The Last Sin Eater (2007)

People are voting emotionally.

Memorable, crazy movie

It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.

While it is a pity that the story wasn't told with more visual finesse, this is trivial compared to our real-world problems. It takes a good movie to put that into perspective.

My husband and I were intrigued by the title of this film because he knew that the concept of the "sin eater" was an old Welsh custom, and we were also interested in Appalachian stories. We did not know when we ordered the film that it was from "Fox Faith" and that it is basically evangelical Christian propaganda filmed in Utah. We found some of the acting to be earnest, but other than that the film was unconvincing, offensive, and trite. My husband teaches Welsh, and the film's "Welsh" accents were pathetic. And the idea that the Welsh settlers in 1830 to 1850 Appalachia were just superstitious Celts ignorant of the Bible and Christianity, and lacking any Christian values and virtues, is totally false, misleading and just plain bad history!

What a wonderful story for such an unrecognized film! The story is about a 10-year-old girl Cadi Forbes living in the Appalachians in the 1850's. She is of Welsh descendant, with some of her ancestors moving to the Americas and staking a claim in the mountains, creating her village. With the immigrants came their custom of the Sin Eater - when a person died, the sin eater came to eat the sins away so the deceased can rest in peace. When Cadi finds herself burdened with a terrible sin of her own, she seeks out the Sin Eater to take away her sins now. When she finds no consolation in him, she feels helpless until a Man of God comes into her village preaching of the Lord and his power to save. She and her friend Fagan Kai listen to the stranger until Fagan's abusive father comes and forces them to flee. Things go awry, and Cadi and Fagan stumble upon dark secrets while trying to run. Secrets that have been kept ever since the immigrants first moved here, and that must be spilled now, all revolving around the mysterious Sin Eater... I give it 9 out of ten because the acting is awkward in places, though there are still lots of spots that shine through it all. Very interesting twists in the plot and a good message at the end. A beautiful insight to 1850's Welsh culture in America, something until now I was incredibly ignorant of.Overall, a heart-warming story with likable characters, including the sin-eater. I assume the PG-13 is for violence, or some language that I might have missed, but nevertheless an amazing movie to watch and very emotional. I thoroughly recommend this movie to anyone willing be opened to new movies; I have found that the large-budget films are not the only films that should be recognized for their good plots and good feelings. Enjoy!

I believe that, to be a 'sin eater', one must be open, flexible, and gentle in carefully considering the beliefs, perspectives, principles, and values of others, as well as one's own, on an an affective (feelings) and cognitive (thoughts) level. Additionally, the concepts of 'God' and 'Jesus' are extremely difficult, for many, to accept or understand. Furthermore, the concepts of the 'Devil' and 'Sin', for others, are not accepted or believed. Some people accept or believe in 'evil' and 'good'. Still others accept or believe that people do 'right' or 'wrong'. History provides concrete evidence that 'white' people (Caucasians) did abuse 'red' people (Native Americans), and missionaries do force their 'Christian' belief system on people, some who have an entirely-different belief-and-value system. Native Americans have had their culture and sovereignty stolen from them. 'Christianity' is not the only belief-and-value system, and concrete evidence has not been shown to indicate that it is the 'most superior' belief-and-value system. And, why does a person have to believe in Jesus, and be 'saved', in order to be accepted by God? Last but not least, their are agnostics and atheists in this world.At the same time, I enthusiastically applaud Michael Landon, Jr. in carrying-on the great Hollywood tradition of his father, a man who is still loved and respected by many. It is hoped that this is only the beginning of a wonderful career, and that more will be seen from Michael Landon, Jr. I do not know whether his father accepted Christ, or that he believed in God, but I do know that Michael Landon is in the "Little House on the Prairie" above.I greatly appreciated the acting, directing, editing, and writing. The lighting could have been improved, however. Yet, the film makes one think, and I give it a rating of 10 out of 10. The film extends a generous opportunity to engage in critical analytic thinking, and to participate on a feelings (gut) level. The great ensemble of actors did outstanding work!

First let me address the Criticism. Editing- the editing is NOT bad but rather we've all become used to the Hollywood standard of pace and rhythm that leaves scenes shortchanged and without finishing a line of thought. The scenes here are thankfully played through to allow a more realistic flow for the actors.Accents- Unless there are thousands of Gaelic language professors out there, the rest of us can suspend belief and listen to the "Welsh" accented English just fine. Christian theme- Would it really kill any of you to actually enjoy a movie with a message that is Christian, or do you need an F bomb every 30 seconds? Special Effects- OK, so Idustrial Light and Magic wasn't utilized in the filming, but then, Cadi Forbes wasn't twirling a light saber either.Thank you Michael Landon Jr. for a wonderful film and a welcome refreshing movie. Just when I thought all was lost, you created a ray of hope. Everyone, please see this movie and quit whining.