NR | 1h 29m | Biography, Drama | 2019
“There were people on the shore waving at me but no one was coming to help me. Suddenly the head of a giant anaconda came up out of the water, right by my head. ... I awoke sweating with terror. I wanted to die, but not that way.
“As I lay there shaking with fear, a light began to appear over my head and it got brighter and brighter. I had never seen such a bright, beautiful light; all the colors of the rainbow bathing me with their beauty.
“The light shimmered and swirled and then came together in the form of a man’s face. Never before had I seen a face like this. It was not a jungle face, and it was a kinder face than I could ever have imagined.”
Whenever I watch a particularly moving film biography, I’m compelled to learn more about its real-life inspiration. In the case of “A Child of the King” (2019), based on Dr. Wesley “Wes” King’s heroic mission to rescue children from Amazonian child-trafficking rings, the trail leads back to his book “My Name Is … .”
The excerpt above encapsulates a defining moment, skillfully woven into the film as part of the story of two children whose lives Wes changed forever.
The film opens with a deliberate pace, introducing Wes (Michael Sigler) and his sanctuary for vulnerable children in the depths of Ecuador’s jungle. As both a physician and missionary, he provides the children with a safe haven where they can live, receive education in English and other subjects, and, most importantly, learn about God’s unwavering love through his heartfelt Christian ministry.
Two Similar, Yet Separate Souls
Wes grieves the passing of his beloved wife, Brenda, and fondly recalls how she walked the grounds of the refuge site with him years before it ever came to life. Her unwavering belief in their dream gave him the inspiration to carry on, even when the refuge was little more than an idea.
Meanwhile, the film introduces Donna (Kathy Patterson), a woman struggling with the loss of her husband. Her monotonous days take a turn when she begins exchanging letters with Wes. Their shared dedication to their faith and healing others creates a bond that grows deeper over time. They eventually make plans to meet in person, even though Wes already lives in Ecuador.
Powerful Storytelling
What sets this film apart is its ability to weave together multiple character arcs and plotlines that initially seem unrelated but gradually converge in meaningful ways.
For example, in one of the film’s gripping early scenes, a young man named Mel (Mel Rivera) arrives at the refuge. As he arrives, Wes and his team are focused on helping a local boy experiencing a mysterious combination of physical and spiritual distress.
Despite being startled by the intensity of the situation, Mel chooses to stay and become part of the refuge staff. As the story progresses, his presence takes on greater significance, especially when Wes finds himself in search of a pastor for the local church he and the refuge staff are building.
It’s encouraging to see more films addressing the pressing issue of child abuse, a topic that demands attention and compassion. Cinema, with its unique ability to tell powerful and resonant stories, has proven to be an effective medium for raising awareness.
While it lacks the budget of its counterparts, the film stands tall on the strength of its message and the sincerity of its creators. With heart and soul, it joins the growing list of films shedding light on these vital and often controversial matters.
