Facing The Giants (2006)
Posted by: sequel-khu in Uncategorized, tags: bible, christian, facing the giants, faith, films, give up, gospel, hollywood, jesus christ, movies, quotesOverview
Director:
Writers:
Alex Kendrick (writer)
Stephen Kendrick (writer)
Genre:
Drama | Sport | Faith | Coach | Football | Christian Film
Tagline:
With God, all things are possible
Never give up. Never back down. Never lose faith.
Plot:
A losing coach with an underdog football team faces their giants of fear and failure on and off the field to surprising results.
Full Summary:
From the award winning producers of FLYWHEEL, comes an action-packed drama about a Christian high school football coach who uses his undying faith to battle the giants of fear and failure. In six years of coaching, Grant Taylor has never led his Shiloh Eagles to a winning season. After learning that he and his wife Brooke face infertility, Grant discovers that a group of fathers are secretly organizing to have him dismissed as head coach. Devastated by his circumstances, he cries out to God in desperation. When Grant receives a message from an unexpected visitor, he searches for a stronger purpose for his football team. He dares to challenge his players to believe God for the impossible on and off the field. When faced with unbelievable odds, the Eagles must step up to their greatest test of strength and courage. What transpires is a dynamic story of the fight between faith and fear. Facing the Giants is a powerful experience for the whole family inspiring viewers to live with faith, hope, and love! Unbelievable in parts and inspirational in others, this film conveys the powerful effect of any kind of focus in a person’s life. This film was financed by a Baptist church in Albany, Georgia and all profits from the film go towards the development of a youth center in the city.
User Comments:
a little movie with a lot of heart, 8 August 2006
Author: chris boltin from United States
The movie was well worth my time. I would encourage anyone who is looking for a good uplifting movie to check this one out. the characters are easy to relate to and the underlying story is very heartwarming. If you are having a bad day, or even if you are having a good day, this would be a great film. I left the movie feeling uplifted and full of hope!! The spirit of the movie is a bit reminiscent of “Pay It Forward”. One word of warning, although the film does make you laugh in parts, you will need to bring your own box of tissues. After watching the film, I found out that the film was shot with only 1 camera. I honestly did not notice while watching the movie. everyone should be able to find a part of themselves in at least one of the main characters.
Finally…a movie of value!!, 15 September 2006
Author: embo_1999 from United States
I was invited to preview this movie and took my family with me. Even my youngest son, who is 4, came home reciting the message of the film. If a four year old gets it, I am thrilled to think of how many lives could be changed by going to see it. My children laughed at me because I cried like a baby. It evoked so many different emotions! It has been a long time since a movie has touched me like “Facing the Giants” did. The message was awesome and what was more amazing were the non-paid “servants” that starred in this film. This movie has the ability to make an amazing impact in this world. To God be the glory!!! I have been telling everyone to go see this movie, you will not regret it.
Facing the Giants Is More Than Hollywood Clichés, 29 September 2006
Author: the_crains from Kentucky
Facing The Giants is a “feel good” movie. As I type those words, I can’t help but think, “OK, I’ve just alienated at least half the readers from seeing the movie”. A “feel good” movie doesn’t have to translate to pure sap. Think Rocky more than Steel Magnolias. Although even that comparison is lacking, because similarities between Giants and Rocky or Rudy or for that matter any other “come from behind” sports movies also come up short. One thing is for sure, no one viewing Giants will miss the Christian content, and that difference alone makes the film unique. But that’s not the only thing that sets this film apart. The fact that it was made mostly by volunteer amateurs from Albany, Georgia’s Sherwood Baptist Church-for $100,000-is a testimony to what people can do when they passionately believe in something. That alone makes this a truly “inspiring” film! The story focuses on Coach Grant Taylor (played by writer, director, and Sherwood associate pastor Alex Kendrick), whose Shiloh Christian Academy football team hasn’t had a winning season in six years. After losing a star player to another team, things are looking down for the Shiloh Eagles, and school board members begin to consider showing Taylor the door. The coach is having a bad year for sure. He drives a beat up car, his house smells like something died, and worst of all-he and wife discover they can’t have children of their own. The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) board that hands out movie ratings says that it was in fact this pregnancy theme that earned Giants it’s PG rating. Don’t be concerned by this “adult” topic-it’s handled very appropriately for the whole family. On the “family” topic: yes you can the kids. My recommendation would be ages 8 and up, only because younger children may be bored with the football and “personal crisis” themes. But there is no sexual content or profanity, and violence is limited to football tackles. By the way, the football action looks great, thanks to one of the paid crew members, cinematographer Bob Scott. He’s worked with the amazing NFL films as well as Friday Night Lights and many others. This is a very good film for the family-I actually think that’s what this movie was made for. I can see families going out to eat after the movie and discussing some of the themes (trust in God, respecting your parents). If my son was older, I would be taking him to see it for sure. The movie could truly have a positive impact on kids-as opposed to the mindless entertainment they are often subjected to. As the story unfolds, Taylor reaches a breaking point, and decides that all he can do is trust the Lord for guidance. He tells his team, “If we win, we praise him and if we lose we praise him”. Most adults won’t be too surprised where the films goes after that-however I think kids in the audience will be delighted-and maybe inspired-by the turn of events. Let me go back to the “pure sap” comment for a moment. Some people may think this film is the definition of “sap” as the story progresses. I didn’t see it that way. As a Christian, I have seen God turn around impossible situations-so for me, I was thinking “yeah, God can do that”. So does Giants show us that when the chips are down, all we have to do is pray and things change immediately? Alex Kendrick talks about this in an interview with Christianity Today: “That’s always the first negative comment we get after our test screenings. I’m not a name-it-and-claim-it guy; I think God does allow us to struggle.” However I understand where Kendrick is coming from when he goes on to say, “We ended up with our story for two reasons: Number one, we had seen it happen around us. And number two, it’s a movie and we wanted people to leave inspired and encouraged.” We had seen it happen around us. Giants is a reflection of that. If you’re like me, you will “feel good” at the end of the movie. That’s not a bad thing! Go see this movie-and take the kids.
Go see it!!!, 29 September 2006
Author: youngace-1 from United States
It was an awesome movie. I laughed. I cried. I clapped. I cheered. I smiled! At times, I was on the edge of my seat! The message is truly inspirational. Reminds me a lot of “Remember the Titans” but faith-based. The movie stays away from the usual Hollywood hype. It’s clean…..no sidetracking on meaningless words, bad language, or other things that detract from the plot or overall movie. They don’t shy away from talking about God or praying. It has down-home charm and a feel-good quality. Our family loved it and will go see it again. I recommend it to anyone who wants to be inspired! My kids are already saving to buy it!
Absolutely incredible!, 15 September 2006
Author: miked-61 from United States
This movie touched every emotion: joy, sadness, anger, confusion, peace, humor…but most of all HOPE that is found in Christ alone! People in the theater interrupted the movie with applause, MUCH laughter and most cried at some point! An incredible and exhilarating story of hope! It is incredible to realize that this first-class movie that is so well-done was birthed and produced by a church in south Georgia!! If you know someone who is struggling against the giants we face in life, or a couple who is struggling to make ends meet, or struggling to have a child, or just someone who needs to be encouraged, GET THEM TO THIS MOVIE! We need MORE movies like this! Buy some tickets and give them away…you can affect a life or a family FOREVER!!! My church has committed to buy 1,000 tickets! We are GIVING FREE tickets to every varsity football player and coach in our area! I challenge others to do the same in YOUR area. Spread the word! This film is a MUST-SEE!
God is not a genie who grants all your wishes, 13 October 2007
Author: brizobrown from Wheaton, IL
*** This comment may contain spoilers ***
I rented this movie because I hoped it would be one the whole family would enjoy. Although the movie is family friendly, my family did not enjoy it because it gives a false view of God. If you obey God and follow Him, you are not guaranteed success. Your football team won’t always win. You won’t magically get better grades. Infertility isn’t always cured. You won’t always get a raise. Sometimes, you’ll be stuck with the old car.
God does not exist to meet our every whim. Rather, we were created to glorify Him. Sometimes we glorify Him most when things seem to be going bad for us. To live is Christ; to die is gain.
A Sunday Sermon Comes To Life On the Gridiron, 8 February 2007
Author: ccthemovieman-1 from Lockport, NY, United States
Well, this movie was a shock to see and to hear. Among the thousands of mainline films I have watched over many years, this is the first I’ve seen with a modern-day story that was unapologetically Christian. It actually used Jesus and God’s name as you would hear in a sermon in church. Of course, the fact that “Hollywood” didn’t make this film is understandable; it was produced, directed, written, etc., by a Baptist church in Georgia.
But - surprise - it’s available in good quantities at the video stores and actually has the production values of a big-budget Hollywood film. In other words, this looks nice and, for the most part, is adequately acted even though amateurs do the acting. The only one I thought sounded wooden, unfortunately, was Alex Kendrick playing the main character: coach Grant Taylor, the Shiloh Christian High School football coach. Kendrik directed and wrote this film, so kudos to him for all that wonderful work….but an actor, he ain’t. Real-life University of Georgia football coach Mark Richt makes a guest appearance and he sounded very relaxed and convincing, as a professional actor would sound. They should have given Richt the main role!
Yes, the story is hokey, especially at the end at the last football game, but what Hollywood movie isn’t? It’s just a little far-fetched to anyone who knows football. At any rate, the action scenes were well-done and very realistic looking.
To see a movie with this many inspirational and profound Biblical statements was a “revelation” and really nice to see (hear). Hokey or not, there are several moments in this film that should drive most viewers to tears. If not, check your pulse.
The main message of the movie: “All things are possible with God,” is a good one and one everyone, including Christians, need to be reminded of periodically. Secular people who don’t want to hear anything positive about God or the Bible, or who are just plain biased against Christians, will hate this film and wouldn’t last 30 minutes watching it. I have a very good friend who is in that category and I couldn’t recommend the film to him, because he’d be in the bathroom puking his guts out after a half hour. However, if you are more tolerant, or are a follower Of Jesus Christ, then you will find this film inspiring and emotional and worth your time.
A Movie for Football Fans, 26 July 2006
Author: rafda from United States
I saw a preview showing of this movie about a year ago. I am thrilled to see it is coming out. The story is an excellent story of life, as portrayed by a football coach and his team. Viewers will see a man come to grips with the problems of his life and inspire a football team that has lost its inspiration. Add to that great football action and excitement, and this is a movie to tell your friends about.
I happen to be a person of faith, thus when I see the movie I smile because I know exactly why this story is believable. When you see it, you will undoubtedly enjoy the story, and who knows maybe you also will smile!
Cast
(in alphabetical order)
| Erin Bethea | … | Alicia Houston |
| James Blackwell | … | Matt Prater |
| Bailey Cave | … | David Childers |
| Shannen Fields | … | Brooke Taylor |
| Tracy Goode | … | Brady Owens |
| Alex Kendrick | … | Grant Taylor |
| Jim McBride | … | Bobby Lee Duke |
| Tommy McBride | … | Jonathan Weston |
| Jason McLeod | … | Brock Kelley |
| Mark Richt | … | Himself |
| Steve Williams | … | Larry Childers |
| Chris Willis | … | J.T. Hawkins Jr. |
| Ray Wood | … | Mr. Bridges |
| Janet Lee Dapper | … | Teacher (uncredited) |
Additional Details
MPAA:
Rated PG for some thematic elements.
Running time:
111 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
- Mark Richt, the head football coach at the University of Georgia, has a cameo in the film.
- Most of the cast and crew were comprised of members of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia.
- The movie was shot in high definition video and transferred to film.
- Any profits received by the church from this movie will be used to build a youth center in Albany, Georgia.
- The scene where Grant Taylor received a new truck, the license plate tag says “Jay Austin Motors”. That is the name of the car dealership in the movie Flywheel, which is the first movie The Kendrick Brothers made and Alex Kendrick played the main role as well.
Goofs:
- Miscellaneous: The shadows on the title sequence are backwards. If the letters in the name “Facing the Giants” were truly back-lit by the lights in the stadium, the shadows would be upside-down, not right-side up.
- Audio/visual unsynchronized: A player for the Eagles in blue jersey #3 is being congratulated on the field for his play. The camera zooms over to the sideline showing the players clapping and shouting and there is #3 in the blue jersey cheering right along with his team mates while he is out on the field half a second before. He is in two places at the same exact time.
- Continuity: Before the final play of the game they say that there are only two seconds left. When they show the score on the scoreboard you can see that it says 5:12 left.
- Revealing mistakes: During the championship game a player from the Richland team is seen running with the ball down the field. If you look at his pants closely during several of the shots, you will notice a red “LC” standing for Lee County High School, the actual team whose stadium is being used during the filming.
- Revealing mistakes: In the playoff game, Shiloh’s away jerseys are actually their practice jerseys.
- Continuity: When Grant Taylor receives his new truck he is holding a black zipper binder. He drops it on the parking lot. The next shot he is walking to the truck and the binder is not on the parking lot and it’s not in his hands.
- Revealing mistakes: Facing the Giants is about a Georgia sports team, but early in the movie, it featured a fictitious “Georgia Sports Report” on WTOL 15. However, WTOL is the call-sign for Toledo’s CBS affiliate, which is on Channel 11 Analog (Digital channel 17).
Soundtrack:
- “Stained Glass Masquerade”
Performed by Casting Crowns - “Our Mystery”
Performed by Bebo Norman - “Finding You”
Performed by Bebo Norman - “Never Give Up On Me”
Performed by Josh Bates - “Come Together”
Performed by Third Day - “Come On Back To Me”
Performed by Third Day - “Flowershop Blues”
Performed by Ryan Way, Jared Fowler & Sean Barna - “Completely”
Performed by Anna Laura - “Voice Of Truth”
Performed by Casting Crowns - “With You”
Performed by Mark Willard
Quotes:
Larry Childers: David, you can’t be afraid of failure. Everyone fails at some points.
Grant Taylor: I’m sick of the apathy on this team. If we’re not here to win football games, then why are we here?
Larry Childers: David, I’ve asked God since you were a baby, that He would show how strong He is in your life. And that through you, people would see how good He is.
David Childers: Then why would He make me so small and weak?
Larry Childers: To show how might He is.
Grant Taylor: I was so sure I could turn this program around and I’ve just sunk it lower. Brooke, I’ve tried so hard. Why can’t I win? I’m a failing coach with a losing record. What’s God doing? I mean, why is it so hard?
Grant Taylor: Lord Jesus, would You help me? I need You. Lord, I feel like there’s giants of fear and failure just staring down at me, waiting to crush me. And I don’t know how to beat ‘em, Lord. I’m tired of being afraid. Lord, if You want me to do something else, show me. If You don’t want me to have children, so be it. But You’re my guide. You’re on the throne. You can have my hopes and dreams. Lord, gives me something, show me something.
Larry Childers: Did you do your best, son?
David Childers: I knew I was gonna miss it before I kicked it.
Larry Childers: Your actions will always follow your beliefs, David.
David Childers: Dad, I can’t even kick it straight!
Larry Childers: And I can’t walk! Should I just stay at home and pout about it? If you accept defeat, David, then that’s what you’ll get.
Grant Taylor: You’re not doing anybody any favors sitting on the fence. You determine which side you want to be on and stay on it!
Mr. Bridges: Revelation chapter 3 says: “We serve a God that opens doors that no one can shut, and He shuts doors that no one can open. He says: ‘Behold, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know you have a little strength, yet you have kept My word and have not denied My name.’ ”
Mr. Bridges: Coach Taylor, the Lord is not through with you yet. You still have an open door here, and until the Lord moves you, you’re to bloom right where you’re planted. I just felt led to come and tell you that today.
Grant Taylor: Mr. Bridges, do you believe God told you to come tell me that?
Mr. Bridges: I do.
Grant Taylor: I admit to you I have been struggling. But I’ve also been praying. I just don’t see Him at work here.
Mr. Bridges: Grant, I heard a story about two farmers who desperately needed rain. And both of them prayed for the rain, but only one of them went out and prepared his fields to receive it. Which one do you think trusted God to send the rain?
Grant Taylor: The one who prepared his fields for it.
Mr. Bridges: Which one are you? God will send the rain when he’s ready. You need to prepare your field to receive it.
Grant Taylor: What’s the purpose of this team?
Matt Prater: Win ball games?
Grant Taylor: Then what?
Matt Prater: We get a trophy. And people will talk about us.
Grant Taylor: Maybe, for a while. Then what?
Matt Prater: I don’t know. Get a scholarship, play for college and coach Little League.
Brady Owens: What are you getting at? You think we’re just wasting our time?
Grant Taylor: If our main goal is to win games, then yes.
Brock Kelley: You don’t want us to win games?
Grant Taylor: No. Not if that’s our main goal. Winning football games is too small a thing to live for. And I love football as much as anybody. But even championship trophies will one day collect dust and be forgotten. It’s just that so far all this has been about us, how we can look good, how we can get the glory. The more I read this bible, the more I realize life’s not about us. We’re not here just to get glory, or make money and die. The bible says that God put us here for Him, to honor Him. Jesus said the most important thing you could do with your life is to love God with everything you are and love others as yourself. So if we win every game and we miss that, we’ve done nothing. Football then means nothing. So I’m here to present you a new team philosophy. I think that football is just one of the tools we use to honor God.
Brock Kelley: So you think God does care about football?
Grant Taylor: I think He cares about your faith. He cares about where your heart is. If you can live your faith on the football field, then, yes, God cares ’cause He cares about you. He sent His Son, Jesus to die for us so we could live for Him. That’s why we’re here. But, see, it’s just not on the football field. We’ve gotta honor Him in our relationships, in our respect for authority, in the classroom, and when you’re at home alone surfing the internet. I want God to bless this team so much, people talk about what He did. But it means, we gotta give Him our best in every area. And if we win, we praise Him. And if we lose, we praise Him. Either way, we honor Him with our actions and our attitudes. So I’m asking you, what are you living for? I’ve resolved to give God everything I’ve got, then I’ll leave the results up to Him. I wanna know if you’ll join me.
Grant Taylor: Your attitude’s like the aroma of your heart. If your attitude stinks, it means your heart’s not right.
Grant Taylor: You’re gonna give me your best?
Brock Kelley: I’m gonna give you my best.
Grant Taylor: All right, one more thing. I want you to do it blindfolded.
Brock Kelley: Why?
Grant Taylor: I don’t want you giving up at a certain point when you can go further.
Grant Taylor: Brock, you are the most influential player on the team. If you walk around defeated, so will they. Tell me you can’t give me more than what I’ve been seeing. You just carried Jeremy, a 140-pound man across this whole field on your arms. Brock, I need you. God’s gifted you with the ability of leadership. Don’t waste it. Can I count on you?
Brock Kelley: Yes.
Jeremy: Coach?
Grant Taylor: What is it, Jeremy?
Jeremy: I weigh 160.
Grant Taylor: Can I shoot straight with you for a minute?
Matt Prater: Sure.
Grant Taylor: I feel like you owe your dad more respect.
Matt Prater: Why?
Grant Taylor: ‘Cause he’s your father.
Matt Prater: You don’t know him like I know him.
Grant Taylor: I don’t have to. You need to respect him because it’s the right thing to do.
Matt Prater: You know, coach? My dad doesn’t even like you. He thinks the school needs to find somebody else.
Grant Taylor: That’s beside the point. Scripture says to honor your parents. And all you do is complain.
Matt Prater: All he does is boss me around. He doesn’t even try to understand me.
Grant Taylor: You can’t judge your father by his actions and then judge yourself by your intentions. It doesn’t work that way. You’re not responsible for him. You’re responsible for you. You honor God by honoring your authority.
Matt Prater: You really believe in all that honoring God and follow Jesus stuff?
Grant Taylor: Yes, I do.
Matt Prater: Well, I ain’t trying to be disrespectful, but not everybody believes in that. Religion works for some people, but I’m just here ’cause I got kicked out of Westview.
Grant Taylor: Matt, nobody’s forcing anything on you. Following Jesus is a decision you’re gonna have to make for yourself. You may not wanna accept Him. ‘Cause He’ll change your life. You’ll never be the same. I do hope one day you realize how much He loves you.
Mr. Prater: What is it, son?
Matt Prater: Dad, I just wanted to say that I’m sorry. I’m sorry for the way I’ve been acting. I got right with God today and I just needed to say that from now on, I’ll respect your authority. Whatever you say goes. That’s it.
Mr. Prater’s colleague: For what it’s worth, I’d give my right arm just to hear my son say that to me.
[A prayer before football game against the Westview team]
Brock Kelley: Lord, we know our lives are not about football, but we do thank You for allowing us to play tonight. We’re gonna give You our best. If we win, we’ll praise You. And if we lose, we’ll praise You. We’ll give You all the honor and the glory for this night. Keep us safe. Amen.
Grant Taylor: All right, guys. Look at me. Play hard, have fun!
Grant Taylor: All right, God. You got us here. Whatever happens, may You get the glory.
Grant Taylor: In about five minutes we head out for the warm-up. I wanna say two things. Number one, I love you and I’m so proud of you. I wouldn’t trade this season for anything in the world. Secondly, you’re about to play the biggest team you’ve ever faced. They’re strong, fast and undefeated. So far.. But I want you to remember where God has brought us. I want you to remember how hard you’ve worked. We weren’t supposed to have a winning season, but we do.. We weren’t supposed to advance through the playoffs, but we did.. We’re not supposed to be here, but we are.. So if anything in you says this is a losing effort, throw it out. ‘Cause as I stand here, I believe that as long as we honor God, nothing is impossible. Leave anything out on the field. Give your best to God tonight. Whether we leave the field the victors or not, we will give God the glory. Now, who will go fight the giants with me?
Grant Taylor: David Childers, don’t you ever let anyone tell you that you’re under par, second-rate or inferior. I just watched God do a miracle through you. I saw a field of Giants, 85 of ‘em to be exact, fall in defeat. Now you tell me what’s impossible with God?
David Childers: Nothing, coach.
Grant Taylor: God can do whatever He wants to do, however He wants to do it. And He chooses to work in our lives ’cause He loves us, ’cause He’s good. Hope today’s a milestone for what He can do for the rest of your life, if you trust Him. Le’ts spend some time thanking Him.
Never Give Up On Me - Josh Bates
Soundtrack: Facing The Giants
Title: Never Give Up (Josh Bates)
Time after time You’ve been left behind
Like the sun when it’s starting to rain
Time after time You’ve been forgotten
Like a picture that’s faded with age
Time after time You ran after me
When I was still running away
Chorus:
You never give up on me
No, You never give up on me
Though I’m weak You are strong
You told me I still belong
No, You never, never give up on me
Time after time I’ve used Your grace
As a way to do what I please
I’ve taken for granted prayers that You answered
Never been all I could be
You are holding out Your hands
And now I clearly see
Chorus
You always erase all my mistakes
You lift me up when I’m down
Through all the ages, Your love never changes
You welcome me just as I am
Chorus
Never give up, never give up on me..
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