robtromp Having lived in and adapted to a number of cultures around the world, I found myself amazed at the variety of interpretations that could be applied to this film depending on which flavor of Koolaid you had been drinking most recently. The depiction of fundamentalist Christians was spot on - the good, the bad, and the ugly. If this film has a flaw, it may be that it is too ambiguous. It does not condemn the judgment of a congregation who worships a semi-charlatan nor really justify the actions of a woman who has been used and manipulated by a sweet-talking devil. As such, it perpetuates a lot of the mythology that continues to allow charismatic Christianity to flourish, and does the parts of the country still under thrall to this a disservice. To the extent that it exposes the evil that the hero worship of very human and flawed leaders - who profess direct contact and support from divinity - can do, it is a pretty good flick.

bograde An excellent take on charismatic, evangelical Christianity. An imperfect man with faith. Why wouldn't exposure of his wife's adultery challenged her ability to take over the church? I never understood why did he go and start a new church when he was avoiding the murder charges. Why did Sonny attempt a relationship with the new lady in Louisiana? Wouldint his new woman be adultery since he yet to be formally divorced? He seems to have been aware of the inevitable. Was he on a mission of redemption before he face the inevitable punishment? Was he addicted to the prestige and sense of purpose he had as a minister? Why did he fight so hard to build the new church?

merklekranz Generally I place entertainment at the top of my list for enjoying a film. Although the acting by Robert Duvall is terrific, the movie fails as entertainment. Two plus hours of what seemed like one long church sermon is close to unbearable. Duvall's character is anything but sympathetic, considering his violent solutions, religious brain wiring of the gullible, and outrageous showmanship. He simply comes across as a religious huckster. I can truthfully say that for me, "The Apostle" was a huge disappointment. I'm sure that to the correct audience it will be vastly appealing. Not recommended here however. .............................. MERK

moonspinner55 A troubled preacher on the Salvation circuit is railroaded out of his spot in the local church by his cheating, vindictive wife; he does some soul-searching, eventually starting his own parish out of a ramshackle building in the sticks which he slowly renovates. Robert Duvall wrote, directed, and stars in this somewhat lofty character study which begins with some fiery church-worshiping (set in the past), leading incongruously to the present where Duvall stops at a car accident to pray for the dying. The wayward early scenes, with Farrah Fawcett as Duvall's spouse and June Carter Cash as his mother, are so scattershot and marred by confusion, it's unclear what the characters mean to one another--or to us. It takes a long time for Duvall to blend what he most wants to see into this heady mix: ordinary folks finding strength and salvation in communal prayer. His little asides would surely be sneakier and funnier if the editing didn't linger over everything so long, yet Duvall proves to have a capable way with his extras and actors if not his narrative. The film is really just a colorful, energetic bushel of scenes in search of a product. As a filmmaker, Duvall may not know much on how to package a film such as this, though his conviction is apparent in the attempt. ** from ****