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This week’s family movie suggestion is Rugged Gold.

Martha, a widow, is raising her young son Lloyd with the assistance of her wealthy in-laws. One day, a few years after her husband’s death, Martha attends a seminar where the speaker, a man named Don, asks her out for coffee. Before long, Martha finds herself in love with the rugged gold miner from Alaska.

Fast forward and we see Martha following her new husband Don to the wilds of Alaska. Leaving behind a comfortable life in a fancy house with all of the comforts of the 1950s, Martha is in for a shock when she discovers just how primitive her new life will be. Her son Lloyd is even less thrilled. Lloyd later runs away leading Martha on the rescue of a lifetime. While Don takes the boat and goes in search of Lloyd, Martha, on foot, also searches closer to home for her son. Will she find him in time? What about the grizzly bear that has been seen in the area? When Martha is severely injured, how will she survive alone with Don and Lloyd gone? Is Don even still alive?

Rugged Goldis a movie full of adventure. There are also some great discussion points…

1. About family loyalty and unity – Martha’s in-laws are quick to assist her after her husband’s death and are protective of her when she falls in love again.

2. Obedience – Lloyd’s lack of obedience nearly cost three lives.

3. Marriage – While not every woman would be so eager to leave her comfortable life behind and follow her new husband to a primitive and isolated place, Martha does so with optimism. Don also, while not perfect, is quick to show his love and admiration for his wife.

4. Reliance on God during times of hardship. Although this is not a Christian movie and there are a couple of “nature” themes, it is clear that Martha relies on the Lord.

Rugged Gold is based on a true story found in Martha’s journals. A wholesome older movie with some good discussion points, it fits the bill for family movie night. I would recommend it for ages 12 and over due to some intense scenes including injuries, earthquakes, and a grizzly bear that may frighten younger children.

For a listing of movie suggestions, followed by archived movie reviews, please see https://pennyzeller.wordpress.com/mom-approved-movies-for-families/

Join me each week for a new movie suggestion of recommended movies suitable for the entire family with reviews written from a Christian worldview.

This week’s movie Monday suggestion is Follow the River…

It’s the 1700s in Virginia and all seems well for Mary Ingles and her family. She and her husband, Will, have homesteaded on a beautiful piece of land, they have a strong marriage, an adorable son, and a baby on the way. Residing close by are Mary’s brother and sister-in-law, as well, as her mother. But their lives are about to be turned upside down…

On a calm morning after Will and Mary’s brother, Johnny, leave to mend fences, there is an Indian raid on the homestead. Lives are lost, fires are started, and Mary, her son Thomas, her sister-in-law, Bettie, and another man are kidnapped and taken to a Shawnee Indian village. John and Will return to devastation and form a search party to find their missing family.

Mary is nine-months pregnant during this time, which makes the long grueling walk all the more difficult. What will become of them? Will they be allowed to live? Will Mary ever see her husband again? What happens when the Indian chief takes an interest in Mary? When Mary is sold and separated from her children, what will become of them? Will Mary’s plans to escape be successful?

This is a movie of hope, courage, and strength. It’s also a movie of a strong love between a husband and wife who will do anything to be together again.

This movie contains nothing objectionable, although young children will likely be frightened by the raid scene at the beginning, as well as, a scene where the prisoners are forced to run through a line and whipped. I would recommend it for those ages 12 and over.

For a listing of movie suggestions, followed by archived movie reviews, please see https://pennyzeller.wordpress.com/mom-approved-movies-for-families/

Join me each week for a new movie suggestion of recommended movies suitable for the entire family with reviews written from a Christian worldview.