UNSUNG HERO is based on a true story about a Christian family from Australia’s struggles to survive and thrive in the rough and tumble music business. When the father, David Smallbone, loses big on promoting an unsuccessful music tour, he thinks relocating the family from Australia to Nashville, Tennessee in America may be their best route forward. After navigating the maniacal hostility of American customs agents, they enter the country with many obstacles before them. Now, the whole family must make sacrifices to realize their dreams of a better life.

Odd jobs and a local church keep the family afloat while David seeks work in the music industry. David’s father, his wife, Helen, and others tell him he should focus on what musical talent in need of promotion may live under his own roof. As he begins to take this to heart, the family’s prospects rise. However, there are still miles to go before he sleeps easy. Can focusing on his family and God really lead him to the new life he’s been seeking for all of them?

UNSUNG HERO is a powerful story of faith and family. The saga of a large family uprooted, experiencing culture shock, and seeking to work together toward a common goal is compelling. The filmmakers tell the story with lots of sincerity and heart. The acting is very good with singer songwriter, Joel Smallbone, of For King and Country fame, turning in a convincing performance as his father, David. Indeed, all the family members are well portrayed, They all have their own unique affinities. The music throughout UNSUNG HERO is fitting for both the low and high points of the family’s journey, as is the writing.

There are very few wasted scenes in this feature’s nearly two-hour running time. This quality makes the storytelling tight and keeps viewers invested. Following this family adventure with its many real challenges is also thought-provoking on many levels because the struggles are so real. For example, David struggles as a husband, father and provider. His wife, Helen, struggles with family upheaval and holding things together. She tries to make everything an adventure for the children. Finally, the children try to help their parents while also finding their own place to stand. Everything in UNSUNG HERO feels familiar in a very good way.

UNSUNG HERO has a strong Christian, biblical worldview. The characters manifest sacrificial love, honor and courage during various trials. The movie strongly shows the importance of faith and family without ever feeling preachy. The family’s faith is clear from their repeated prayers to Jesus to guide and provide for them, as well as from their infectious enthusiasm and spiritually uplifting song lyrics. Helen’s speech to the children at the playground where she tells them they’re on a dangerous mission, and they must “burn the ships” is a very inspiring moment. This being one of For King and Country’s gold singles, the family connection is accurate and will resonate with many. The refrain from Kipling’s “If,” “If you can dream and not make dreams your master,” spoken again and again by David’s father, is a powerful reminder of how God’s plans for us are so much bigger and better than our own. Rebecca St. James line as she speaks to Eddie DeGarmo says it all. “I love to sing. And, if it can help other people find what God’s given me and my family, then I’ll do it with all my heart.”

UNSNG HERO is one faith and family movie that really delivers. The wisdom of David’s father is palpable: “Your family. . . they’re not in the way. They are the way.”

MOVIEGUIDE® advises caution for younger children because of a difficult childbirth scene. Otherwise, UNSUNG HERO is exemplary.