Unconditional (IV) (2012) User Reviews

Solid, compelling storytelling, if slightly overdramatized

[user-271-555103 · 8/10 · 5 September 2012]

I got to see an early showing of this film, and went in knowing very little about it. When a special message for my screening played, describing the process of making it and revealing that it was coming from Harbinger, a media company "created to produce high quality theatrical films that honor God," I groaned a bit internally, fearing a trite, preachy, overly earnest two hours.

The film was wonderful. Beautiful, even.

It tells the story of Samantha Crawford, a woman whose life is falling apart. Her husband has been killed in a senseless incident, and she is severely depressed. Through a seemingly random encounter with two girls, she is reunited with one of her oldest friends, Joe Bradford.

I'm not sure whether or not the character of Samantha exists, but the parts about Bradford are all based on the actual man, who was involved in the production of the film. He is a truly inspiring figure, and the representations of his compassion and love for the impoverished neighborhood he lives in do not feel at all forced.

In fact, none of the film did, except for a small scene toward the end, and each character was well-written and well-portrayed.

I definitely recommend this movie. I suppose some may find it preachy, but it is mostly an examination of love and hope, and how to continue on when they are lost. Or even better, how to regain them. 8/10

UNCONDITIONAL Is Unconvincing in Many Ways but Remains Meaningful and Enjoyable

[doug_park2001 · 7/10 · 6 March 2013]

As you may already be aware, this is a Christian film based partly on the life and work of "Papa Joe" Bradford, a former convict who founded a special program for "at risk" children in Nashville, Tennessee. While there is a definite religious agenda here, it's not too preachy and avoids promoting any specific church or doctrine.

The main reason why I give this as high a rating as I do is that the story of Samantha Crawford's search for her husband's murderer is quite riveting in places; there are some truly suspenseful and surprising moments here. Most of the acting is quite good, as is the cinematography, which shows some really captivating shots of storm clouds, waterfalls, and the like, as well as realistic filming of inner-city Nashville.

Still, the plot is all over the place, and the stories of Samantha and her childhood friend Joe do not intertwine quite as well as they could. The pervasive and schmaltzy soundtrack is distracting and seems a bit too intent on telling us how to feel about this and that. This entire film would have worked so much better if there had been more focus on simply relating the stories without trying to manipulate the audience's perceptions and emotions. While to its credit, the central Christian message keeps itself out of the film until toward the end, UNCONDITIONAL always seems to be on the verge of making some heavy-handed moral. The time-frame is also unclear; e.g., Joe Bradford is incarcerated for computer hacking, yet they still play phonograph records in the prison(?) While the film tries to be grittily realistic in places, the final effect falls flat, i.e., "We can show bloody murder, inner-city life in the 'projects,' and prison brawls, but _please_, no f-bombs, sexual references, or any of that type of stuff!!" The dialog is probably the most problematical element here. The creators were obviously trying to avoid an "R" rating, but this could have been better accomplished by simply having less (or at least less audible) dialog in the rougher spots.

Such is also the case with the ludicrously fake prison-yard fight scene. In the Special Features, one of the directors states that the actual fight that occurred during Joe Bradford's incarceration was "much more brutal than we could show on film." That being the case, it would have been more effective just to show the whole thing summarily and/or hazily, allowing the audience to tell what's going on without having to see it in graphic detail.

All the same, UNCONDITIONAL has many fine moments. The children (and theme of childhood in general) are particularly great in every respect. Bradford's first encounter with God's love (while in isolation during his prison stay) is also extremely well-done and worthy of mention.

Lynn Collins and Michael Ealy good acting

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 18 October 2013]

Sam Crawford (Lynn Collins) and Joe Bradford (Michael Ealy) are childhood friends who reconnects under difficult circumstances. She has lost her loving husband in a violent crime. She is suicidal and about to shoot herself when she runs to the aid of two little kids. They got run over after committing a petty crime. Sam finds that Joe is their mentor. In fact he's a mentor for many fatherless neighborhood kids even with his failing health.

This falls under the category of Christian film. The themes aren't too over the top. It's embedded into the story and is very watchable. The only problem is that there are a few too many coincidences to start this off with. Although it purports to be inspired by real life, this strikes an artificial note in the story.

Lynn Collins is very compelling as this character. She strips down to show some emotions in this role. Michael Ealy is good as the saintly Joe without being preachy. The little kids are pretty good too, especially Kwesi Boakye who plays Macon.

Spectacular

[susan-ra-long · 10/10 · 23 September 2012]

I absolutely love this movie, I had no idea that this movie would move me the way that is has. The story of the two characters and how they intersect in each others lives is wonderfully played out. I agree with the other reviews that the movie didn't seem forced at all because it seems its based on fact and not fiction. I was in tears, I laughed , and cried again. This story of unconditional love and redemption is wonderful. To make it even better the basis of the movie had in it the LOVE of God, many people may not appreciate that but its a beautiful concept to be placed in such a wonderful plot. The words to use for how I feel about this movie, I find none because it was just that awesome.

Not a dry eye...

[alex_clair-269-877106 · 30 September 2012]

I saw this movie last night. Afterwards had dinner with the producer's parents so was fun to get the back-story. I went in not expecting much since many smaller budget, independent films don't deliver. But... happy to report this was a very good film. It was well directed and acted. The writing flowed and technically sound. In other words, there was no element which distracted from being in the film and with the characters as the plot unfolded. The little boy that played the part of Macon must have a bright career ahead of him. Casting agents should give him consideration. I so agreed with the social dynamic of fatherlessness in America and how this impacts destiny. At the end of the film the audience actually applauded. I've only seen this once before in all my years of movie-viewing. By all means go and see this film. Or... put it on your list to rent when the DVD comes out. I'll be doing the same because I'll want to view it a second time and then pass along to my son and his family.

don't judge till the end...

[andy_claudy8 · 7/10 · 10 March 2013]

Well I decided to write my 1st review since I kinda understand why this movie critics were so mixed. Must say it was not what I expected to be but not in a bad way... I did not know if I hated or loved this movie till the end...started watching it very late at night and felt asleep, in the morning I felt I should give it try and see it till the end since I could not rate it otherwise. Well I'm glad I did. It has a deep message, emotional and beautiful picture and music. It is true that scrip could have been better and in some occasions is a little bit over dramatic but in the end it all makes sense. So... my advice, don't judge too soon ;)

An unexpected surprise ... excellent in every sense of the word

[debsmith · 10/10 · 23 September 2012]

I went into this movie with no expectations, but loved - loved - loved it! So many great messages, ideas, concepts ... I'll be thinking about this movie for a long time forward. It's full of Biblical concepts, but doesn't feel the least bit "preachy". Honor the PG-13 rating and don't take younger kids ... although the concepts of love, acceptance, struggle, faith, hope, etc. are universal, there is some violence and some of the subjects/themes are in many ways adult (as in grown-up, not as in sexual). Again, loved the movie and want to see it again to better soak in the details ... I may have missed something due to the tears (both sad & happy ones).

Not Bad - Can Get Into It Though

[cB391 · 6/10 · 2 May 2013]

This is an overview of the movie without giving away anything as some people do like to go into a movie cold. The main characters have opposite lives connected by common events. Both have their faith in God questioned at key moments in their lives. They respond asymmetrically and this leads them through different paths. While the story does focus on how God's love is unconditional, it goes past the obvious message and suggests that people make the changes in the world that they want to see. The movie will start of slow, and fast forwarding might be a nice option. As you get to the middle of the movie, there are some funny scenes, a little action and an attempt to build a complex storyline based on the interconnectedness of the main characters and the supporting cast of children.

6/10 - Definitely worth a watch, it might make you feel good - but does leave some annoying questions that go unanswered, some stereotypical characters that do exist to further the storyline, but all in all it is an enjoyable second half - wouldn't recommend for children solely because it is a complex storyline that might be a bit tough to follow.

Excellent Film

[kplorax · 10/10 · 13 June 2013]

The description of the film as "Christian-oriented" almost made me not watch this movie. I thought it might be too preachy or religious for my taste. I am glad I gave Unconditional a chance because it was an excellent film with an overall good spiritual message and a message about how important one person can be in a community and how important a community can be for one person. Nothing about the plot is too original and plot was sometimes unbelievable or just too scripted. Yet I loved it. With so many movies and documentaries focused on fighting and violence, it was refreshing to see a movie that was so positive without being too cheesy. Excellent acting by everyone but especially Lynn Collins and Michael Ealy. In the tradition of Pay It Forward.

unconditional but unclear

[kylieshead · 6/10 · 7 May 2018]

The movie Unconditional was about experiences Papa Joe went through, I think, in the begging of the movie and for the majority of the film we were focused on Sam Crawford which turns out to be one of his old best friends. The Start of the movie shows us how Sam lives and what she does for a living, they also show us how her marriage is a big part of her life, and how he was taken away. The movie seems to be the events the take place after this tragedy which is why I find it hard to understand why this movie was supposed to be focused on Joe. Sam and Joe end up bumping into each other while Sam was helping a few kids in need, it turns out these are Joes kids that he helps teach and take care of. This is what joe does for a living, but soon we also realize that he has very serious medical problems that constantly need attending to which make taking care of the kids difficult for him. The opening scene is cartoon like, sketch of pictures in the way a kid's book would look like. This was Sam's job; she was a author for children's books. And a very good one at that, she is very talented at her craft. Her drawings are bright and beautiful, definitely the types of drawings that would attract children. Her books were lively with proper word choice for colourful stories. Her husband was her best friend and she loved him very much, so when he was killed she took it very hard and her drawings and books got the front of it. When we meet Joe we see that he has some sort of medical problem with his kidneys, this can be very serious and for him it turns out to be. We soon see that he does not have and office job or any other typical job anyone would have; he would help take care of local kids who needed it. In the movie I enjoyed how fate brought Joe and Sam back although the reasoning as to why is sad, it seemed very fitting for what the story was telling. The movie was very good at transitioning from once scene to the next fluidly, there were never moments of 'but wait this isn't done', or if there was it was for a reason that would be later explained. I think the most fulfilling part of the movie is when Sam confronts the guy who she believes to be the killer and got closure for herself that was much needed. Then continued on to finally finish the book she had be putting off for so long. While I was watching the movie I thought the story and what we were supposed to be focused on was Sam and her story of her husband and how she moved on and got as much closure as she could. When really the movie was supposed to be about Joe and the experiences he went through, although I felt they did really show much of what he goes through even though they had showed us his medical problems and how much attention they needed. The most they focused on Joe was the him and the kids he took care of. The movie just seemed to me like another basic movie that would be showed in your high school English class. For the roles that everyone was trying to play I think they all did a really good job, Sam played her role as the recovering widow. Joe and the kids actually seemed to have some sort of connection even though it was scripted. Joe himself played the role as a father figure and the disabled really well, each time his condition acted up he played the role of pain well. I think the two main kids told their story and got the point across as to what happened to them and why they act the way they do. Anthony played a really good tough act but his kindness seemed almost too cheesy. Overall the movie wasn't bad but the focus was unclear to me. With what I thought the focus was, It was interesting and kept you wondering what she was going to find next. You weren't entirely sure who it was you could only assume with what you knew. I'm not sure how I'm supposed to feel about the kids' part because they didn't make much of an impact on the movie and how it played out except for the simple fact of that's what Joe did in his free time. I did not enjoy seeing Joe and Denise together at the end because I felt as if the movie was trying to lead you up to Sam and Joe being together after how much they have been through and how long they knew each other. This movie is not something I would go out of my way to pick and sit down and watch but it's not a bad movie and if it were to come on the TV I would probably just let it play and watch it.

It almost got me..

[zentist-563-976986 · 4/10 · 9 March 2013]

This movie has to be made for TV, but that does not, in itself, make it a bad movie. I had read some reviews and was open-minded. The start was reasonable and gave no immediate notice of the movie's overtly Christian message although, looking back, the signs were all there from the very start. The primary female role is the white widow of a perfect white husband who was killed in a predominantly black area. I thought I was in for a revenge, Kill Bill style movie but was sadly disappointed. I guess revenge is not a Christian value since even though we find out who killed the husband (a white guy) by the time the once grieving wife finds out she has lost interest in revenge. If you like the Christian uplifting genre,then this is good movie for you but if you do not then you will start to feel sticky with the sugary sentiment about half way through and by the end will feel conned.

What a Movie should be!

[astee614 · 10/10 · 21 September 2012]

Hollywood has got it in there heads that a movie should have sexually suggestive material, pervasive language, and blood and gore all throughout the film in order to make a good movie.

Well Unconditional proves that you don't have to have those elements in order to have a great movie. Unconditional pulls at your heart in many ways. It makes you laugh and cry several times. Michael Ealy and Lynn Collins both give great honest performances. All of the kids do too.

This is an inspiring film for all to see. Please go and watch this movie and buy it when it comes out. Show your kids these kinds of movies and let them know God loves them all the time.

Unconditional

[ethanyaus · 7/10 · 9 May 2018]

In the heartwarming movie unconditional, the main character Sam is on a mission to find and kill the man who shot down her husband in cold blood. The Movie starts off with Sam sitting in her old truck in the rain. It shows her reach into the glove box and pull out a revolver which she takes with her into the dark alley that her husband died in. She is going to pull the trigger on herself when she hears a scream. Two young black kids had just robbed a store and the little girl Keisha, had been hit by an unknown driver who fled the scene. Hovering over top of her screaming was her older brother Macon. At this point you are glued to the screen with terror. Sam takes the kids to the hospital where Keisha is immediately rushed into the emergency room. While sitting in the Hospital worried about Keisha, she meets the man who at this point is assumed to be there dad. They are introduced to one another, and realize that when they were both kids they were best friends, his name was Joe. They agree to meet soon and the next day Keisha is released from the hospital.

Through Sam and Joe talking and catching up, she learned that Joe ran a make shift organization to help at risk kids around the projects of Nashville. Since Sam is a children's book author she likes to come help them out. After many happy trips and experiences with the kids Joe gets rushed into the hospital in need of a kidney and the doctors are not sure if he can get one in time to survive. At this point you're on the edge of your seat with fear, the shot goes to a gravestone, hiding the name on it...to find out how it ends watch the movie.

I thought the film was very good, the shots were heartwarming and at some points it was very suspenseful. I liked the music especially in the sad parts. I loved the scenes that took place at her farm, it was a beautiful setting.

I didn't like that Sam's husbands murder was not explained a little earlier in the movie because some parts were confusing concerning that.

I think the actors all played there rolls very well, except for Sam's accent even though she is from Nashville. It sounded like she was trying a little too hard to sound country. Every roll was very different in their background and experiences which shaped their personality, all the actors did awesome.

I thought the movie was really good, I really have to be in to a movie to sit down and watch the whole thing. This movie was easy to watch start to finish, it seemed to fly by.

Unconditionally terrible

[christiannlong · 1/10 · 8 May 2018]

Right off the bat as soon as the movie started I had the feeling of too much drama. It introduces the characters in a very dumb fashion to which I myself was confused upon watching. The movie begins with the main character (Sam) entering an ally way and attempting to pull a gun on herself, it then quickly jumps around from her to these small children one of which doesn't stop talk the other doesn't talk at all which I understand it was setting up a plot point for later on in the movie but I didn't see it as anything but a pointless addition with the intention of making the story hard to understand anyways I'm getting off track, it then transferred to joe trying to get into his house so he could get his dialysis but that wasn't explained if it wasn't for someone telling me that I wouldn't have had a clue I just thought it was someone trying to break into a house then he fell and I was just confused. It's a very stupid way to introduce the characters anyways it jumps back to the kids running after trying to steal food and the mute one gets hit by a car Sam sees this connecting the two side plots into one they go to the hospital where Sam runs into joe who is the local caregiver of the children in his area the child who was hit is one of his so that's all three stories connected as well as joe and Sam are old friends who haven't spoke since they were young. I'd love to give positives about the movie but frankly I can't think of any the movie was just awful I couldn't keep my attention I genuinely can't stand this movie. The characters were awful I like the actor who played joe but I hate that he played this character. Film sucked I did this for a grade.

Extraordinary!

[sassyladyceo-648-958919 · 10/10 · 1 April 2013]

I was moved by the trailer, yet the movie really blew me away! I figured this would be an average B rated movie with a nice Christian plot to it. My kids ended up coming into the room and could not get up. This is the exposure to what is really going on in America right now with children. Fathers are SO important! Kudos to the actors and OMG to the children and even the horse. Certain scenes just had us crying. Rent this and you won't be disappointed! The other thing I liked was how a man actually found himself in prison and when he got out was actually a BETTER person and found love and happiness...WONDERFUL! thanks so much for a message of HOPE. God bless.

profound honesty

[Vincentiu · 9 July 2013]

it is not great or extraordinary. it is only honest. basic honest. with not huge ambitions to impress but perfect seed for a lot of questions. it is a Christian film but in a delicate and special manner. it is a film about love but in a different style by common vision. it is story of a meeting. and its basis is a real fact. it is strange to write about it because it is out of definitions. or rules. for many it can be boring. for others - a life lesson. but, in fact, it is only a letter. about usual things, soft feelings, need of the other. joy and hope and truth. at first sigh, a pink movie. but it is only a seed. the viewer has each instrument to say his personal verdict. it is not a bad idea to see it. maybe, for a small isle of peace.

Unconditional was a wonderful movie filled with emotion !

[coltonpier · 7/10 · 8 May 2018]

In the heartwarming movie unconditional, The main character Sam loses her husband, because a homeless man murdered him. Sam was very depressed and drove to the city to kill herself right where her husband had been shot. A boy (Macon) and his sister (Keisha) ran across the street. The little girl got hit by the car, and Sam ran out to save her and call 911. The morning after when Papa Joe came to check in on Keisha, Sam noticed that they grew up together and had been best friends. Sam and Papa Joe became friends again and started working with kids that lived in the projects, giving them food/water and playing games with them. One day they decided to take the kids out to Sams farm. After playing all day and going on hay rides. Papa Joe forgot to do his paralysis since he had been bitten by a snake when he was younger. Macon ran downstairs to ask him a question and found him bleeding out on the hardwood floor. The rushed Papa Joe to the hospital and he ended up getting a kidney transplant because his body rejected the paralysis. Sam decided to grab her gun and try to find and kill the man that killed her husband. The man Sam suspected to kill her husband wasn't the killer. She later found out that he was the man that tried to help her husband and then ran because he knew he would be blamed for the murder. Sam later then accepted the fact that her husband was gone forever and moved on to continue helping the kids and Joe. When Joe was healed, all the kids and adults went to see the grave of Sam's husband. In the end, Sam started living life again and writing child books. I think this movie brings out the true character of people and shows how big of a heart they have. One thing I like best about the movie is that Joe gave up his whole career to make sure that kids grew up healthy and were raised right. I also liked the setting of the Beautiful farm and showing kids how life used to be. One thing I didn't like was the music they used, I thought it was a little cheesy. Another thing I didn't like was the fact that Sam and Joe didn't end up together. I think that the characters played their roles very well. Every character matched their backgrounds and where they lived. Especially, Sam, she was a country girl who lived out on a farm, drove an old farm truck, and rode horses. I didn't like how T acted like he was a hard-ass instead of showing who he truly is. T is a caring person who is willing to help people out when they need it. He helps fix peoples cars, and he tried to help Billy when he was shot by the homeless man. All in the end if you have a big heart and you like movies with a happy ending, and helping out you're local community and children, then you will like unconditional.

Great Film!

[kmelzinga · 9/10 · 31 May 2013]

I am disappointed that this movie did not see better box office ratings. It has many of the hallmarks of great movie-making.

The cinematography is terrific and a lot of thought is given to symbolism in the story.

The opening sequence is riveting; showing three lost souls each experiencing their own trials and turmoil.

A woman, whose husband was murdered, considers suicide in the alley where he was killed.

At the same time, two children are stealing from a store and must flee when spotted by security.

Finally, a man stumbles into his house in great pain.

While each character is suffering his or her trial, a storm is raging outside in the night.

Each character is on his or her own path and must face the storm in his or her own way.

Throughout the movie we learn a great deal about these characters through flashbacks as well as about the joys and hardships that bring each of the characters to where he or she is in the present. We do not know for sure what the fate of any character will be until the end of the movie.

I will warn you that the movie can be a tear jerker.

The movie has a way of capturing the subtlety of nature and its reflection of the human soul in a way that few movies can. The examples I list below are only a few of the many, brilliantly constructed scenes that appear throughout the movie.

A shadow falls on a character who is turning his or her thoughts to darkness and revenge. A ray of sunshine breaks through the clouds when a character makes a choice that is generous or brave.

A child...

...heard....

...but off camera...

...simultaneously warns his little sister and the main character NOT to make a choice.

"I wouldn't do that!" his voice calls out.

It is clear to us as viewers, that as far as the child character is concerned, he is only warning his little sister.

But the director makes it clear to us that the warning is somehow meant for BOTH characters.

And now each character must make a choice whether to pursue the action that he or she is considering pursuing.

This very brief, but powerful scene, hints at a hidden unity to the human spirit and whether each character, major or minor, heeds this warning plays a significant part in forwarding the theme of the movie which is that while we have free choice, our choices can lead to devastation, sorrow and ruin or they can lead to enlightenment, joy and success.

And with each choice that a character makes, the cinematographers alter the scenery and the lighting of the surroundings to match the path that each character takes.

I can't offer enough praise to the writers and the cinematographers of this film. They clearly worked together and communicated together from day one of this movie's production.

I never felt, when watching this, that anything was overdone. The movie had the right balance of story, theme and scenery to ensure that the viewer did not come away feeling preached at or advertised to.

I showed this movie to a group of students who have faced numerous trials of their own, whether in school or at home.

They were a bit hard to the idea of the movie at first, but after ten minutes, they were hooked and the hardness in their eyes had vanished.

This movie can speak to anyone going through a trial and I highly recommend it.

Pulling On the Heart Strings

[carusosam-19759 · 7/10 · 8 May 2018]

SPOILER: Pulling On the Heart Strings The movie Unconditional was a very moving portrayal of a true story. I really liked the relationship the character Sam played Lynn Collins and Joe played by Michael Ealy had with the children. Even though Joe had a rough past he found God and turned his life around to help at risk kids. I think a big theme in this movie was how small acts of kindness makes a big difference in their lives. It's a touching true story. This movie is about Joe trying to make a difference with a group of as risk children. He creates an amazing bond with all the kids. I really liked when Sam "invited' all the kids to the farm. I liked how she helped Keisha be able to talk again. I also like the bond between Joe and Macon played by Kwesi Boakye. SPOLIER ALERT. I liked how when Joe was in the hospital Macon asked him to be his dad. I think Sam and Joe had a beautiful friendship. I like how Joe tells the stories of how she saved his life. They have been friends since they were very young. I also liked how they had flashbacks of those times as well. While I did enjoy the film there were a few things I thought could have been better. I thought the film was a bit cheesy. The scene when Sam opens the barn doors and walks through the ran wasn't needed. SPOILER ALERT. I also think the scene when Keisha talked to the horse was very cheesy with the music. I think making a great story overly cheesy takes away from the story and important points are lost. I really liked Michael Ealy as Joe. He did a great job capturing the real Joe. I think he is an amazing actor. He is more relatable because of his rough past. He isn't Mr. Perfect. I did not care too much for Lynn Collins as Sam. I think a better actress could have been chosen to play her. She was over dramatic, cheesy and bad at fake crying. Overall I thought the movie had a really good story line. I think most of the actors were pretty good. I think the truth was told well throughout the movie. The cheesiness of the movie took away from the good story though. I would this movie a 7 out of 10 stars.

This movie was a total surprise - I wasn't expecting it

[keith-s-doyle · 10/10 · 25 September 2012]

So if you come away from a movie 'inspired' and even changed. The afterglow stays with you for a long while, the core message goes deep into your soul and like an incoming tide filing all the dry gaps between the rocks, it fills areas of your soul with new hope - how do you rate that regardless of it's 'Hollywood' quality? Personally - I give it a 9 or a 10. Few movies ever affect me like this. Unconditional did. It was very uplifting and encouraging. The movie had such a redemptive streak in it. There were some great twists and unexpected outcomes in this story. It showed grace touching those whose lives had been shattered through personal tragedy - kind of like the theme in a quote from Isaiah where it says 'a bruised reed I will not break, a smoldering wick I will not snuff out'. When I first looked at the ratings they were around 5.7 and there was another movie at 6.9 I was going to see, but the 3 of us went for Unconditional. We were all blown away - so glad we chose the 5.7 and have been talking about it since.

An Unconditional Synopsis

[mcrabtree-20173 · 7/10 · 23 February 2016]

Unconditional starring Lynn Collins (Samantha Crawford) and Michael Ealy (Joe Bradford) is a story of two childhood friends who grew up in a time of racial discrimination. Eventually they lose contact and fall to their separate spheres of influence, Sam took up children's writing and Joe is a father figure to dozens of kids in an underdeveloped neighborhood. After Sam's husband was murdered she falls into a pit of self despair and attempts to take her life when she heard tires squealing and noticed two children in the road, one of them injured. Sam rushes the kids to the hospital where she meets her old friend Joe who is actually a caretaker for those two kids. I encourage you to watch this movie and experience the loving tale of two friends who come together at the most uncertain of circumstances and work together to reach a common goal.

Michael is a 20 year old high school student who works full-time. He wouldn't coy anyone into seeing a movie if he didn't think it was good.

Don't shoot black people just because they wear a red hoodie, okay?

[floraposteschild · 2/10 · 11 December 2016]

A man is shot dead in an alley, and his wife, in despair, takes a gun the size of a small cannon to that same alley to shoot herself. But! There is a little black girl who was just hit by a car to be rescued. So picture the backstory of a Batman movie telescoped into one scene, and then inter cut scenes of a guy in hospital on a kidney dialysis machine -- that's Unconditional in a nutshell.

Truly, we live in a great age of film making. When there's a movie like this, that multiple people sign up to IMDb for just to review and give 10 stars, and that film doesn't get an Oscar nomination, what does that tell you? I mean, if a rich white lady patronizing multiple black stereotypes while at the same time finding herself and her husband's killer (her clues: he was black, had a red hoodie and a mechanic's rag -- tricky, right?), with cute kids and uncounted death, near death, and tear-jerking moments along the way doesn't catch the attention of the Academy, what does?

Absolutely Loved this movie

[bkmauch429 · 10/10 · 1 July 2013]

I highly recommend this movie. I absolutely loved it.

The story line kept me captivated the entire film. I loved the characters and the role of Papa Joe resonated with my heart.

You can't go wrong watching this movie.

There are some intense parts, but I am seriously contemplating having my 9 and 11 year old children watch this movie. There are numerous life lessons to be taught from this movie.

This movie is inspired by a true story and I love that at the end it directs you to check out their website www.unconditionalthemovie.com/act to look for ways that you can also make an impact on children in your own community.

The movie moves your heart and then gives connections on how you can help. Love it.

Heart warming film full of love.

[z-13071 · 7/10 · 23 April 2015]

Papa Joe invites everyone in his family.

If you want to see a movie about life tragedies, family, and friendship this is the movie for you. A young woman named Samantha Crawford relives a tragedy that will affect her life forever. She has a hard time dealing with it. Especially by herself. As she starts to react to the situation she finds herself in a terrifying scene. Samantha soon finds a part of her past. Her early childhood friend Joe Bradford (Papa Joe). They have a lot to catch up on. As the movie goes on it shows the importance of friendship throughout life. How your health can greatly impact your everyday routine. And how your enemy can give you the greatest gift of all. The director Brent McCorkle I felt he covered a good story for a movie. I felt the actors were chosen well. They fit the roles perfectly. Michael Ealy did a good job of portraying a father/role model for the younger kids. Especially Keisha and Maken. Lynn Collins (Samantha Crawford), played the victim role well. She really got into the emotion of the character. The story flow was understandable, no missed scenes to tell the story. The flashbacks made sense to the order of how things were playing out. The music in the movie went well with the emotions in a scene. Made some moments dramatic when needed. The backgrounds fit very well. Since the setting was in Nashville, TN Sam's barn and horses made it real. When the kids lived in the projects it showed that they had nothing. Everything in the movie was modern. When the actors were happy, the sun was shining, there were cheerful faces. I felt the movie was long enough but I wanted to see Papa Joe's illness more spread out. Not in just brief moments. The movie showed good detail of the story and had a good plot. On the other hand I thought the movie was heart-warming. Had a good amount of emotion but not too mushy. Plot was realistic and showed that the little things in life can mean a lot to a kid. I would recommend this move to teens and young adults. People who care about kids and want to make a difference. I recommend it to this age because it's not inappropriate in any way. The themes in the movies can be related to things that happen in a teens or adults life. I give the movie a 3 ½-4 out of 5 stars because I wanted to see more of Joe's previous life. Overall I really enjoyed the movie.

I didn't really care for it

[dankworthj · 3/10 · 9 May 2018]

If I'm being honest I only had to watch this movie for school and there are very few movies I have watched in school that I liked. This review is entirely because I need a grade. The only things I really liked were the settings and the acting. Many of the places the film show are accurate while being a beautiful backdrop at the same time, though this seems almost accidental considering the rest of the film. I really didn't like the movie at all for the sake of being a movie, truly poor musical taste in my opinion, the whole message of the movie was far too cheesy, real story or not. The acting was well delivered and the actors seemed to actually be the people they were playing, I have no complaints, they are one of the only good parts of the film. I mainly liked that they seemed to be real people instead of some guy reading lines. Whether or not someone can relate is truly a situational event, any old Joe can relate to a guy named Joe, any redhead can relate to the redheaded female protagonist. I liked two things in this movie, and frankly I didn't find it to be worth the five minutes I took writing this review.