Search - The Legend of Cryin' Ryan on DVD

Valuable Lesson Taught in a Way Kids Can Understand

Artist & Author | Near Mt. Baker, WA | 04/10/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What seems like it is just another kid's ghost story turns out to be a very important lesson on child physical abuse. You see, Ryan was cryin' because he was beaten at home; it will come as no surprise, except to very young children, that Ryan's father accidentally killed him during one of his drunken beatings. That is why his 'spirit' could not rest until his death was solved. This movie has lots of good lessons that any traditional values family could support. Chris sneaked out when she was supposed to be grounded . . . but she later confesses to her dad. Chris also witnesses another young boy being abused, and, after learning the lessons Ryan taught her, she went to the authorities to report it so they could investigate it.

The most touching aspect of the movie was how Ryan tried to defend his dad; he was being punished because he saw the beatings as evidence of his dad's love for him because he was trying to make him go right. Then, when he meets his father ghost (also deceased before he could be prosecuted) starting to shake Chris around, he realized that what his dad did was not love. Still, he told his father that he forgave him for the beatings. Chris couldn't believe her ears! But what better example is there of the Lord's Pray - 'forgive us our trespasses as (in the same manner) we forgive those who trespass against us!'

One other scene that would be of interest to Christian families is when Chris asks her dad what happens when we die, he replies, 'To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.' Of course, this is a children's movie. But, it is one that parents can watch with their kids and enjoy it just as much as they do. Also, it gives ample opportunity to discuss child abuse with one's children and to help them know when they need to report a friend's abuse.

Finally, I don't understand the first reviewer's attitude toward this movie. Maybe he abuses his kids and it made him feel guilty. I would argue that the vast majority of families looking for enjoyable movies for their kids that also teach valuable lessons and ethics, this is one they should seek out."