"The Reliant" recently got an "R" rating that filmmakers say is designed to limit the movie's message.
Based on a novel by the same name, The Reliant is set in an America unraveling in chaos and lawlessness after economic collapse. As the characters fight for survival, they struggle to stay true to their faith and find themselves wondering why God has seemingly abandoned them.
In addition to Kevin Sorbo, the film stars former NFL linebacker Brian Bosworth and Mollee Gray, an alumna of the High School Musical franchise. It also breaks from traditional faith-based movie orthodoxy with a significant dose of violence: after society unravels, the lead characters head for the woods, where they must fight back against armed villains.
That, perhaps, should come as no surprise since the screenwriter and book author, Patrick Johnston, is a Christian who is an unapologectic supporter of the 2nd amendment of the US Constitution.
"This story encourages faith in Jesus in the midst of crisis, and winsomely upholds the right to keep and bear arms."
He takes umbrage at the recent decision by the Motion Picture Association of America to give the film an "R" rating, saying the movie "doesn't glorify violence." He and his fellow filmmakers plan to appeal, hoping for a "PG-13" rating instead, which would open the film to a wider audience.
In a recent interview on TBN's Huckabee, Sorbo acknowledged the gun violence in the film, but added there is something else at work in this MPAA decision.
"It's just once again these things that are happening within the system of Hollywood: what the message is they want to get out, as opposed to the message we're trying to put out."
The Reliant's filmmakers are still in discussions with possible distributors, so there is not yet a release date for the movie. Christian Film Blog will bring you that information once it is announced.