Woodlawn, 2015, PG, 2 hr 4 min

Woodlawn

Age Rating: PG

Runtime: 124 minutes

Studio: Pure Flix Entertainment

Franchise: Standalone

Franchise Position: N/A

A powerful true story about faith, forgiveness, racial reconciliation, and how one spiritual awakening helped transform a football team, a school, and a community during a time of deep division in America.

Ratings

My Rating: 7.0/10

The Dove Foundation: PG

IMDb: 6.5/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 79%

Metacritic: 57/100

TMDb: 6.9/10 (approximate average user rating) 

Plot Summary

Set in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1973, Woodlawn follows the true story of Tony Nathan, a talented African American football player who joins Woodlawn High School during the turbulent period of school desegregation. Racial tensions are high both on and off the football field, and conflict threatens to divide the team and the community.

When a visiting sports chaplain shares the Gospel message with the football team, many players commit their lives to Christ. Their newfound faith begins to change their attitudes toward one another, helping them overcome racial barriers and personal struggles. Under Coach Tandy Gerelds, the team grows closer, and Tony Nathan emerges as both a football star and a leader.

The story culminates with one of the most significant high school football games in Alabama history while showing how faith, forgiveness, and unity can overcome hatred and prejudice.

Critics Review

Critics generally viewed Woodlawn as one of the stronger faith-based sports dramas released during the 2010s. Many praised its uplifting message, historical setting, football action, and performances, particularly those of Caleb Castille, Sean Astin, and Nic Bishop. Reviewers appreciated the film's focus on racial reconciliation and its attempt to portray a real historical movement that affected an entire community. 

Some critics compared the film to Remember the Titans because both stories involve football teams overcoming racial divisions. Others felt the movie became overly focused on its evangelical message and occasionally sacrificed dramatic depth for inspirational themes. Several reviewers believed the film's narrative lacked focus at times, balancing football, civil rights history, and religious revival simultaneously. 

Audience reception was much stronger than critical reception. Many viewers praised the film's emotional impact, positive message, and faith-centered storytelling. The movie earned particularly strong support among Christian audiences and families. 

Christian Perspective

From a Christian perspective, Woodlawn is one of the strongest faith-based sports films of its era. The movie openly presents the Gospel message and portrays faith in Jesus Christ as the driving force behind personal transformation.

The film emphasizes several Christian virtues:

Forgiveness over bitterness

Unity over racial division

Humility over pride

Love over hatred

Faith in Christ during difficult circumstances

Courage to stand for what is right

The story demonstrates how genuine Christian faith can change hearts and relationships. Rather than focusing solely on football victories, the film presents spiritual growth as the greater victory. Characters learn to see one another as equals created by God rather than through the lens of race or social divisions.

The film also highlights the importance of Christian witness, mentorship, prayer, repentance, and community. For Christian viewers, its message aligns strongly with biblical teachings about reconciliation, loving one's neighbor, and the power of the Gospel to bring people together.

Family Friendliness

Recommended for families.

As a PG-rated film, Woodlawn is suitable for most children ages 10 and older, though younger children may also enjoy it with parental guidance. The film contains some racial tension, discussions of segregation, mild fighting, and historical footage related to civil rights-era violence. However, there is no significant profanity, sexual content, or graphic violence. 

Parents should be prepared to discuss racial discrimination and the historical context of the 1970s. These themes are handled respectfully and provide opportunities for meaningful family conversations.

The football action is exciting without being excessively intense, and the overall message is uplifting and encouraging.

Notable Songs

"Touch the Sky" — Hillsong United

"Soul on Fire" — Third Day featuring All Sons & Daughters

"This Is Amazing Grace" — Phil Wickham

Original score by Paul Mills