Absolutely Fantastic

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

The acting is good, and the firecracker script has some excellent ideas.

There are moments in this movie where the great movie it could've been peek out... They're fleeting, here, but they're worth savoring, and they happen often enough to make it worth your while.

I watch movies for their entertainment value in the sense of keeping me engaged in its world and its story. I do not care if it reinforces my political, religious, or cultural beliefs. I recognize that is not true of everybody, and that's okay also. I just wanted to provide context.At its core, Not Easily Broken is the story of a marriage that undergoes various tests and stresses from many directions. There is tragedy, heartbreak, and hidden agendas along the way. In other words, this is what we used to call a classic "sudser" or adult soap opera. For a limited budget movie, I thought the acting was superb - most especially Taraji Hanson (Joss Carter on Person of Interest and hilarious in the otherwise tiresome Think Like a Man). Others here refer to her as a one-dimensional harridan but I think nothing could be further than the truth. My wife and I cared about their marriage because she was conveyed well but subtly that she was balancing different instincts and being pulled in different directions and was searching for but not finding a moral compass. And yes, this really is where belief in God can make a positive difference in real people's lives (whether he "really exists" or not) and frequently does. This was also well conveyed extremely well by this talented actor. Jenifer Lewis was magnificent as her interfering mother who also was not without her redemptive qualities but could not overcome the damage she had sustained. In many ways, their roles were much tougher than that of the sympathetic Maeve Quinlan or co-Executive Producer and star Morris Chestnut. I've always thought it easier for an actor to convey empathy and understanding for a sympathetic character than a nasty one. Not that both were not terrific in their performances. I was unfamiliar with Ms. Quinlan but she truly impressed. I've adored Albert Hall since his performance in Apocalypse Now. He does a convincing job here as the minister but I would have loved to have seen more from him.Morris Chestnut who portrays lead character Dave, the narrator of the film, obviously, is a terrific and increasingly accomplished actor. He was also co-producer of the film. I do not know to what extent he was involved in the messaging aspect of this movie or to what extent the Jakes' novel (I've not read any of them but have seen two other movies based on his works) focused on the relationship between women and men "being turned upside down" in today's world. In many ways, this plays a bigger role in the film's apparent raison d'etre than its message of getting back in touch with God - which is universal in these movies. As an ardent feminist, I am personally very uncomfortable with this point of view. But as said, I enjoy the movie on its entertainment value on its own terms. In its principal illustration, Not Easily Broken attempts to show that an imbalance can be created when an independent woman uses money or some other artificial barometer as a means for controlling the marriage and the household and demeaning her husband whom she has convinced herself she does not really need. As it turns out, she has been indoctrinated by her mother's negative experiences and anger. The minister helps bring her closer to God and realize the importance of not letting their marriage be torn asunder. Dave (Morris Chestnut) persuades her that their marriage must be more of a partnership. Voila, a woman who had put her career in front of the inconvenience and loss of independence she perceived in having a child is now thrilled that she is pregnant.Okay, I've known couples like that - unfortunately, that solution in all 3 of those cases ultimately led to divorce. But, that's just 3 cases and makes Dave's viewpoint no less valid or at least somewhat defensible by a reasonable person. There was a scene that did bother me a lot - and maybe I'm just being defensive because I am just like Kevin Hart's character in that he happily allows his wife to make all decision because he says, "Happy wife equals happy life." I agree, but in the context of the movie, he is comic relief and ultimately the object of scorn. I thought it was especially odious when his wife threw him out because not only did he have no backbone and no independent opinions, but because he has small feet (wink, wink). Talk about judgmental about what constitutes manhood!Then again, not only was I actively engaged in the movie, but it also provoked enough thought from me afterward to compel me to write this lengthy review. It also made me cry when Maeve Quinlan's son dies - which according to the movie's scorn for Kevin Hart's character must also be "unmanly." But like I say, the filmmakers are entitled to their opinion - they just need to entertain me. They did and even made me think.

Thinking that this was another "religous picture" I did not go to see it at the movies. I waited and I hated that I did not support it on the opening week. This movie was a a portrait of what the modern couple experiences. Although there were creative liberties taken , all and all this was a wonderful heart warming film that depicts realistic marriages. I felt that this could have been someone that I know. When life makes a u turn to our expectations. Bill Duke did a wonderful job. Some scenes were even cliffhangers and heart breakers. I will surely get this for my Library. This film is not a family film but it is a wonderful couple date film. Loved it , Loved it , Loved it

Not Easily Broken is based on a novel written by T.D. Jakes. The movie shows the power that true loves hold when the going gets tough. The movie was touching, gripping and very realistic. The feelings of regret, hurt, frustration, anger, even the urge to go astray were so real I felt as if I were a part of the movie. It also showed what could happen when you assume how another person may think or feel; and what could happen in your life when God is integral. I love seeing roles where our Black men are depicted as strong men that positively handle their struggles. I definitely like movies that cast our men in similar strong roles (especially if Morris Chestnut is involved). Although the movie had its serious moments, the serious moments had interludes of lightheartedness when Kevin Hart (Tree) came onto the scene. That little dude is so funny to me. This movie was definitely worth watching, especially for those who need a reminder that God is always the Way.

I wanted support the movie because I am a big fan of T.D. Jakes' works. I went with a sibling who was also skeptical about the film because of the lack of buzz around it. To sum up our experience, we were SO GLAD that we went to view it last night. We thoroughly enjoyed the film as did the rest of the audience. We are still talking about it.Morris Chestnut and Taraji Henson did a great job with their roles. I highly recommend the movie for couples, singles, divorcées, and etc. as the movie makes points about relationships that everyone can relate to on some level - yet without beating you over the head. Do not go by the reviews, go and see this movie for yourself - you will not be disappointed!