Have a little faith

Director:Jon Avnet

Writer:Mitch Albom

Country:USA

Release Date:27 November 2011

 At age 82, Mitch Albom's former rabbi Albert Lewis wants the famous Detroit sportswriter to give his eulogy when the time comes. Albom makes a visit to his former home town in New Jersey, where Rabbi Lewis has served a congregation for about 50 years. Albom doesn't feel worthy, especially since he is no longer a practicing Jew and, in fact, he has married a Christian (who apparently isn't active either). Nevertheless, Rabbi Lewis says he is the one to do the job, and over the next eight years, Albom makes several visits back home and even attends some Sabbath services, where the good rabbi is determined to continue working and inspiring his flock even as his health declines.

In flashbacks, Henry is a young boy with six brothers and sisters in Brooklyn in the early 60s. He witnesses his mother shoot his father (we don't actually see what happens, but we hear the shot and see the mother carrying the gun). In jail, Henry's mom tells him to continue going to church and to one day become a minister. Henry's dad, who is at home recovering, has the greater influence on his son. He has spent his whole life hustling, meaning making his living on the wrong side of the law, and not apologizing for it. Now he describes himself as "a cripple". We don't see what happens from there, but many years later, Henry too is hustling to get by.

After time in prison, Henry gets out and works as an exterminator, but it is not enough for him and his wife, especially when the wife becomes pregnant. So he turns to illegal activities, with Donnie acting as his supplier. He is selling these white bricks, the nature of which we are not told, but with his friends one night, he realizes they smoked all his stuff, and Donnie won't be happy when he doesn't get his money. So Henry has to turn to robbing people.

Eventually, Henry realizes he will die without divine intervention. He pleads with God to rescue him, and if He does, Henry will serve Him.

One day Albom discovers the I Am My Brother's Keeper, in what used to be the largest Presbyterian church not only in Detroit but also the entire Midwest. The church is falling apart, but Henry, the pastor, and the members are happy and determined to keep moving forward

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