Approved for 12+

Confessions of a Prodigal Son

A coming-of-age tale that follows Sean (Nathan Clarkson) as he rebels and leaves his home, family and father (Kevin Sorbo), to figure out life on his own. Two years later—while on the journey to find life's answers—Sean suddenly finds himself questioning everything he thought he knew as he is confronted by a professor (Darwin Harris) who challenges Sean to see his life as a story; a best friend (Azel James) walking a dangerous path; and a strong and beautiful young woman (Rachael Lee) who is on her own journey to find answers. Each one of these elements causes Sean to better examine the choices he is making. The story is one of drama, laughter, relationships, faith and redemption, ultimately asking the question, "Can broken stories have happy endings?"
9
Negative Rating
12345
SexLanguageViolenceDrugsNudityOther
0
Positive Rating
12345
FaithIntegrity

Dove Review

“Confessions of a Prodigal Son” makes it clear that sometimes children-turned-young-adults have to go through some hard times before they realize that God and parents are more relevant than they might have thought. Such is the case with Sean (Nathan Clarkson). He was raised in church by his dad, a pastor (Kevin Sorbo), but Sean wants freedom from his father’s constant preaching about “the rules to live by.” Sean goes to college with the deal that his parents will fund the first two years and pay ahead of time, to see if he can earn the other two years via financial and other decisions he makes.

Sean’s professor (Darwin Harris) challenges him to see his life as a story. Sean has a bad influence in his best friend, but comes across a beautiful young woman named Ali (Rachael Lee) who is hungry for something deeper in life, something spiritual. This moving film features a fantastic ending. Just as Sean’s pastor dad mentions in his spontaneous sermon that he misses his son and that God’s love is always amazing, a bit of a miracle occurs before the pastor has even left the church property. We are pleased to award “Confessions of a Prodigal Son” our “Faith-Friendly” Seal for ages twelve plus.

This movie offers hope and could be an effective teaching tool.

Dove Rating Details

0
Faith

None

0
Integrity

Inebriated young man breaks a bottle; character shoves another character; girl slaps boyfriend; character hits tree while driving under influence of alcohol but it is heard and not seen.

2
Sex

Guys stare at a girl; "You're sexy when you're mad" comment; young man cheats on his girlfriend.

1
Language

G-1; Freaking-2; Sucks-2; Idiot-2; the letter "H" is said, standing for the word "H."

1
Violence

Inebriated young man breaks a bottle; character shoves another character; girl slaps boyfriend; character hits tree while driving under influence of alcohol but it is heard and not seen.

2
Drugs

College-age young adults drink and talk about drinking and being hung over; a few characters get drunk and one passes out; pills are taken.

1
Nudity

Girl in shorts.

2
Other

Tension between characters; young man doesn't think highly of pastors but changes; girl admits to once stealing a cross because a girl's father gave it to her and she wanted a father like that; young man is expelled from college; young man asks Christian if he is still doing his "Little Jesus" group; talk about "if" there is a God.

More Information