Everybody's a critic: 'End of the Spear'

Three stars (out of four)

"End of the Spear" is a good film with beautiful music and a solid storyline. This film is based on true events about a group of missionaries in the 1950s who were trying to save two tribes of indigenous Indians in Ecuador. While at first the film's background story is slow to develop, it becomes more concise throughout as it jumps back and forth from the characters' perspectives.

The cinematography is impressive with the use of wide panoramic shots of Ecuador, but be prepared for many action sequences filmed in tight angles.

The story is interesting and different than what has been playing in theaters lately; however, the acting in the film is not Oscar-worthy from some of the cast members.

"End of the Spear" is a family movie worth seeing if your children are old enough to witness some of the violent scenes in the film.

-- Josh LaMar, teacher

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Four stars (out of four)

"End of the Spear" is an inspiring movie. It is the true story of a cultural clash between a primitive tribe in the Amazon basin and a group of Christian missionaries in the 1950s. The clash leads to the death of several missionaries.

The movie does an excellent job of showing the clash from both sides. It's easy to understand how the tribe feels so threatened by the outsiders. It's perhaps not so easy to understand the zeal of the missionaries in wanting to bring the gospel to this group that has never encountered outsiders.

When the family members of those slain by the natives learn of an epidemic among the Waodani, they are quick to respond. There is no proselytizing, just response to the need of others.

Big-time reviewers aren't giving this movie a chance because it's "too simplified." It's a true story. Not everyone is motivated by Hollywood plots. "Blessed are the pure of heart."

-- Mark Koehler, teacher