Review of 'A Distant Thunder'
Film takes a provocative look at the moral implications of partial-birth abortion
December 14, 2005
RenewAmerica staff
Disney producer Jonathan Flora's new film, A Distant Thunder, is a must-see for anyone interested in the subject of partial-birth abortion.
Reminiscent of supernatural thrillers by M. Night Shyamalan (The Sixth Sense, Signs, The Village) and reflecting the best in cinematic courtroom and horror dramas, A Distant Thunder takes viewers through a maze of disturbing hints, twists, symbols, and flashbacks until at the end they are stunned and surprised at what they've been watching.
With first-rate acting by literally everyone in the film, along with first-class production values, the film is a thought-provoking look at the horrible, but legally-sanctioned, practice of partial-birth abortion.
"Just three inches. . ." is how the film describes the legalities of the shocking abortion incident around which the film revolves.
So powerful is the film's main thesis, once the pieces come together, that it can change lives, minds, and hearts. It was for this reason, Flora says, that he chose to confine the film to 35 minutes, so it can be widely viewed by lawmakers, political leaders, educators, school classes, and religious groups.
A full-length follow-up version is contemplated by Flora and producer Kip Perry in the future.
A highlight of the film is the sensational performance by the film's central character Ann Brown, played by Deborah Flora (wife of Jonathan Flora). The gifted actress takes the film far beyond predictable "message" vehicles and gives a stunning portrayal of the young lawyer caught between colliding realities.
It helps that the script by husband Jonathan is insightful, believable, and compelling. Jonathan attributes this, in part, to a decision he made in college to support an abortion, a decision he regrets and is willing to risk censure among his Hollywood peers to persuade others against.
The highly-charged movie is an independent project Flora undertook outside of Disney.
The film features veteran actors Ned Vaughn, Peter Renaday, and Charlene Tilton, as well a list of lesser-known, but capable actors. Viewers will not easily forget the riveting testimony of the nurse who witnessed the disturbing events at the heart of the movie, played by Laura Richardson.
Exceptional on every level, the film can be ordered at www.adistantthunder.com. Be prepared to be challenged by the film's puzzling twists and turns, as well as graphic images. Unrated, the film targets teenagers and adults on both sides of the abortion debate.
See also:
RenewAmerica staff
Disney producer Jonathan Flora's new film, A Distant Thunder, is a must-see for anyone interested in the subject of partial-birth abortion.Reminiscent of supernatural thrillers by M. Night Shyamalan (The Sixth Sense, Signs, The Village) and reflecting the best in cinematic courtroom and horror dramas, A Distant Thunder takes viewers through a maze of disturbing hints, twists, symbols, and flashbacks until at the end they are stunned and surprised at what they've been watching.
With first-rate acting by literally everyone in the film, along with first-class production values, the film is a thought-provoking look at the horrible, but legally-sanctioned, practice of partial-birth abortion.
"Just three inches. . ." is how the film describes the legalities of the shocking abortion incident around which the film revolves.So powerful is the film's main thesis, once the pieces come together, that it can change lives, minds, and hearts. It was for this reason, Flora says, that he chose to confine the film to 35 minutes, so it can be widely viewed by lawmakers, political leaders, educators, school classes, and religious groups.
A full-length follow-up version is contemplated by Flora and producer Kip Perry in the future.
A highlight of the film is the sensational performance by the film's central character Ann Brown, played by Deborah Flora (wife of Jonathan Flora). The gifted actress takes the film far beyond predictable "message" vehicles and gives a stunning portrayal of the young lawyer caught between colliding realities.
It helps that the script by husband Jonathan is insightful, believable, and compelling. Jonathan attributes this, in part, to a decision he made in college to support an abortion, a decision he regrets and is willing to risk censure among his Hollywood peers to persuade others against.
The highly-charged movie is an independent project Flora undertook outside of Disney.The film features veteran actors Ned Vaughn, Peter Renaday, and Charlene Tilton, as well a list of lesser-known, but capable actors. Viewers will not easily forget the riveting testimony of the nurse who witnessed the disturbing events at the heart of the movie, played by Laura Richardson.
Exceptional on every level, the film can be ordered at www.adistantthunder.com. Be prepared to be challenged by the film's puzzling twists and turns, as well as graphic images. Unrated, the film targets teenagers and adults on both sides of the abortion debate.
See also:
- Trailer of "A Distant Thunder"
- Hollywood director makes film about abortion (Matt Abbott)
- Interview with Jonathan Flora (The American Worker)
- Positive reviews for film about partial-birth abortion (Catholic News Agency)
- Hollywood producer steps outside job to create topical thriller (Christian Examiner)
- Order the DVD