Watch Beyond the Gates of Splendor

Beyond the Gates of Splendor is a 2002 documentary film that chronicles the story of five American missionaries who were killed while attempting to evangelize the Waodani people in Ecuador in the 1950s. The film is directed by Jim Hanon and produced by Mart Green, who is also the brother of one of the deceased missionaries, Nate Saint.

The movie opens with archival footage of the missionaries, including Nate Saint, Jim Elliot, Ed McCully, Pete Fleming, and Roger Youderian, preparing for their fateful trip to the Amazon rainforest. The group is shown flying in a small plane over the jungle canopy, and then landing on a make-shift airstrip in a clearing.

The Waodani people, who are known for their violence and hostility towards outsiders, quickly surround the missionaries' camp. Despite initial interactions that seem peaceful, tension soon mounts between the two groups, and on January 8, 1956, the missionaries are ambushed by a group of Waodani men and speared to death. The news of their deaths generates worldwide attention and becomes a life-changing event for both the Waodani and the families of the slain missionaries.

The documentary is based on the book "Through Gates of Splendor" by Elisabeth Elliot, the widow of Jim Elliot, and features interviews with surviving family members, missionaries who knew the group, and members of the Waodani tribe. The latter portion of the film follows the remarkable story of forgiveness and reconciliation between the Waodani and the families of the missionaries who were killed.

One of the key figures in the story is Steve Saint, the son of Nate Saint, who was just five years old at the time of his father's death. Saint is shown traveling back to Ecuador as an adult, where he is embraced by members of the tribe he once feared. He learns about the tribe's culture and life in the rainforest, and becomes a close friend of Mincaye, one of the men who participated in the ambush that killed his father. In a remarkable display of forgiveness, Mincaye becomes a Christian and later baptizes Saint's son.

The themes of forgiveness, redemption, and reconciliation are prevalent throughout the film. The Waodani tribe, once known for its violence and hostility towards outsiders, is shown to have changed dramatically following the deaths of the missionaries. The tribe members, who once saw outsiders as threats, are now seen as friends and partners in the mission to spread Christianity.

The film is beautifully shot, capturing the beauty of the jungle and the character of the people who call it home. The story is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, and serves as a testament to the power of forgiveness and love.

In conclusion, Beyond the Gates of Splendor is a moving documentary film that tells the story of the five American missionaries who were killed while attempting to evangelize the Waodani people in Ecuador in the 1950s. The film explores themes of forgiveness, redemption, and reconciliation as it chronicles the remarkable story of the bond between the Waodani people and the families of the slain missionaries. Through the use of archival footage, interviews, and stunning cinematography, Beyond the Gates of Splendor is an emotionally powerful film that will leave a lasting impression on viewers.

Beyond the Gates of Splendor is a 2005 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.