Running for Grace is a 2018 drama film directed by David L. Cunningham, starring Ryan Potter, Matt Dillon, and Jim Caviezel. The movie tells the story of Jo, a half-Japanese orphan boy who falls in love with a wealthy girl in 1920s Hawaii. The film explores themes of love, classism, racism, and identity. Given its themes and setting, many viewers have wondered if Running for Grace is a Christian movie.
The answer to whether Running for Grace is a Christian movie is not straightforward. While the film does not overtly promote Christian beliefs, it does contain Christian themes and values. For instance, the movie portrays the power of love, forgiveness, and redemption. Additionally, the film highlights the importance of community and family, which are values that align with Christian teachings.
Despite its themes and messages, Running for Grace is not a movie that is exclusively for Christian audiences. The film’s themes of love, identity, and redemption are universal, making it a movie that anyone can enjoy and relate to. In the following sections, we will explore the various elements of Running for Grace and examine the movie from a Christian perspective.
Key Takeaways
- Running for Grace is a 2018 drama film that explores themes of love, classism, racism, and identity.
- While the movie does not overtly promote Christian beliefs, it contains Christian themes and values such as love, forgiveness, redemption, community, and family.
- Running for Grace is a movie that anyone can enjoy and relate to, regardless of their religious beliefs.
Overview of ‘Running for Grace’
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Plot Summary
“Running for Grace” is a 2018 American drama film directed by David L. Cunningham. The plot is set in 1920s Hawaii and follows the story of Jo, a half-Japanese orphan boy who falls in love with a rich girl named Grace. The two teenagers come from different worlds, and their romance is threatened by divisions of race and class.
Jo is taken in by the kindly Dr. Clark, who teaches him about medicine and encourages him to pursue his dreams. Meanwhile, Grace’s father, a wealthy plantation owner, disapproves of their relationship and forbids Grace from seeing Jo. However, their love for each other is too strong to be broken by social conventions.
As they navigate their way through the challenges of their love, Jo and Grace discover secrets about their families that bring them even closer together. The film is a heartwarming tale of love, perseverance, and the power of family.
Cultural and Historical Context
The film is set in 1920s Hawaii, a time when the island was still a territory of the United States. The movie accurately portrays the racial and class tensions of the time, with Jo facing discrimination for being half-Japanese and Grace facing criticism for associating with someone from a lower social class.
The film also highlights the importance of family and community in Hawaiian culture. Jo is taken in by Dr. Clark, who becomes a father figure to him and teaches him about medicine. Grace’s family is deeply involved in the community, and her father is a respected member of society. The film shows how these relationships and connections shape the characters’ lives and decisions.
Overall, “Running for Grace” is a touching family drama that explores themes of love, perseverance, and the power of community. The film is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys heartwarming stories about overcoming adversity.
Cast and Characters
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Main Protagonists
Running for Grace is a 2018 drama film directed by David L. Cunningham. The film features a talented cast of actors who bring their characters to life. The main protagonist of the film is Jo, a half-Japanese orphan boy who dreams of finding his place in the world. Jo is played by Ryan Potter, who delivers an outstanding performance as the young protagonist. Jo is a determined and resilient boy who faces many challenges throughout the film, but never gives up on his dreams.
Doc, played by Matt Dillon, is another main protagonist in the film. Doc is a doctor who runs a small clinic in the Kona Coffee Belt of Hawaii during the 1920s. He takes Jo under his wing and becomes a father figure to him. Doc is a kind-hearted man who cares deeply for his patients and the people of his community.
Supporting Roles
Jim Caviezel plays the role of William, a wealthy businessman who owns a coffee plantation in Hawaii. William is a complex character who has a troubled past and is haunted by his mistakes. Juliet Mills plays the role of Laura, William’s wife, who is also struggling to come to terms with their past. Olivia Ritchie plays the role of Grace, Jo’s love interest, who is a strong and independent woman.
The supporting cast also includes Beverly Holloway and Jonathan Stimac, who were responsible for the casting of the film. Alessandro Marvelli was the production designer, and Barcie Waite was the costume designer. The film’s cinematography was done by Akis Konstantakopoulos, and Kyle Gilbertson was the editor.
Overall, the cast and characters of Running for Grace are well-developed and add depth to the film’s storyline. Each actor brings their own unique style to their character, making the film an enjoyable and engaging experience for viewers.
Themes and Messages
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Running for Grace is a movie that explores several themes and messages that are relevant to the Christian worldview. This section will take a closer look at some of the most prominent themes in the movie.
Love and Sacrifice
One of the most prominent themes in Running for Grace is the idea of love and sacrifice. The movie shows how Jo, the main character, is willing to sacrifice everything for the woman he loves. Jo’s love for Grace is pure and selfless, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to be with her.
Racism and Discrimination
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Another important theme in Running for Grace is racism and discrimination. The movie takes place in Hawaii in the 1920s, a time when racial tensions were high. Jo, who is half-Japanese and half-Caucasian, faces discrimination from both the Japanese and Caucasian communities. The movie shows how Jo overcomes these obstacles and rises above the discrimination to find love and acceptance.
Family and Belonging
Family and belonging are also important themes in Running for Grace. The movie shows how Jo, who is an orphan, finds a sense of belonging with Grace and her family. Jo learns that family is not just about blood relations but about the people who love and support you.
Overall, Running for Grace is a movie that explores important themes and messages such as love, sacrifice, racism, discrimination, family, and belonging. The movie presents a Christian worldview that emphasizes the importance of faith, hope, and love.
Cinematic Elements
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Visuals and Scenery
Running for Grace is a visually stunning movie that captures the beauty of Hawaii. The movie was shot on location in Hawaii, and the scenery is breathtaking. The cinematography by Akis Konstantakopoulos is excellent, and he captures the essence of Hawaii in all its glory. The movie is set in the 1920s, and the costumes and sets are also well done, making the movie feel authentic.
The movie’s visuals and scenery play an important role in the film. The lush greenery, the beautiful beaches, and the stunning landscapes all add to the movie’s charm. The movie is a feast for the eyes, and the visuals make it easy to get lost in the story.
Music and Soundtrack
The movie’s music and soundtrack are also noteworthy. The movie’s score is composed by Mark McKenzie, and it perfectly captures the movie’s mood. The music is emotional, and it adds to the movie’s overall impact. The soundtrack also features some great songs, including “Running for Grace” by Jake Shimabukuro.
The movie’s sound design is also well done. The sound effects are realistic, and they help to immerse the viewer in the movie’s world. The sound design also helps to create tension and suspense in certain scenes.
Overall, Running for Grace is a well-crafted movie that excels in its cinematic elements. The visuals and scenery are stunning, and the music and sound design are excellent. The movie is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates a well-made film.
Production Background
Direction and Vision
“Running for Grace” is a 2018 American romantic drama film directed by David L. Cunningham. Cunningham is an experienced director with seven previous movies under his belt. He is known for his work on films such as “To End All Wars” and the Disney Channel original movie “The Proud Family Movie”.
Cunningham had a clear vision for “Running for Grace”. He wanted to create a film that would resonate with audiences and inspire them to believe in hope and redemption. He also wanted to showcase the beauty of Hawaii, where the movie was filmed.
Writing and Screenplay
The original screenplay for “Running for Grace” was written by Christian Parkes. The story follows the journey of Jo, a half-Japanese orphan boy who dreams of becoming a doctor. Jo’s life takes a dramatic turn when he falls in love with a girl from a wealthy family, and he must overcome numerous obstacles to be with her.
Cunningham was drawn to the script because of its themes of love, hope, and redemption. He worked closely with Parkes to bring the story to life on the big screen. The result is a heartwarming film that has touched the hearts of audiences around the world.
Overall, “Running for Grace” is a powerful film that explores the human condition and the power of love and redemption. Cunningham’s direction and Parkes’ screenplay combine to create a beautiful and inspiring story that will stay with audiences long after the credits roll.
Reception and Impact
Critical Reviews
Running for Grace received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the film for its beautiful cinematography and heartfelt performances, while others criticized it for its slow pacing and lack of originality. According to Crosswalk, the film’s lush visuals and charming lead actors make it “a sweet, sentimental romance that will appeal to fans of classic Hollywood love stories.” However, Christian Educators Academy notes that the film’s plot is predictable and lacks depth, stating that “the story is too shallow and lacks the complexity that Christian movies should have.”
Audience Response
Despite mixed reviews from critics, Running for Grace has resonated with many viewers, particularly in the United States. The film’s themes of love, forgiveness, and redemption have struck a chord with audiences, and many have praised the film’s positive portrayal of Christian values. According to When You Need God, Running for Grace is “a heartwarming tale of grace and redemption that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.” Additionally, Christian Educators Academy notes that the film has sparked important conversations about faith and forgiveness, stating that “the movie is a great conversation starter for families and youth groups.”
Overall, Running for Grace has left a lasting impact on Christian media, inspiring other filmmakers and artists to create media that tackles difficult issues and promotes positive Christian values. While the film may not be perfect, its message of love and redemption has touched the hearts of many viewers and helped to spread the gospel message to a wider audience.
Distribution and Availability
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Theatrical Release
“Running for Grace” had a limited theatrical release in the United States on August 17, 2018, with Blue Fox Entertainment as the distributor. The movie was first screened at the Hawaii International Film Festival in November 2017. The film was released in select theaters in Hawaii, California, and New York.
Streaming and Digital Access
“Running for Grace” is currently available to stream or rent on various digital platforms. The movie can be rented or purchased on Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, and Google Play. The movie is also available for purchase on DVD and Blu-ray.
The movie is not currently available to stream on any major streaming services like Netflix or Hulu. However, viewers can still watch the movie on their preferred device through the aforementioned digital platforms.
In conclusion, while “Running for Grace” did not receive a wide theatrical release, it is still accessible to viewers through various digital platforms. The movie can be rented or purchased on Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, and Google Play.
Christian Perspective
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Religious Themes
“Running for Grace” is a movie that has been debated as to whether it is a Christian movie or not. The movie has some religious themes that are evident throughout the film. For instance, the movie features the character of Jo, who is an orphan boy with a Japanese heritage. He is raised by a Christian missionary, who teaches him about Jesus and the Christian faith. The movie also features a scene where Jo is baptized, which is a significant event in the Christian faith.
The movie has a strong Christian worldview, which is evident in the way the characters behave and interact with each other. The movie portrays the importance of forgiveness, redemption, and grace, which are all central themes in the Christian faith. The movie also portrays the importance of family, which is a significant aspect of the Christian faith.
Family Film Classification
“Running for Grace” can be classified as a family film because it is suitable for all ages. The movie does not contain any explicit language, violence, or sexual content. Therefore, it can be watched by families with children of all ages.
The movie also has some positive messages that can be beneficial to families. For instance, the movie portrays the importance of forgiveness, which is a vital aspect of family relationships. The movie also portrays the importance of family, which is a central theme in the Christian faith.
Overall, “Running for Grace” is a movie that can be enjoyed by families of all ages. The movie has some religious themes that are central to the Christian faith, and it also has positive messages that can be beneficial to families.
Behind the Scenes
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Making of the Film
“Running for Grace” is a 2018 drama film directed by David L. Cunningham. The movie was shot in Hawaii and features a cast of talented actors. The film tells the story of Jo, a half-Japanese orphan boy who is taken in by a doctor in Hawaii. The movie is set in the 1920s and explores themes of love, loss, and redemption.
The film was produced by a team of experienced producers, including Ken Petrie, Ryan Kawamoto, and Eric Peterson. The crew worked tirelessly to bring the story to life, spending months on pre-production, production, and post-production. The film was shot on location in Hawaii, which provided a beautiful backdrop for the story.
Challenges and Triumphs
Like any film production, “Running for Grace” had its fair share of challenges. One of the biggest challenges was finding the right cast for the movie. The filmmakers wanted to find actors who could bring the characters to life and do justice to the story. After an exhaustive search, they found Ryan Potter and Olivia Ritchie, who played the lead roles of Jo and Grace, respectively.
Another challenge was the weather. Filming in Hawaii meant dealing with unpredictable weather conditions. The filmmakers had to work around rain, wind, and other weather-related issues to get the shots they needed. Despite the challenges, the crew persevered and managed to complete the film on schedule.
Overall, “Running for Grace” is a beautifully crafted movie that explores important themes and features a talented cast and crew. The film is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in its production.
Related Media and Resources
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Promotional Material
The official website for “Running for Grace” provides a variety of promotional material, including trailers, posters, and behind-the-scenes photos. These resources can be useful for fans of the movie who want to learn more about the production process or share their enthusiasm with others. Additionally, the website offers information about the cast and crew, as well as links to purchase or rent the movie.
Educational Content
For those interested in learning more about the historical and cultural context of “Running for Grace,” there are several educational resources available. The movie is set in Hawaii in the 1920s, and deals with themes of race, class, and identity. To help viewers better understand these issues, the film’s producers have created a study guide that includes discussion questions, historical background, and suggested activities. This guide can be a useful tool for teachers or community groups who want to use the movie as a starting point for conversations about social justice and diversity.
In addition to the study guide, there are several online resources that provide more information about Hawaii’s history and culture. The Hawaii State Archives website offers a wealth of primary source documents, including photographs, maps, and government records. The Hawaii Historical Society also has an extensive collection of materials related to the state’s past, including books, manuscripts, and photographs. These resources can be useful for anyone who wants to learn more about the historical context of “Running for Grace.”
Overall, there are many resources available for fans of “Running for Grace” who want to learn more about the movie, its production, and its historical and cultural context. Whether you’re interested in promotional material, educational content, or simply want to watch the movie again, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the central theme of Running for Grace?
Running for Grace is a romantic drama set in 1920s Hawaii, which follows the story of Jo, a half-Japanese orphan boy, who dreams of becoming a doctor. The central theme of the movie is the power of love and perseverance in overcoming adversity. Jo faces discrimination and prejudice due to his mixed-race heritage, but he persists in pursuing his dreams and finds love in the process.
Does Running for Grace have religious undertones or messages?
While Running for Grace is not a religious movie, it does have some Christian themes and messages. The movie highlights the importance of forgiveness, compassion, and selflessness. The character of Dr. Reyes, played by Jim Caviezel, is a devout Catholic who provides medical care to the poor and marginalized. His faith influences his actions and inspires Jo to become a better person.
What age group is appropriate for viewing Running for Grace?
Running for Grace is rated PG, which means it is suitable for general audiences, including children. However, parents should be aware that the movie contains some scenes of violence and racism, which may be disturbing for younger viewers.
Can Running for Grace be considered a family-friendly movie?
Yes, Running for Grace can be considered a family-friendly movie. While it deals with some heavy themes, such as racism and discrimination, it does so in a way that is appropriate for all ages. The movie has a positive message about love, perseverance, and compassion, which can be inspiring for families.
What are the critical reviews saying about the faith elements in Running for Grace?
The reviews of Running for Grace are mixed when it comes to the faith elements in the movie. Some critics have praised the movie for its positive portrayal of Catholicism and its emphasis on forgiveness and compassion. Others have criticized the movie for being too heavy-handed in its religious message and for lacking subtlety.
How does Running for Grace compare to other faith-based films released recently?
Running for Grace is not a typical faith-based movie, as it is not explicitly Christian and does not have an overt religious message. However, it does have some Christian themes and messages, which may appeal to viewers who are looking for movies with positive values and morals. Compared to other faith-based films released recently, Running for Grace is more subtle and nuanced in its approach to spirituality and religion.
