Redemption: For Robbing the Dead (2011)

Redemption: For Robbing the Dead Poster

For Robbing the Dead is a story of compassion - compassion toward those who may seem the least deserving of Christian love. It follows the story of Henry Heath, a law officer in 1862 Salt Lake City. Heath finds himself responsible for the well-being of a prisoner whom he despises - an impoverished French immigrant named Jean Baptiste who is convicted of robbing the graves of the recently deceased. Baptiste is exiled to Antelope Island in the Great Salt Lake. With no one willing to look after this man, Henry Heath becomes Baptiste's sole defense against the hostile isolation of Antelope Island and the contempt of an entire community. Through his somewhat reluctant service, Heath's heart softens and his own sorrows find relief.

Film Introduction
"Redemption: For Robbing the Dead" is an American independent feature film first launched in 2011. Set in the tough background of the Western frontier during the 1860s, it is a tale of lawful retribution, personal redemption, and the extensive intricacies of human nature.

Plot Summary
The narrative pivots around the lives of two unique characters - Parley P. Pratt Jr., a gravedigger, and Jean Baptiste, a serious burglar. The story unfolds when Jean is jailed by the territorial Marshal, James Barlow, for grave robbing - a profoundly taboo and despised act. He is then turned over to the custody of Parley who, though initially repulsed by Jean's dishonest profession, gradually develops a distinct bond with him.

Jean, ostracized and condemned by society, becomes an unlikely ally and friend to Parley, who is innately compassionate and sensitive. Through their unexpected relationship, Parley comes face-to-face with the brutal realities of life and death, and the harsh lessons of betrayal, forgiveness, and redemption.

Characters and Performance
The film offers deep and genuine characterization enabling the audience to link profoundly with the characters. Margot Kidder presents a strong portrayal of Jean Baptiste's compassionate landlady, while Edward Herrmann as Marshal James Barlow contributes to the complex measurements of the law in the frontier lands. Jon Gries, playing Parley, magnificently showcases his character's internal conflict, while John Freeman as Jean Baptiste stimulates both loathing and pity, showing the moral and ethical problems the film checks out.

Styles and Representation
The film draws out a narrative centered around themes of death, seclusion, and redemption, depicting a bleak and unforgiving picture of the American West. The grim setting functions as a metaphorical representation of the internal struggles and moral predicaments faced by the characters.

Critical Reception
While the film's averagely paced narrative might not fully calm action-oriented audiences, it's likely to please an eager eye searching for strong characters and elaborate human characteristics. Regardless of some criticisms about the film's pacing and narrative style, "Redemption: For Robbing the Dead" has actually been commended for its capability to resonate deeply, exploring the spectrum of human nature and our shared experiences of betrayal, loss, and ultimate redemption.

Conclusion
In "Redemption: For Robbing the Dead", director Thomas Russell produces an extensive character study that delves into the depths of solitude, death, and the quest for redemption. By utilizing the bleak setting of the Western Frontier, the film paints a rich portrait of human character, bringing forth an engaging story. The movie stays as a noteworthy piece for its mature handling of styles and character advancement rather than relying on action-packed storytelling.

Top Cast

  • John Freeman (small)
    John Freeman
    Henry Heath
  • Rance Howard (small)
    Rance Howard
    Doctor
  • Robyn Adamson (small)
    Robyn Adamson
    Lucille Heath
  • Sierra Somerville (small)
    Sierra Somerville
    Caroline Heath
  • Tim Threlfall (small)
    Tim Threlfall
    Mr. Little
  • David H. Stevens (small)
    David H. Stevens
    Jean Baptiste
  • Cathleen Mason (small)
    Cathleen Mason
    Mrs. Carpenter
  • Bob Walkingshaw (small)
    Bob Walkingshaw
    Bishop
  • Margot Kidder (small)
    Margot Kidder
    Marlys Baptiste
  • Jodi Russell (small)
    Jodi Russell
    Mrs. Williams
  • Gregg Christensen
    Officer Dewey