Story
Australian music producer David Smallbone (Joel Smallbone) is living a charmed life. He is at the height of a successful career, lives in a grand house, is married to the love of his life Helen (Daisy Betts), with whom he has 6 (soon to be 7) wonderful children, and enjoys the unwavering support of his parents, including a strong relationship with his father James (Terry O’Quinn).
When David takes a calculated business risk, he ends up losing his stellar reputation along with everything he owns. In a last-ditch effort to redeem himself, he moves his family to America where his job falls through. The family must pull together to survive in the face of constant obstacles and challenges. Through prayer and faith, they slowly begin to find their way, marvelling at the miracles that repeatedly surround them.
When their daughter Rebecca (Kirrilee Berger) begins to pursue her dream of a singing career, the stress takes a terrible toll on David. It’s only after a tragedy that he begins to see that the success he has been searching for has been right in front of him all along.
Themes
Rejection; failure; excessive pride; poverty; hardship; death of a loved one; religious faith
Violence
Unsung Hero has some violence. For example:
- David yells at Rebecca, and Helen slaps him in the face.
- David slams down a telephone and smashes a fax machine by hurling it onto the floor.
Sexual references
There are no sexual references in Unsung Hero.
Alcohol, drugs and other substances
There’s no use of substances in Unsung Hero.
Nudity and sexual activity
There’s some nudity and sexual activity in Unsung Hero. For example, David and Helen kiss.
Product placement
The following products are displayed or used in Unsung Hero:
- Amy Grant’s music is promoted. People say that Rebecca could be the next Amy Grant.
- Qantas airline is used, and the logo is clearly displayed.
Coarse language
Unsung Hero has some coarse language, including ‘hell’. Also, a flight attendant asks David to watch his language after he uses the term ‘fair dinkum’.
Ideas to discuss with your children
Unsung Hero is a faith-based drama drawing on the inspirational true story of the Smallbone family. The movie is well cast and full of powerful performances and positive messages. It’s suitable for all but the youngest of viewers.
The main messages from Unsung Hero are that family and faith are the most important things in life. Family and faith truly make you rich, and nurturing these things will take you on adventures, open doors and help you experience countless miracles.
Values in Unsung Hero that you could reinforce with your children include love, courage, teamwork, persistence, faith, loyalty and forgiveness.
Unsung Hero could also give you the chance to talk with your children about the real-life consequences of things like:
- shutting out people who are just trying to help you
- failing to see your children for who they really are and what they’re capable of
- letting excessive pride govern your actions and blind you to possibilities.