Movie Review: End of the Spear

Yesterday, three friends and I, went to see End of the Spear. This movie is based on a book also of the same name by Steve Saint. Steve Saint is the son of one of the five murdered American missionaries who tried to bring the Gospel to the notoriously violent Waodani tribe in Eucuador.

The story surrounding the killing of the five missionaries is told from two perspectives; that of Steve Saint, and the Waodani tribesmen themselves.

The cast of characters were magnificient in their roles, and the jungle backdrop of the story was superbly presented. The film was shot in Panama and the lead actor is from the Dominican Republic, but the supporting casts were Panamanian Indians.

My first thought after the movie was that the Gospel message was too subtle. But on reviewing the film in my mind, I think the message of forgiveness and reconciliation were powerfully presented. Steve Saint still maintains a close relationship with Waodani tribe, even after discovering the person who killed his father. The change in the lives of the Waodani tribe is remarkable. Shortly after the five missionaries were killed, the sister of one and the wife of another went to live with the tribe. Within two years the tribal homicide rate dropped by more than 90 %.

I highly recommend this film. And also for those who want to see the documentary Beyond the Gates of Splendor based on a book by Elisabeth Elliot, the widow of one of the slain missionaries, it is available on DVD and VHS.