Get movie widget Recommend it Add to Favorites

Kimberly Elise, Loretta Devine, Debbi Morgan, Michael Boatman, Clifton Powell ... see more see more... , Idalis de Leon , Sean Blakemore , Ricky Harris , T.D. Jakes , Philip Daniel Bolden , Masasa , Jordan Anita Moseley , J. Karen Thomas

One woman's odyssey through a hellish life of sexual abuse, drug addiction, and crime is resolved in faith in this tough but inspiring drama based on a true story documented by evangelist Bishop T.D. ... read more read more...Jakes. Michelle Jordan (Kimberly Elise) was raised by a single mother, Cassie (Loretta Devine), who became involved with a cruel and opportunistic man named Reggie (Clifton Powell). Reggie began displaying an inappropriate interest in Michelle when she was only eight, and at 12 he began violating her on a regular basis. Stung by her mother's denials of Reggie's wrongdoings, Michelle ran away from home and ended up on a dead-end road of drug abuse and prostitution, which led to a stretch in prison for murder. While behind bars, Michelle hears of the teachings of Bishop T.D. Jakes and his work with abused women, and writes the noted preacher in hopes of someday meeting him. To her surprise, Jakes (who plays himself) pays her a visit, and as she shares with him the story of her blighted life, she takes the first steps on the road to emotional and spiritual recovery. Jakes arranges for Michelle to have a three-day furlough from prison so she can attend a revival he's hosting in the area; opting to stay in a half-way house rather than see Cassie and Reggie, Michelle reconnects with many of her old friends during her three days of freedom, including former stripper Nicole (Idalis de Leon), childhood friend and hairdresser Twana (Debbi Morgan), and former boyfriend Todd (Michael Boatman). ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Flixster Users

85% liked it

6,179 ratings

Critics

51% liked it

57 critics

R, 1 hr. 39 min.

Directed by: Michael Schultz

Release Date: October 1, 2004

Invite friends to see

DVD Release Date: March 8, 2005

Stats: 235 reviews

Your Rating



clear rating

Flixster Reviews (235)


  • December 12, 2007
    Riveting. Kimberly Elise's performance is electrifying to watch. Based on the book by the Rev. T.D. Jakes it is pure drama from start to finish!!
  • October 24, 2011
    I am a Christian and I did not find this movie riveting or enjoyable...pretty disappointing for me :(
  • October 13, 2007
    THIS WAS AN EXCITING FILM OF A MOTHER WHO WOULDN'T LISTEN TO HER DAUGHTER WHATEVER HER MAN SAID WENT MY QUESTION TO THAT IS WHAT ABOUT YOUR CHILD WHO HAS BEEN WITH YOU WAY BEFORE HE CAME ALONG
  • October 10, 2007
    This is a very good movie.This movie proves that T.D.Jakes is the only true pastor in the U.,S.A. I highly recommend this film.
  • July 6, 2007
    A TRUE STORY OF SURVIVAL. I CONNECT TO THIS MOVIE ON A PERSONAL LEVEL. A TRUE INSPIRATION MY SISTER BROUGHT THIS TO MY ATTENTION.
  • March 25, 2007
    Every woman needs to see this. If she doesn't need the encouragement and inspiration, she'll have a girlfriend who does.
  • March 17, 2007
    this movie was good but I never really want to look at it again. it was so sad, and messed up my mood for the rest of the day. Thats so fucked up that there are people who realy go thru that stuff.
  • March 6, 2007
    a very life-like movie that a very strong woman wanna murder a man for raping her when childhood and I don't blame her. HMMM...I give her A!

Critic Reviews


John McMurtrie
October 22, 2004
John McMurtrie, San Francisco Chronicle

As a film it plays like a heavy-handed morality tale one might come across on a middling cable network. Full Review

Lisa Kennedy
October 22, 2004
Lisa Kennedy, Denver Post

There is little to like about many of the hard characters we meet. Yet the film has a core generosity. Full Review

Wesley Morris
October 22, 2004
Wesley Morris, Boston Globe

It is more a public service announcement than a movie, but it has to be more useful to its audience than a summer blockbuster offering Halle Berry's tips on how to use a bullwhip. Full Review

Robert Denerstein
October 22, 2004
Robert Denerstein, Denver Rocky Mountain News

Woman boasts an unexpected edginess, as well as a terrific performance from Kimberly Elise.

Claudia Puig
October 21, 2004
Claudia Puig, USA Today

It offers a compelling portrait of human tragedy and the journey to redemption. Full Review

Jeff Strickler
October 21, 2004
Jeff Strickler, Minneapolis Star Tribune

Good intentions. Wish it were a better movie. Full Review

Frank Scheck
October 7, 2004
Frank Scheck, Hollywood Reporter

Schultz ... is not able to lift the proceedings beyond melodrama, but he succeeds in imbuing the film with dramatic urgency and has elicited powerful performances from the cast.

Bob Townsend
October 7, 2004
Bob Townsend, Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Its essential message of emotional healing is a positive one. But as a movie, it floats into a channel-surfing blur of corny scenes and pop psych dialogue that too often confuses the material with the... Full Review

Ann Hornaday
October 1, 2004
Ann Hornaday, Washington Post

This is very much a woman's picture, both in the old-school sense of highly pitched, Lifetime-style melodrama and in its cast of formidable actresses, all of whom deliver powerful performances. Full Review

Kevin Thomas
October 1, 2004
Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times

This is one faith-based film that pulls no punches. Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

More Like This


Click a thumb to vote on that suggestion, or add your own suggestions.

  • For Colored Girls
    For Colored Girls (100%)

Facts


No facts approved yet. Be the first

Woman Thou Art Lo... : Watch Free on TV


Movie Quizzes


Recent News


No recent headlines. Got one?

Recent Lists


Most Popular Skin


No skins yet. Interested in creating one?