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The inspiring and unknown true story behind MercyMe’s beloved, chart-topping song that brings ultimate hope to so many is a gripping reminder of the power of true forgiveness.
Almost twenty years after Mercy Me released the chart-topping single “I Can Only Imagine,” directors Andrew and Jon Erwin have afforded us the privilege to witness the film of the same name based on the true story of Bart Millard (J. Michael Finley), a local Greenville, Texas native who wrote the song.
From a very young age, Bart was gravely impacted by a father who never believed in him and always made him feel like he was a burden and could never do enough to justify his existence. When he came home from school one day and realized that his mother had left the family, he couldn’t blame her because both of them had endured years of abuse by his father’s hand. When he met Shannon (Madeline Carroll), a neighborhood girl, he began to feel that his life had a purpose as she taught him to journal to express emotions that he couldn’t share with anyone. Bart’s Meemaw (Cloris Leachman) was also a driving force that helped bridge the gap in filling all the holes in Bart’s life.
Bart’s love of football seemed to be the only connection between him and his father and when he was forced off the team in High School due to an injury, he had no alternative except to take an elective in Chorus. This seemingly devasting act was the one thing that actually changed the direction of Bart’s life. When his chorus teacher, Mrs. Fincher (Priscilla Shirer) forced him to take a lead role after she discovered that he had the musical gift of singing, he was forever changed by the response of all those around him. Unfortunately, his relationship with his father became more difficult as Bart made an attempt to further his career in music and to become more involved with the local church. A pivotal change in Bart and Arthur’s relationship came about after Bart went away to college and Arthur was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. While the act of forgiveness seemed to be unthinkable, Bart, through his faith, was able to realign his priorities and be there for his dad who was never there for him. The song “I Can Only Imagine,” came about as a result of everything he had to overcome and is helmed as the Best Selling and most played Christian single of all time.
Dennis Quaid is brazen in his role as Arthur Millard, an abusive father who had to learn almost too late in life what was most important. Equally impressive is J. Michael Finley in his characterization of Bart, an abused child who had to fend for himself almost his entire life and then choose to take the higher road in becoming the caretaker for his father when he was most vulnerable. Every member of the supporting cast contributes vastly to an inspiring story and a greater appreciation for the reality of a troubled life turned into lyrical reality.
In theaters Friday, March 16th
Did you see the movie? BART didn’t go
To college. He left home and joined a band. At. Least you gave it a good rating. But it deserved a 10!