La Cruz

"La Cruz" is a profound and inspiring film that delves deep into the concept of faith, redemption, belief, struggles, and ultimate salvation. Released in 2014, it stars religious leaders like Billy Graham and Franklin Graham, and acclaimed Christian artists Lecrae and Lacey Sturm. The movie is unique in its category, as these figures do not merely lend their acting skills, but instead share their life stories, experiences, faith journeys, and personal battles.

The movie centers around the concept of the cross - La Cruz in Spanish - not just as a religious symbol but as a metaphor for the journey of life and the transformative power of faith. The movie doesn't take the conventional route of a storyline, but instead acts as a docudrama, taking the audience through spiritual and emotional journeys of its featured personalities.

Billy Graham, who requires no introduction, is a prominent religious figure, an evangelist, and a spiritual advisor to several U.S Presidents. He shares his life's experiences, reminding the viewers that everyone, regardless of their status or fame, experiences doubt, anxiety, guilt and loss. By sharing his own journey, he connects with the audience on a personal level.

The film then steers the audience through the journey of Franklin Graham, Billy's son, who has built a reputation as a devout Christian, author, and missionary. The movie delineates Franklin's story from rebellion to redemption, discussing extensively about the turning point in his life and how, through the path of self discovery and faith, he found his true calling.

"La Cruz" does not just stop at exploring the spiritual journey of these religious figures but goes a step further by introducing stories from the music world. We dive into the personal stories of Grammy-winning hip-hop artist Lecrae and rock singer Lacey Sturm.

Lecrae, who rose to fame with his hit gospel-infused tracks, also talks intensively about his wayward journey and battle with drug addiction, depression, and suicidal thoughts. He shares how, post his encounter with faith, his life was given a new direction, leading him to redefine his music to inspire and instill hope.

Rock artist Lacey Sturm, the former lead vocalist of the band Flyleaf, provides another compelling testimony in the film. She recounts her troubled childhood marked by tragedies, her spiral into atheism, her life-endangering attempt to take her life and her eventual transformation after a life-changing experience of faith. To the audience, Lacey's story stands as a poignant metaphor for renewal and hope, synonymous with the theme of the Cross.

At its core, "La Cruz" is not just for the faithful, but is intended for all who have undergone or are presently going through life's trials. Each story shared in vivid detail is not merely a testament to faith but also a clear reflection on the power of transformation, the resilience of the human spirit, and adversity as a catalyst for change.

The movie is smartly and seamlessly woven around multilayered human experiences and stand out in its endeavors because it dares to question, to reach out, and to inspire. The message transcends across religious boundaries, resonating with people from all walks of life.

In summary, "La Cruz" is an exploration of the cross as well as its symbolic implications in the lives of people who have encountered it. It's an inspiring collection of four prominent Christian figures' stories about their confrontations with the realities of existence, the unique transformations they underwent, and the enduring strength they discovered along the way. By interspersing the narrative with musical performances by Lecrae and Lacey Sturm, the film becomes an engaging presentation that combines testimony, teaching, and music, reaching out to a wider audience. The stirring narratives challenge viewers to examine their own lives, their struggles, and their faith while offering hope and solace via the shared experiences of the movie's personalities.