Product Description

10-year-old Cadi feels responsible for her little sister's death, so she searches out the one man she feels can take away her sin: The Sin Eater. But in her quest for redemption, Cadi uncovers a secret that threatens to divide her family and community in this heartwarming, inspirational tale for the entire family. Based on the novel by best-selling author Francine Rivers.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8296 in DVD
• Brand: TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX HOME ENT
• Released on: 2007-05-15
• Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Formats: AC-3, Color, Dolby, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: English, Spanish
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .20 pounds
• Running time: 118 minutes

Amazon.com
Part of the new wave of Christian filmmaking, The Last Sin Eater appeals to a broader family audience as well--and perhaps film lovers seeking, simply, more soul in their cinema. The film, directed by Michael Landon Jr., has more than a bit of homage to Little House on the Prairie as its story unfolds through the eyes of its young heroine, Cadi, a Welsh immigrant whose family has settled deep in Appalachia, bringing superstitions and rites from the Old World and melding them with those from the new. Cadi is played by Liana Liberato with gravitas and knowingness that evokes the young Anna Paquin. Cadi's turmoil begins at the deeply disturbing nighttime funeral for her beloved Granny, when a shadowy figure creeps in and chants, "For your earthly sins, woman, I pawn my own soul!" Cadi, warned her own soul would be in peril if she looked upon the sin eater, can't help turn around and lock eyes with the wretched man. And so begins Cadi's own journey of the soul. As tragedy and evil plague the plucky settlement, Cadi is driven to understand her own life and religious choices. "Would I have to live to be Granny's age to be forgiven for my sins?" a bleakly discouraged Cadi wonders in a voiceover. The costumes are sumptuous (perhaps a bit too much so for such a hardscrabble existence in the 1850s), as is the lovely but unforgiving landscape. Cadi's journey is rewarding, yet not at all predictably so. Terrific supporting appearances by Henry Thomas and Louise Fletcher flesh out a very moving tale. Extras include some deleted scenes, and some cool behind-the-scenes footage. --A.T. Hurley

Customer Reviews

Enriching and uplifting ... what a Christian film should be.
Based on the best-selling novel by Francine Rivers, The Last Sin Eater movie is a faithful adaptation, beautifully capturing the novel's theme of redemption.

Set in 1850's Appalachia, this is the story of ten-year-old Cadi Forbes, a young girl wracked with guilt and longing for her mother's love. Can she ever be forgiven for what she's done? When her beloved Granny dies at the film's beginning the "passing bell" is rung, and Cadi is told the Sin Eater will come at nightfall to take away Granny's sins. Above all, she must not look at the Sin Eater. If she does, some of the sins he carries could spill over onto her. But as any curious girl would, Cadi can't help looking into the mysterious and dreadful man's eyes. Who is the Sin Eater? Why is he shunned by the entire community? And can he take away her sins now?

Though filmed in Utah, you'll be hard pressed not to believe every scene took place in the Appalachians. It's noteworthy cast features newcomer Liana Liberato (Cadi) who steals the show with her fresh-faced innocence and her ability to portray a broad spectrum of emotions. Stuart Finley-McLennan isn't the healer he was as Dr. McNeil in the Christy television series, but in this movie he's the one inflicting damage as villain Brogan Kai. Henry Thomas is probably most well-known for his role as Elliott in E.T., but he wonderfully captures the man of God character in this movie. The scenes he shares with Cadi are some of the films most touching moments.

Definitely a family-friendly movie it is surprisingly rated PG-13, though it seemed closer to a PG. Michael Landon, Jr. himself suggests parents watch the film before showing it to young children. This is due to a scene where a man is beaten to death (we see it mostly from a distance) and a massacre later on, although shown with restraint, is still disturbing. Death is a big issue as well giving the film a somewhat dark flavor.

Francine Rivers had final approval of the movie, and she was thrilled with Landon's and co-writer Brian Bird's interpretation. Says Francine, "I knew from meeting them and hearing about what they believed that they would keep the Gospel at the center, which was my main thing. They really stuck to that and kept the heart of the story. I'm very pleased with what they've done." The most notable change in adapting the book to film is the absence of Cadi's brother Iwan, but the others are minor and understandable. Taken as a whole it's clear staying true to the book was important. The small budget (reportedly 2.2 million) is only evident in the tree bridge shots, which obviously used green screens.

Reminiscent of the Christy series in setting and tone, The Last Sin Eater makes the Good News compelling. Through Cadi's heart-wrenching journey we are gently shown what redemption is all about--love and forgiveness. And refreshingly, the Gospel isn't apologized for. It's clearly presented without hitting you over the head.

Enriching and uplifting, The Last Sin Eater is what a Christian film should be.

--Reviewed by C.J. Darlington for TitleTrakk

Faith & truth against superstition, fear & deception
At heart this is a tale of faith, and how a community learns to cast away their fear, superstitions and past sins & redeem themselves. The lead character is young Cadi Forbes [played brilliantly by Liana Liberato]who carries a heavy burden of guilt as she feels responsible for her younger sister's death. At her grandmother's funeral, she looks upon the 'sin-eater', a person chosen by the community to lead a life of isolation, only to appear at funerals and 'consume' the sins of the dead so that they may rest in peace. Intent upon having her own sins absolved, Cadi sets out on a journey of hope, and tries to find the sin eater. Not only does she find him, but discovers that the community is not completely clear of conscience themselves, and it takes a man of faith to make her and the rest see the truth. The acting in this movie is above average...young Liana Liberato is able to convincingly evoke feelings of fear, guilt and hope, and the sin eater himself is adept at portraying his hopeless situation. The villain of the movie is played by Stuart Finlay Mclennan [who was the doctor in Christy] and he does a good job of playing an ignorant & power crazy maniac. There are also good supporting roles such as Thomas Howell as the preacher. The cinematography is lush and evokes the captivating beauty of the mountains, and the costumes are beautiful [though a bit too elaborate for people eking out a meager living in the mountains]. All in all, a great family movie [though young kids may find some of the scenes frightening], and a movie with solid values to impart.

Soul-stirring and captivating movie for all ages
"The Last Sin Eater" was beautifully done and captures the heart of anyone who watches this film. The story focuses on a young girl Cadi Forbes who is tormented by the grief of her sister's death; she feels she is to blame for this tragedy and only wants the love of her family, especially her mother. Her quest to find forgiveness leads her to the ultimate truth and redemption. The relationships between the characters are endearing and the story moves beautifully along. The children tug at your heart the entire film and Henry Thomas who plays the "Man of God" delivers a brilliant performance and will bring tears to your eyes. Even though there are some intense scences, this is a film for the whole family.
Francine Rivers was thrilled with this movie directed by Michael Landon Jr. and I can see why. This movie will touch the whole family and it is a film I could watch over and over again. We need more Christian films like this one!