The Real St. Patrick Celebrated Evangelism, Ministry, Prayer, Confession
By Movieguide® Staff
Note: This is a portion of our review of I AM PATRICK: PATRON SAINT OF IRELAND. For the full review, click here.
I AM PATRICK: PATRON SAINT OF IRELAND is nominated for multiple Movieguide® Awards, including Epiphany Prize® For Most Inspiring Movie and Jonathan Rhys-Davies for the Grace Prize® For Most Inspiring Performance. Tune in Sunday, April 4, to the REELZ Channel to find out the winners.
I AM PATRICK: PATRON SAINT OF IRELAND is a docudrama that unpacks Saint Patrick’s life according to historical experts and his famous letter, the “Confessio.” I AM PATRICK has a very strong Christian worldview and stresses the value of evangelism, ministry, confession, prayer, and trusting in God. There are some scenes with violence, and one instance with depicted blood, which merits some caution for younger children.
I AM PATRICK opens with a scenic landscape of the Irish coastlands. An old St. Patrick (played by John Rhys-Davies of RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK and LORD OF THE RINGS) narrates his thoughts on his life. St. Patrick sits down to write his famous letter the “Confessio.” Filmmakers interview historical experts, interspersed with actors portraying St. Patrick’s story.
Many may not know that St. Patrick wasn’t Irish but rather British. Patrick grew up in the church in the late 5th Century. As a young man, he was taken as a slave by Irish raiders. During this time, there was plenty of unrest in the Roman Empire. Still, one day, Patrick managed to flee from slavery but experienced imprisonment and the deep need to trust God through prayer.
Patrick returns home to open arms but later has a vision when he receives a letter. Patrick knows God is leading him to become a cleric. During his time studying to become a cleric, Patrick confides in his friend, Felix, about his childhood sin and confesses how he’s fallen short. To this day, there’s speculation about what the sin was, but there’s nothing concrete to suggest one thing or another.
Eventually, Patrick becomes a bishop and returns to Ireland to minister to the people there. According to the experts, Patrick had an effective ministry telling people about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Cut to the opening scene where, after writing his “Confessio” letter, looks at the horizon in peace.
I AM PATRICK is a great example of the right amount of balance between a narrative story and using talking heads, a standard in documentary filmmaking. Three different actors play Patrick at different life stages, which might confuse some viewers, but the filmmakers do their best to cut confusion by stating the locations of events and the time periods. Also, some of the actors are a bit melodramatic but the original score and the lead, John Rhys-Davies, do a standup job enhancing the movie’s quality. I AM PATRICK is definitely a must-see movie for Christians and history buffs.
I AM PATRICK has a very strong Christian, biblical worldview. It stresses the value of evangelism, ministry, confession, prayer, and trusting in God. There are some scenes with violence and one instance with depicted blood, which merit some caution for younger children. However, I AM PATRICK is a great way to spend this year’s St. Patrick’s Day, which occurs on a Tuesday this year.
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
