I'm super green when it comes to "reviews". But I know GOOD MOVIES when I see them. If you're feeling short on FAITH, or the GOODWILL of your fellow man... YOU MUST SEE THIS!

By and large good acting and script, although an army widow finding herself without any military income might seem a bit unreal. Churchy, but not too preachy, it explores starting out on the false premise that God is supposed to be micromanaging the whole show-if thing go wrong is it ineptitude by a caring manager, unconcern by an uncaring manager, punishment by an angry one, etc? On the other hand, if he is semi-interventionalist (philosophically sound), then the swings and roundabouts of life might often be merely cause & effect within nature, helped or hindered by our attitudes to life.

Philosophically a few might find the polytheism of some of the prayer & singing (the 'our-type-of-god' syndrome) a bit irksome. A largely satisfying film, however, with elements of self-sacrifice for others, and of self-insularity as a protective shielding (to love is to be vulnerable). And how hard a child can be to a parent who thinks they mean well, but don't realise they are drowning and dragging down their child when human affection has become demonic! The film has a feel good factor and a think through factor, but numerous holes.

In the extras of the DVD, it was clear that the cast of "God Bless the Broken Road" was on board with the duel goals of this faith-based film. On the one hand, the film wanted to portray the power of faith in the most adverse circumstances for the protagonist. The second goal was to honor our vets for their service and their sacrifice. On both counts, the film succeeded.

The focus of the narrative was on a grieving widow, Amber Hill, whose husband died in Afghanistan in 2014. Amber feels betrayed by God and stops attending the local church in Berlin, Kentucky. She keeps descending lower and lower into her emotional pain, until she nearly loses the most precious object in her life, the love of her daughter.

On the one hand, it is easy to empathize with Amber, due to her tragic loss. On the other hand, she is slow to recognize the degree to which she is surrounded by a supportive group of friends and loved ones. The most intriguing relationship developed in the film was not the romantic connection between Amber and a racecar driver, Cody Jackson. Rather, the surprising relationship was that of Amber and her mother-in-law Patti.

Far from being a one-dimensional, shrewish mother-in-law, Patti was deeply concerned about Amber and her daughter Bree. It was surprising that Amber would not communicate with Patti, who was clearly reaching out to her. At one point, Patty offered Amber a job in sales. But Amber was so stubborn that she continued to work for tips at the local diner, lose her home, and become estranged from her daughter, due to the financial strain.

One of the religious themes presented by the filmmakers was that "nothing is impossible." But Amber was trying her best to make life impossible for herself and everyone around her!

It was clear that one of the motifs of the film was resilience in the face of adversity. That was apparent in the case of the vet whose life was saved by Amber's husband and he later regained enough strength to walk after a serious war wound. The racecar driver is also resilient after multiple pileups on the track. The only character who is far too slow in picking herself up and moving on with her life is Amber Hill.

There is a recurring image in the film of Amber's daughter nurturing a mustard seed along to develop into a healthy plant and ultimately an enormous tree. This image comes from the famous Lorraine Hansberry play "A Raisin in the Sun." The hardy growth demonstrates the perseverance of a family of survivors in the Younger family. In "God Bless the Broken Road," Amber hits rock bottom, prior to having her faith restored. But she never should have descended to the lower depths, based on the friendship, love, and support that surrounded her from the beginning.