Woman Thou Art Loosed (2004)

An imperfect but honest film

A gut-wrenching and raw drama, "Woman, Thou Art Loosed" is a sobering experience. This tragic story is told in flashback by a young woman, Michelle Jordan, who's in death row and being counseled by real-life evangelical preacher, Bishop T D Jakes. As a 12-year-old, Michelle was raped by her mother's live-in boyfriend, Reggie, whom she was obligated to call "uncle." Suffering from the mental and emotional damage, her life spirals downward into drugs and prostitution, landing her in jail. Paroled after three years, Michelle tries to put her previous life behind her and start fresh--she attends church revival meetings, renews her friendship with Todd, a childhood friend who regards her as his first love, and in an attempt at healing, finally confronts her mother, Cassie, for denying what happened and protecting Reggie all these years. Just when she's found hope that she could turn her life around, she sees Reggie at a revival, triggering the painful memories and disappointments, and ends it all with violence.

The film is an adaptation of Bishop Jake's book and its title refers to one of his several conferences incorporated within his predominantly African-American ministry. The conference's emphasis is on social ills, and the guidance and empowerment of abused women. The film has been described as a commercial for the ministry and a vanity production. I didn't quite see it that way. Although it was likely intended for the Christian public, and there were taped scenes of the preacher's revival meetings, I viewed it simply as any other film. My religion had nothing to do with it and had no bearing on my opinions of its quality. Though he's in it as Michelle's spiritual counsel, this story is not about Bishop Jakes. It's about the destruction of a little girl and how she later attempts to pick up the pieces of her broken life. I thought the film to be generally honest and realistic in its portrayal of the long-term damages suffered by the victim, and commendable in its efforts to provide some measure of hope amidst the wreckage.

The acting was uneven in many scenes--too melodramatic perhaps where a more subdued or nuanced portrayal would have been more effective. The lead, Kimberly Elise as Michelle, whose beauty reminded me of a younger Cicely Tyson, was ferocious all throughout, but in some instances could have been tempered by more disciplined direction to better effect. Loretta Devine as Cassie did a terrific job, surprising me since I don't associate her with dramatic roles. The use of character monologues, where each would periodically intimate to the camera their thoughts and feelings, was an unnecessary and jarring device. It's far from a perfect film and there's nothing special that would distinguish it; however, I thought it to be altogether a worthwhile and moving story. July 13, 2008

Woman Thou Art Loosed

I LOVE THIS STORY! The writer tells a very believable story. The actors and actresses are very good in portraying their roles. I recommend it to everyone. I cried, I laughed. At the conclusion of the DVD,I praised God for being able to more clearly recognize how blessed I truly am. Thanks. June 13, 2008

The choices me make ,the paths we take

I really enjoyed this movie.I am a Christian leader in a Jesus based 12 step recovery program.I help women find new tools to deal with their hurts,habits,& hang ups.The Lord has called me to help other women that have been abused sexually and physically in their past.This movie was really true to life about the struggles we women deal with from bad things that have happened to us.Also it gives us an inside view of the choices we make that directly affect the paths we take. I recommend this movie very much. Jesus really can free us all of our hurts,habits,and hang ups if we would just loose our self and keep our eyes on him. February 13, 2008

This is a tear jerker !!

This is a powerful movie. Kimberly Elise is a great actress. I did not like her role in "Set it off", but she has redeemed herself with this movie.Just when my hopes for her were high, the ending dashed it for me. I really wanted it to be different. A wonderful cast. December 24, 2007

Inspirational but tough to watch

My heart went out to the women in this movie. I'm sure it was made to touch the lives of those who have gone thru the hell to realize redemption. It makes me thankful that I had the kind of daddy that would have moved the earth if anyone had hurt me. The actresses really fleshed-out their roles and found the essence of their characters. It was the men who were cartoonish. God bless you, Rev. Jakes, but please stick to preaching. You do that great. October 29, 2007

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