to church one day and his life turned around.

Got new meaning and purpose after being baptized. After listening to a preacher's sermon and the horrible conditions in Africa, Sam decides to visit the continent traveling to Northern Uganda and South Sudan many times and builds an orphanage for the victims of the cruel Lord's Resistance Army (LRA).

Moreover, he fights whenever necessary and becomes a legend known as The Machine Gun Preacher. The film is terrific and kudos to the crew and cast. Gerard Butler gives a phenomenal performance. Amnesty International estimates that Kony and the LRA are responsible for over 400,000 murders and 40,000 child abductions.

These children are tortured, raped, sold into sex slavery and forced to take part in ritualized killings by the LRA commanders. I just think in my personal opinion that Sam at one point crossed the line by neglecting his own family and their welfare for the care of these African children.

There comes a point in your life when you have to decide what is more important or where are your priorities in life and for me, I know my family and career comes first. Highly recommended but be warned, it is graphic, violent, depressing and very much REAL.