Watch Billy Graham: An Extraordinary Journey

Billy Graham: An Extraordinary Journey is a 2018 documentary film that traces the remarkable life of one of the most influential religious leaders of the 20th century, Billy Graham. The film features an array of never-before-seen archival footage and interviews with family, friends, and colleagues who knew Graham closely, and who share their own thoughts and memories of his life and legacy.

The documentary begins with Graham's early years, growing up in rural North Carolina during the Depression era. As the son of a dairy farmer, Graham was raised in a deeply Christian household, and he found himself drawn to preaching from an early age. The film shows how he attended Bible college, then became a youth pastor, before finally starting his own ministry in 1947.

From there, the film goes on to chronicle Graham's rise to national and international prominence as a preacher and evangelist. It shows how he became a regular fixture on radio and television, and how he drew enormous crowds to his crusades both in the United States and around the world. Throughout his long career, Graham was known for his message of love and hope, his unwavering belief in the power of faith, and his passionate calls for people to turn to God.

The film also delves into some of the controversies that arose during Graham's career, particularly around issues of race and politics. The documentary shows how Graham eventually came to embrace the civil rights movement, and how he became a trusted advisor to several U.S. presidents over the years, including Dwight Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, and Barack Obama. However, the film acknowledges that Graham was not always without controversy, and it explores some of the critiques that have arisen over the years about his theology and his political influence.

Throughout the film, viewers are treated to a vibrant portrait of Graham as a person, not just as a public figure. The documentary features interviews with several of Graham's family members, including his daughter Anne, who reflects on her father's humble nature and his deep love for his family. The film also includes interviews with several prominent figures who worked closely with Graham over the years, including journalist Paul Harvey and member of Graham’s inner circle Jeff Hoyt.

One of the most striking things about the documentary is its use of never-before-seen footage. The filmmakers have assembled a treasure trove of archival material, including clips of Graham preaching to massive crowds, visiting with presidents in the Oval Office, and engaging in candid moments with his friends and colleagues. These moments help to bring the film and its subject to life, and they give viewers an intimate look at the man behind the pulpit.

Ultimately, Billy Graham: An Extraordinary Journey is a fitting tribute to one of the most significant religious figures of the modern era. The film paints a vivid portrait of a man who spent his life spreading a message of hope, compassion, and faith, and who left an indelible mark on the world. Whether you are a devout Christian or simply interested in the history of religion and culture, this documentary is well worth watching.

Billy Graham: An Extraordinary Journey is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.