Comprehensive Review of Breakthrough (2019) From a Family Strengthening, Securing a Friendly and Protective Environment for Children®, and Rights-Based Parenting® Perspective.

Introduction

Breakthrough (2019), directed by Roxann Dawson in her feature film debut, is a faith-based drama that narrates the miraculous survival of 14-year-old John Smith, who fell through an icy lake and was underwater for 15 minutes. Based on true events as chronicled in Joyce Smith’s book The Impossible, the movie delves into themes of faith, family, and resilience. It challenges viewers to reflect on their relationships, spiritual beliefs, and the importance of a supportive community.

Director: Roxann Dawson

Country: United States

Streaming Platforms: Available on major platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Hulu.

Key Themes in the Movie

1. Faith and Miracles: The film centers on the unwavering faith of Joyce Smith, who relies on prayer and spiritual conviction to save her son.
2. Family Dynamics: It portrays the strain and eventual strengthening of family bonds under extreme stress.
3. Community Support: The local community rallies around John, showcasing the power of collective prayer and emotional support.
4. Personal Growth: John’s accident transforms his relationships and gives him a renewed sense of purpose.

Family Strengthening Perspective

Breakthrough underscores the importance of unity and resilience within a family during crises. Joyce Smith’s determination and Brian’s eventual alignment with her vision reflect how families can navigate adversity through mutual support and understanding. The film emphasizes open communication, the ability to compromise, and prioritizing family values over personal differences.

Lessons for families:

• Maintaining a united front in challenging times fosters emotional stability.
• Faith can be a binding force, but it must be balanced with mutual respect for differing viewpoints within the family.
• The story demonstrates the importance of self-reflection in maintaining harmony in familial relationships.

Securing a Friendly and Protective Environment for Children®

The movie also speaks to the broader concept of creating a protective environment for children, both physically and emotionally. While John’s accident serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unsupervised play in hazardous areas, it also highlights the need for proactive awareness in children’s surroundings.

Key takeaways:

• Children should be educated about potential dangers in their environment, such as thin ice or unsafe play zones.
• The film underscores the critical role of first responders and a well-prepared community in securing children’s safety.
• Emotional protection is as vital as physical safety. John’s story demonstrates the significance of love, prayers, and unwavering support in recovery.

Rights-Based Parenting® Perspective

Breakthrough offers valuable insights into the principles of Rights-Based Parenting®, which emphasizes recognizing and respecting a child’s individuality, needs, and voice. John’s journey highlights the importance of:

• Acknowledging Emotional Struggles: The film portrays John’s feelings of abandonment and rebellion as part of his identity journey. A rights-based approach would validate his emotions and provide a safe space for expression.
• Fostering Independence: Allowing John to present his family project his way, even if incomplete, could encourage his autonomy and self-esteem.
• Spiritual Development: The story aligns with nurturing a child’s faith as part of holistic development, provided it aligns with their personal growth and choices.
• Parental Reflection: Joyce’s journey of letting go and surrendering to a higher power resonates with the principle of balancing guidance with trust in a child’s potential.

Conclusion

Breakthrough is a poignant story that weaves together faith, family, and resilience. From a Family Strengthening, Securing a Friendly and Protective Environment for Children®, and Rights-Based Parenting® perspective, the movie is a testament to the importance of a supportive network, proactive parenting, and community-driven efforts to nurture children’s growth and safety. It reminds us that faith, combined with action and understanding, can create transformative outcomes for individuals and families alike.