The Good Lie – Movie Review and Recommendation

When The Good Lie first came out I remember being confused about exactly what it was. I knew it was about the Lost Boys of Sudan and that it starred Reese Witherspoon. I couldn’t figure out how those went together. I also wondered about the title, wondering what exactly a good lie was. Well, after watching the movie, it all makes perfect sense, and I’m excited to review The Good Lie so that others can enjoy this very well made Hollywood movie with a Christian worldview.

First, let me say what The Good Lie is not. It’s not a documentary. It’s not a dry message-based movie. Instead, it’s a great story of redemption about a group of Sudanese refuges who come to America where they’re taken care of by Carrie, Reese Witherspoon’s character.

The movie opens with life in Sudan prior to the war. The villagers are seen in their everyday life tending the flocks, cooking, cleaning, singing. Life is good. Then comes the attack and all the adults are killed. Only a small group of children are spared and they must travel hundreds of miles in the desert in order to reach safety. Not all the children make it. The bravery that these children possess in the midst of unspeakable suffering is inspiring. Once the children reach a Kenyan refugee camp and then later are allowed to come to America, the movie takes on a much lighter mood. Yet still, there’s a depth of emotion as the refugees adapt to the American way of life.

The Good Lie is based on a true story and the characters definitely feel real. Even though this is not a Christian-made movie, it has strong Christian elements. From the beginning, one of the boys has an English Bible in his possession, and they all have biblical standards of living. In fact, the Sudanese appear to have much stronger faith than even the Christian relief worker. It’s embedded in their souls and a vital part of who they are. And it rubs off on Carrie who starts to get her life together as a result of their influence. The story behind the title and the explanation is thought provoking and good food for thought for all Christians. Is there such a thing as a good lie?

I loved how humor was sprinkled throughout the movie but not in a just-for-laughs kind of way. The humor is all character driven and flows naturally from the situations.

Perhaps my favorite part of the movie was when I discovered at the very end that the  actors playing the Sudanese refugees were actual refugees. No wonder they were able to play the roles so convincingly and with such depth.

If you’re looking for a redemptive movie that will give you a better appreciation of what others go through, then you’ll definitely want to check out The Good Lie. And you’re in luck because I was given two copies to give away. Just comment below why you’d like to see The Good Lie and you’ll be registered to win. Drawing to take place Saturday, April 4.

 “Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Warner Brothers for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.