Review – Ragamuffin

When I arrived home from Indianapolis last night, there was a package from one of the providers of media I often review for. I always get excited to open these packages like a kid on Christmas morning. When I opened the package, I found the DVD release of the life story of Rich Mullins called “Ragamuffin.” I have been anticipating seeing this film since I first saw the trailer. Rich Mullins was a treasure to the music industry and particularly the Christian Music industry. His songs were honest, real and raw.

So was his life.

Although the hour was late, I couldn’t wait to watch this movie so I put it in. When the final credits rolled, I sat there somewhat numb. If you know anything about Rich Mullins, you know that the ending isn’t happy. He was tragically taken long before his time. The movie is over 2 hours of wrestling with the tension in our faith of holiness, honesty, transparency, grace, forgiveness and walking it out daily. I wonder if Rich Mullin’s story isn’t all of our story (just without all the record contracts, concerts and stuff). They did an incredible job of capturing his story, ALL of his story.

One of my biggest complaints about these films is the acting is usually not that great. There are times when it’s so bad it takes away from the story that is taking place. Not true with “Ragamuffin.” The acting was on point and believable. I got so pulled into the story that I never once thought about watching a film. The man that portrayed Rich Mullins did an exceptional job.

There were so many great quotes and lessons throughout “Ragamuffin.” I’m going to watch it again just to write down many of the things that were said. I’ll watch it again as a reminder that I’m not alone in the constant tension of living out a life of faith. One of the most powerful lessons in this film is the struggle of understanding how “God loves you” when you know you and sometimes that “Sunday School answer” doesn’t seem possible. Incredible fim. Incredible life that ended all too soon.

I give “Ragamuffin” a 5 out of 5.