Facing the Giants (2006, Sherwood Pictures) is a Christian football drama produced by Alex and Stephen Kendrick at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. A high school football coach on the verge of being fired discovers faith and leads his team to an unlikely championship. It is one of the most beloved films in Christian cinema.
Facing the Giants is not a polished Hollywood production — it was made for $100,000 by a Baptist church in Georgia, with actors who are primarily church members, not professionals. What it lacks in production values it compensates for in genuine faith commitment. The film presents the gospel clearly, shows prayer working, depicts real Christian community, and doesn't flinch from the supernatural.
The "death crawl" scene — where Coach Taylor challenges his best player to do his absolute best regardless of the outcome, blindfolded so he can't see how far he's gone — became one of the most discussed scenes in Christian film history. It captures something genuine about the Christian call to maximum faithfulness with outcomes in God's hands.
Facing the Giants launched the Kendrick Brothers' career as the most successful Christian filmmakers in America. Their subsequent films — Fireproof (2008), Courageous (2011), War Room (2015), Overcomer (2019), Show Me the Father (2021) — have collectively grossed hundreds of millions of dollars and reached audiences well beyond church walls. The Kendrick model proves that explicitly Christian filmmaking can be commercially successful.
No content concerns whatsoever. Rated PG for mild thematic elements. The football includes intensity appropriate to sports competition. Appropriate for all ages — particularly excellent for families with young athletes.
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