Revisiting Facing the Giants

 

Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7279051

Hello everyone, 

I know this film has been analyzed and critiqued to death, but I thought I would give it a rewatch 19 years later.  Everyone commented on how the student at the beginning of the film transferred, and how it was a Christian School; the address doesn't matter, as it is a private school, so anyone can attend.  I think the filmmakers were trying to come up with a reason why or how they could have a student transfer to another school, and that is what they came up with.  

Also, Coach Taylor is struggling with his finances, his car, the dryer doesn't work, and the house smells funny.  This is relatable to all of us, especially if we are going through a hard time.  

When Coach Taylor is talking to his coaches in his office, the coaches comment that they will have another average season.  Then Coach Taylor says I am so sick of average seasons.  It brought up a thought.  If you keep doing what you are doing, you will keep getting what you have always been getting.  Many of us just want to keep the status quo and think we will get different results.  What is the definition of insanity?  Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.  In our lives, God wants us to change if we want our lives to change.  

There are many symbols in the film, such as David, the kicker who lacks confidence and doesn't believe in himself enough to make the football team.  Don't we all deal with this?  

Then, a booster talks to an assistant coach about becoming the head coach.  They want to replace the head coach mid-season.  Then the season gets worse, and the team loses again.  David, the kicker, lacks confidence and questions why God made him so small.  

The next thing, Coach Taylor finds out he can't have kids.  Then, to make matters worse, the boosters meet in secret, trying to fire the head coach along with one of his assistant coaches. 

The Question is asked of God, Why is it so hard?  I think we all ask that. Then he prays and reads psalms.  

David misses a field goal and is pouting, and his dad says, "If you expect defeat, then that is what you will get."  Powerful words and worth thinking about.  

They lose again, and a booster is talking to the assistant coach, and Coach Taylor overhears them. He interrupts them, and Coach Taylor asks his assistant coach to pick a side and stay on it, don't be on the fence.  

The turning point in the film is when Mr. Chillders reads from Revelation and tells Coach Taylor that he has an open door and says unless the Lord moves you, stay where you are planted.  Then Coach Taylor seeks the Bible and what God has planned for each of his players and their purpose.  

Then the key scene in the film is the death crawl with Brock not believing in himself, and he does the entire field with another player on his back.  It shows him that he can do more than he thinks.  

Then the assistant coaches come and say they are on board with what is happening in practice.  So now all coaches are on the same side and can go on to the next game.  Then, Coach Taylor speaks to a player who disrespects his dad about Jesus.  Coach Taylor finds the smell, is a dead rat under the house.  So one thing down on the list.  Then the team turns it around.  

Then God moves, I would recommend you watch this film if you haven't seen it.  

This is Lance at the Movies, take Care and God bless