Alone Yet Not Alone movie review

Seeking religious freedom in America, a devout Christian family from Germany settles in the peaceful Pennsylvania colony - only to find themselves caught in the crossfire of the French & Indian War.  Following a merciless raid on their settlement, daughters Barbara and Regina Leininger are abducted, separated, then raised by their Delaware captors in the harsh Ohio wilderness.  Now, only their devotion to each other and faith in the Lord can lead them through their darkest hours and back to freedom in this inspirational story based on actual events.

Details:

103 MinutesBy Enthuse EntertainmentDirected by George D. Escobar, Ray BengstonRated: PG-13Released: 2013

Negative Elements:

Ever since I first heard that this movie came out, it's been one I've been excited to watch.  And recently, a friend gave my family the opportunity.  I had high expectations for Alone Yet Not Alone, some of which were fulfilled and some that weren't.
First, the movie rated PG-13, which will turn off some viewers.  This is primarily because of violence.  While I didn't have an issue with it, more sensitive people should consider that the movie portrays images such as (spoilers in white) a man killed with a tomahawk, another man shot in the chest (blood shown), many minor characters killed or wounded in Indian raids, a bear attacking a man, and a woman burned alive.  The woman is shot after she suffers several hours without dying.  In several scenes, viewers see scalps that the Indians have taken, and one scalp belongs to the main character's father.  End of spoiler.  There are other forms of violence, such as hunting or characters coming close to death in other forms.
So yes, there were tense moments.  I felt like it was portrayed very well, but viewers should still take that into consideration.
Another slightly negative element was that I, as a picky story-creator, found some plot holes in the movie.  There were epic scenes that never happened, and I think they would have made the story so much better.  Instead, the plot was a little bland with lots of escaping but not many major points.  A better story would have created a stronger Biblical message as well.
I sound so negative here, and I really did enjoy the movie!  Let's move on to more positive themes.

My Review:

After I listed every bad thing I could think of, it's about time for me to share why this was a good movie.  I mean, it was promoted by Max Lucado and Dr. James Dobson, so it must be fantastic, right?!  There were certainly a lot of great aspects to Alone Yet Not Alone.
The acting, in my opinion, was well done.  I never thought about the actors as anyone other than their movie personas, and I think that says something.  (another note, the song that was a big part of the movie is performed by Joni Eareckson Tada.  And one of the actors surprised me by being Brett Harris.  See - what great actors already!)
Also, the costumes and make up...!  That was the best part of this film.  The Native Americans, settlers, and officers looked very authentic, and I would have enjoyed watching the movie just for that.  But then there were accents, Indian traditions, and other elements that made this historical piece come alive.
I liked that this movie has a Christian message - God will never leave you nor forsake you.  Characters stand up for their beliefs, and the Gospel is quickly shared in one scene.  I think the message could have been stronger and more challenging, but this was still an enjoyable, wholesome movie.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable movie that my family enjoyed.  I think it has room for improvement, but I would still recommend it to viewers who are not daunted by violence.  I'll have the song "Alone Yet Not Alone" stuck in my head for a long time.

Other Notes:

Did I mention that this movie is based off of a book that was written to remember the true story of Barbara and Regina Leininger?
On another note, if you're wanting another review on this movie, you can read one here.  Or you can discover more at the movie's home site.
I'll end this review with the key verse of this story,

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.

- Deuteronomy 31:6

~♥~