The Last Sin Eater (2007)

19% of critics liked it
(37 reviews)
70% of users liked it
(6,904 ratings)

Michael Landon Jr. directs this period drama set in 1850s Appalachia and concerning a young girl who carries a crushing burden. Ten-year-old Cadi Forbes' (Liana Liberato) sister has died as the result of a tragic accident, and now the surviving sibling can't help feeling somewhat responsible for her… More Michael Landon Jr. directs this period drama set in 1850s Appalachia and concerning a young girl who carries a crushing burden. Ten-year-old Cadi Forbes' (Liana Liberato) sister has died as the result of a tragic accident, and now the surviving sibling can't help feeling somewhat responsible for her sister's untimely death. Desperate to shake the guilt she feels and absolve her dearly departed kin from her Earthly sins, Cadi seeks out the assistance of the one person rumored to have the power of achieving both goals -- the mysterious Sin Eater (Peter Wingfield). In the midst of her redemptive quest, however, young Cadi uncovers a malevolent secret that threatens to destroy her family and divide her tightknit community. Only after discovering the truth about Jesus Christ and the human condition does Cadi realize that there is only one man capable of providing absolution of sin, and the word of that man can only be found in the Holy Bible. Henry Thomas and Louise Fletcher star in a feature adaptation of the novel by best-selling Christian author Francine Rivers. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 58 min.
Directed By: Michael Landon Jr.
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Feb 9, 2007 Wide
On DVD: May 15, 2007
Studio: Fox Faith Films

Critic Reviews

Frank Scheck, Hollywood Reporter
Squanders its good intentions with its numbingly bloated 140-minute running time.
Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel
It has the same dramatic flatness of Love's Abiding Joy, which was made by the same filmmakers. Frankly, these folks are more suited to the Hallmark Channel.
Stephen Whitty, Newark Star-Ledger
What should be a simple parable of redemption takes nearly an unforgivable 2 1/2 hours.
Lou Lumenick, New York Post
The special effects look like they were executed on somebody's laptop.
Lisa Kennedy, Denver Post
The film's rhythm drags. And [director] Landon uses the 'when in doubt, pump up the score' method for signaling Cadi's emotions.
Matt Zoller Seitz, New York Times
The Last Sin Eater is religious art for mainstream consumption.
Pam Grady, Reel.com
Defects in the story are bad enough, but other issues truly doom The Last Sin Eater.
James Kendrick, Q Network Film Desk
The story has enough mystery and drama to keep the attention of any audience.
Jim Lane, Sacramento News & Review
It has earnestness but not a lot of conviction...
Frank Ochieng, Movie Eye
...[an] ambitious but sappy saga...the redemptive vibes are unevenly at work in this tepid tale of sin and salvation.
Stephen Garrett, Time Out New York
Unfortunately for God-fearing youths in desperate need of counseling on the horrors of sin-eating, [Cadi's] spiritual awakening will likely put audiences to sleep.
Peter T. Chattaway, Christianity Today
As a window into an older culture, or an evening's entertainment with the family, you could certainly do worse.
Maitland McDonagh, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Marred by a certain awkward earnestness.
Jeff Shannon, Seattle Times
The Last Sin Eater is close to nature and boasts many of the elements we expect from solid family entertainment, albeit with tragic overtones that keep the story grounded in a rich emotional context.
Lawrence Toppman, Charlotte Observer
Folks wanting to hear the usual New Testament message will be pleased; others may feel that the tension dissolves in homilies and wish the main character weren't led around by a blonde-haired little angel in a white dress.
Chad Greene, Boxoffice Magazine
A strong story is hindered here by on-the-nose dialogue and melodramatic delivery that makes it seem more like a pulpit-pounding sermon than a slyly subtle parable.
John Wirt, Advocate (Baton Rouge, LA)
At its best, the low-budget Last Sin Eater achieves some powerful moments.
Frank Lovece, Film Journal International
A watchable film for adults, though torturously glacial for kids.

Read all 18 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Bruce B

Fox Family Films has nothing but great films and this is another one, Great for ages 12-99. Ranks up there with the movie a Night with the King. You will not be sorry you get this one