Watch David Brainerd: Missionary to the American Indians

David Brainerd: Missionary to the American Indians is a biopic about the life of David Brainerd, a missionary to Native American tribes in the mid-18th century. The film was released in 2012 and stars John A. Grigg as Brainerd and Dr. Lucianne Lavin as a cultural consultant. The movie opens with a brief introduction to Brainerd's early life. We see him as a young man in college, struggling with depression and a sense of purposelessness. However, after his conversion to Christianity, he feels a calling to become a missionary and sets out to minister to Native American communities.

Throughout the film, we see Brainerd traveling from village to village, learning about the different tribes and their cultures. He works tirelessly to learn the languages of each tribe and gain their trust, often facing ridicule and rejection from both whites and Native Americans who don't understand his mission. However, he persists in his efforts to bring the Christian message to these communities.

One of the key themes of the film is Brainerd's struggle with his own physical and emotional health. He frequently falls ill due to the harsh living conditions and malnutrition of his travels, and he also experiences periods of deep despair and loneliness. However, even in his darkest moments, he never loses faith in God's plan for him.

The film also explores the complex relationships between Native American tribes and European colonizers. We see how Brainerd's desire to share the gospel is often seen as a threat to Native American autonomy, and how he must navigate these tensions in order to be effective in his mission. The movie doesn't shy away from the brutal reality of colonialism, including the devastating effects of disease and displacement on Native American communities.

One of the strengths of David Brainerd: Missionary to the American Indians is its attention to historical accuracy. The film draws heavily from Brainerd's personal journals, allowing us to see his inner thoughts and struggles in his own words. The movie also incorporates details about the cultural practices and spiritual beliefs of the Native American tribes he encountered, giving viewers a more nuanced understanding of their worldview.

Overall, David Brainerd: Missionary to the American Indians is a thought-provoking and emotionally engaging historical drama. By focusing on the life of this lesser-known missionary, the film sheds light on a critical period in American history and the complex relationships between different cultures and worldviews. Whether you're interested in religious history, Native American studies, or classic biopics, this movie is well worth a watch.

David Brainerd: Missionary to the American Indians is a documentary with a runtime of 58 minutes.