Watch The Apostle

The movie "The Apostle" is a 1997 American drama film directed by Robert Duvall who also stars in the lead role. The movie is a powerful and heartfelt story that follows the life of a Pentecostal preacher, Sonny Dewey, played by Robert Duvall. Sonny is a fire-and-brimstone preacher who has built up a following in the small town of Bayou Boutte, Louisiana.

As the movie begins, we see Sonny's world unraveling. His wife, Jessie (played by Farrah Fawcett), has cheated on him with his rival preacher, and he is forced to flee after injuring her and her lover in a fit of rage. Sonny takes on a new identity, changing his name to E.F. and traveling to a small town in rural Louisiana where he starts a new congregation.

The new church is a unique one, with Sonny preaching in a makeshift tent in the middle of a field. He quickly gains a following and the church grows, as he preaches about the love and forgiveness of God. However, things are not all rosy for Sonny, as he faces challenges from both within and outside the church.

Sonny's strong views and stubborn nature lead him to clash with many members of the community, including the local radio host and his estranged wife. In addition, his son, who has always looked up to him as a role model, struggles with his father's hypocrisy, as he watches Sonny preach one thing while doing another.

As the movie progresses, we see Sonny struggle with his past, his present, and his faith. He realizes that he must reconcile with his past, and with the people he has hurt, in order to move forward with his life. He also learns the value of forgiveness, as he reaches out to others in his community who have also been hurt and wronged.

The final scenes of the movie depict a powerful moment of redemption for Sonny, as he confronts his past and the people he has hurt. The movie ends with Sonny preaching to his congregation, a changed man who has learned the power of faith, forgiveness, and love.

Overall, "The Apostle" is a must-see film for fans of powerful, character-driven dramas. Duvall delivers an incredible performance, capturing the essence of Sonny Dewey in a way that is both authentic and moving. The film is also supported by a strong supporting cast, including Todd Allen, who plays Sonny's son, and Paul Bagget as the local radio host who is Sonny's nemesis.

The film is set against the backdrop of the rural South, and the cinematography captures the beauty and simplicity of the region with stunning visuals. The film also features a fantastic soundtrack, with a mix of gospel and blues music that perfectly complements the themes of the movie.

"The Apostle" is a film that explores the power of faith, redemption, and forgiveness in a way that is both compelling and thought-provoking. It is a rare movie that manages to balance religious themes with universal, human experiences, making it accessible and meaningful to audiences of all backgrounds. It is a true masterpiece that deserves to be seen by anyone who appreciates great storytelling and powerful performances.

The Apostle is a 1997 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 14 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 83.