Alone Yet Not Alone {Movie Review}

A while back I was asked if I would like to review the movie "Alone Yet Not Alone" a historical movie produced by Tracy Leininger Craven and Dr. Jim Leininger (father and daughter). I am always hesitant about movies. We don't watch movies very often and there is a good reason for that. So many movies are filled with violence, bad language, sex, disrespect to parents, disobedience- the list can go on and on. So many children's movies even seem to have a hidden agenda to push anti-christian values. But after reading about the movie I was quite interested in reviewing it.

I am glad I did!

This is based on the true story of the Leininger family who were immigrants to America. This movie is set in 1755 in the midst of the French and Indian war. It was a time of tension between the Native Americans and the settlers. The film tells about the horrifying journey of Barbara and Regina Leininger after they have been kidnapped by the Deleware Indians. They face so many struggles but are strengthened by their faith in God and the song "Alone Yet Not Alone" a song that their family had taught them. That song is truly part of the historic story - a German song by that name was one that was loved by their family and gave them strength. I don't believe we know anything more of the song than the title but an absolutely beautiful new song was written with that title to be used in the movie. You can hear it in the video above.

  I don't want to give away the story - but I will say that though it takes years the sisters do eventually make it back to the part of their family that was not murdered by the Indians. The story behind it is pretty amazing.

  The film is an adaption of Tracy Leininger Craven's novel by the same name. She had researched her family history and found this amazing story.

Some of my takes on the movie:

• There is some violence. It would be pretty much impossible to have a movie about this historical happening without it. But they are careful to try to express what happened with as little violence shown as possible and the violence is not at all glorified.
• It is a very neat way to learn a little more of the history of this time period! Seeing things happen made me have a little better understanding of the French and Indian war.
• The movie is quite well done. Costumes are very neat. The setting is beautiful. The actors and actresses do a good job. It seems to be very well researched.
• The message that God is with you no matter what happens is very clear and such an important one. This is something that I want to always remember and I want my children to have that imprinted in their hearts as well. That in any struggle that they may go through - God is there too. He can protect them and even if they should die, that God has something better for us in heaven.

 I feel that we may be coming into very interesting and perhaps challenging times and our faith may be tested. I want my kids to have the Bible (not probably all- but that isn't a bad goal) memorized, songs tucked away in their heart and a strong relationship with their Savior so no matter what they go through they can always turn to Him for strength. Stories like this one that give the example of turning to God is a wonderful tool to help us to remember to do that too.

 Anyway - I do recommend this movie and am glad that we got to watch it and that we were introduced to this song. You can find the DVD on Amazon. To see more behind the scenes you can watch this this Youtube video.