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A Christian family film about faith and forgiveness, The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry is a leisurely paced story concerning an elderly man who shares his faith with a young boy and how that simple act helps shape the lives of many. The movie is set in the simpler times of the summer of 1970. Dustin is a respectful 12-year-old boy who mows lawns for the neighbors, has just developed his first crush on a girl, and is spending the summer hanging out with his two good friends Albert and Mark. When elderly neighbor Mr. Sperry asks Dustin if he'll start mowing his lawn, Dustin gladly agrees, and soon Mr. Sperry begins sharing the Bible and his faith with Dustin. Before long, Dustin and his friends find themselves enjoying regular Bible study at Mr. Sperry's home. Through gentle words and engaging activities, Mr. Sperry helps Dustin and his friends discover how faith and the Bible can improve their lives, not only in the broadest sense, but also with some very specific lessons about forgiveness, problem solving, and even effectively dealing with bullying. This film delivers a wholesome message about faith and seeing things from another's point of view, but the pace is deliberately slow and the complete absence of normal preadolescent energy may well cause some contemporary viewers to lose interest. Gavin MacLeod and Jansen Panettiere give solid performances as Jonathan Sperry and Dustin, respectively, and it's great to see Robert Guillaume in a highly effective appearance as Mr. Sperry's neighbor Mr. Barnes. Bonus features include a 39-minute behind-the-scenes featurette with Gavin McLeod, director Rich Christiano, and producer Chad Gunderson; a full-length commentary with Rich Christiano and Gavin McLeod; a look at the various houses used in the film; interview footage with composer Jasper Randall; a special message from director Rich Christiano about his own faith; and contact information for related ministries. (Ages 7 and older) --Tami Horiuchi Best buddies Dustin, Albert and Mark are twelve year old boys looking forward to a summer of fun in 1970. When Dustin mows the lawn of seventy-five year old Jonathan Sperry, a man he has seen at church, a unique friendship develops. What happens the rest of this summer is something Dustin and his friends will never forget. The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry is a heartwarming experience for the entire family. --Pat Boone, Actor/Singer Review: One of the best family movies... - Our entire family enjoyed 'this movie,' and I found it to be one of the best family movies of all time. The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry takes us back to 1970 when times were simpler, but forever a need to tell others about the saving grace of Jesus Christ. The characters are very likeable and there are humorous parts dotted throughout. Here is a quick look at the main characters: Dustin is raised by his mom after his father dies. He's thoughtful and kind and always ready to lend a helping hand. Albert is a silly boy who struggles with keeping a tight reign on his tongue. He provides much comedic relief. Mark is the braniac who seems to have knowledge far beyond his years. Nick is a bully who is also being raised by his mom and who has no qualms about picking on Dustin and his friends. We also meet Bailey, a girl whose father owns the cafe and whom Dustin has a crush. Jonathan Sperry is a 75-year-old man who is active in his church and taught Mark's brother in Sunday School. He lives out his faith and allows God to use him to make an impact on the lives around him. One of the things I loved most about Jonathan Sperry's character was that he actively lived out his faith. He wasn't preachy, yet he showed real-life examples for each lesson. I especially loved the lesson where the boys had to reach the $5 bill on the picnic table. The graveyard scene is also a scene full of impact that depicts the urgency in telling others about Christ. Two of the boys in the movie grew up without fathers. What a wonderful example and mentor Jonathan Sperry was especially to those two boys. This movie had strong themes of redemption, faith, forgiveness, and kindness. This is a heartwarming film for the entire family. While not preachy, it does share an important message. There is also nothing objectionable in the movie, and I highly recommend it! I have added The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry to my Mom-Approved Family Movie list on my blog. A definite must-see and one of my favorite movies of all time! Review by Penny Zeller, Author of "77 Ways Your Family Can Make a Difference: Ideas and Activities for Serving Others." Review: Sharing Christ... - Biblical, plan of salvation explained. A great movie.
| Contributor | Gavin MacLeod, Jansen Panettiere, Rich Christiano, Robert Guillaume |
| Customer Reviews | 4.8 out of 5 stars 999 Reviews |
| Format | AC-3, Color, Dolby, Full Screen, Multiple Formats, NTSC, Surround Sound |
| Language | English |
| Number Of Discs | 1 |
| Runtime | 1 hour and 36 minutes |
P**R
One of the best family movies...
Our entire family enjoyed 'this movie,' and I found it to be one of the best family movies of all time. The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry takes us back to 1970 when times were simpler, but forever a need to tell others about the saving grace of Jesus Christ. The characters are very likeable and there are humorous parts dotted throughout. Here is a quick look at the main characters: Dustin is raised by his mom after his father dies. He's thoughtful and kind and always ready to lend a helping hand. Albert is a silly boy who struggles with keeping a tight reign on his tongue. He provides much comedic relief. Mark is the braniac who seems to have knowledge far beyond his years. Nick is a bully who is also being raised by his mom and who has no qualms about picking on Dustin and his friends. We also meet Bailey, a girl whose father owns the cafe and whom Dustin has a crush. Jonathan Sperry is a 75-year-old man who is active in his church and taught Mark's brother in Sunday School. He lives out his faith and allows God to use him to make an impact on the lives around him. One of the things I loved most about Jonathan Sperry's character was that he actively lived out his faith. He wasn't preachy, yet he showed real-life examples for each lesson. I especially loved the lesson where the boys had to reach the $5 bill on the picnic table. The graveyard scene is also a scene full of impact that depicts the urgency in telling others about Christ. Two of the boys in the movie grew up without fathers. What a wonderful example and mentor Jonathan Sperry was especially to those two boys. This movie had strong themes of redemption, faith, forgiveness, and kindness. This is a heartwarming film for the entire family. While not preachy, it does share an important message. There is also nothing objectionable in the movie, and I highly recommend it! I have added The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry to my Mom-Approved Family Movie list on my blog. A definite must-see and one of my favorite movies of all time! Review by Penny Zeller, Author of "77 Ways Your Family Can Make a Difference: Ideas and Activities for Serving Others."
H**Y
Sharing Christ...
Biblical, plan of salvation explained. A great movie.
K**Y
True story of a elderly man and neighboring kids.
I’m very pleased with the service rendered in the prompt service for me receiving this video and I received it in good condition. Thank You.
K**A
Love it!
Really good family movie!
B**N
True faith Comes Alive
My wife and I watched "The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry" this afternoon. What we witnessed was an unforgettable story of a seventy five year old man Jonathan Sperry, who takes three adolescent boys under his wing and encourages them to commit their lives to a closer walk with Jesus Christ. Dustin, Mark and Albert are three friends in the summer of 1970, who are struggling with straddling that fine line between childhood and adulthood known as adolescence. Dustin, in particular, is feeling an attraction toward a pretty classmate, Tanya, while trying to stay out of the way of Nick, a bully, who delights in tormenting those he perceives are weaker and don't fight back.While mowing a neighbor's lawn, Dustin catches the eye of Jonathan Sperry, a widower, who invites Dustin at first to mow his lawn and then invites the three friends over for a Bible study. With simple life-changing biblical wisdom, Jonathan inspires the boys to apply the lessons of Jesus to their daily lives even to the point of interceding for their worst enemy, Nick. This film conveys the beauty of Christian commitment in a simple, practical fashion. There is no droning intellectualism or self righteous condemnation. This movie is genuine in that Jonathan wants each boy to give their lives to Jesus and make a difference in someone's lives by their witness.Jonathan is a true mentor whose delight is expressed in the seeds of faith which he plants, waters and watches grow. Gavin Macleod is priceless as the venerable wise senior who dispenses faith as readily as homemade lemonade. Robert Guillaume is great as the crusty neighbor who is at first suspicious of peoples motives until his life changes.It is a joy to see each child grow in grace under the tutelage of a man, who loves unconditionally despite hardship and loss.It is a pleasure to see a movie which respects the Lord and is unashamed to give Him rightful glory. I would recommend this movie highly for the whole family to see.
D**N
A Christian movie, set in the 70's
If you don't like Christian movies you won't like this, but I still recommend it to you anyways! No cursing, kids who respect their parents (mostly) and an intriguing story with a nice plot twist at the end. The story is about a boy who is befriended by an older neighbor, who teaches him about Faith and helps him deal with some of the problems of growing up - dating, bullies, and how to earn some extra money. I thought the movie was a nice family movie with a simple message, right up to the end. Then they throw a plot twist in with one little comment. I won't tell you what it is, but with that one comment you come to realize just how strong Mr Sperry's faith is.
R**S
The secrets if Johnathan Sperry
Very good. Enjoyed
S**9
Charming film; the way movies should be made
Based on a true story, this movie is a tribute to how one man's faith can affect the lives of many. It takes place in a town like 'Mayberry' back in the 1960s. There are no drugs, gangs, weapons, profanity, pedophiles, 'alternative lifestyles' or sex scenes. It's a film you should watch with your kids and grand kids. A charming movie with a message for all ages. Entertainment the way movies should be made today. If possible, I would give 10 stars!
C**E
lorsque le chretien porte du fruit!!!
Jonathan sperry par son amour, sa compassion, son engagement, sa capacité à pardonner,réussit à transformer la vie d'un jeune voisin. cette semence porte un fruit qui s'étend à toute une communauté, à toute une génération de jeunes hommes qui deviendront chacun porteur de fruit à leur tour très instructif .
S**N
Ja
Ich wollte die Bewertung abgeben aber geht nicht so leicht. Sehr zufrieden Ich werde der Film weiter Empfehlen Danke für Eure Nachricht Schöne Grüße Sonia
E**I
Non soddisfatto
No! perchè ho fatto un errore, ho pensato che fosse in lingua Italiana invece non lo era, era in Inglese, ho chiesto cosa fare per venirmi incontro, io chiedevo la sostituzione con altro materiale e non mi è stato possibile. Adesso vedete voi.
J**N
Forgiveness is for everyone.
This story revolves around the elderly Jonathan Sperry, a live-at-home widower, in a community that could easily fit into the 1950's. It begins with the neighbour kid looking to expand his lawnmowing business. Can you remember those days when under-16's couldn't get a real job, and no MacDonald's yet. It brings back some good times as well as the issue of neighbourhood bullies. And redemption from a terrible past tragedy that haunts the present. I don't remember home bible studies, important to this story, but not a part of my religious experience. I get it though, in context it suits this coming of age iesson. Worth the watch.
N**I
Great Movie
Wow, just finished watching the movie. The Secrets Of Jonathan Sperry! I also watched (ALL) the extra's :-) but that's just me lol. They gave a great insight to the background and making of the movie. Fantastic Christian movie! The acting from the young cast is brilliant, very natural and not hammy at all. Fantastic story, that is not just for Christians. It's a universal movie of love and forgiveness. I laughed, I cried, I blubbered and I searched within myself as the movie progressed. I'm happy to have it in my movie collection and will share it whenever I can. A great tool for all ages.
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