Final Solution - The Movie

"...a magnificently produced film... This is the film you put on your Top Ten List."

- The Rev. Dr. Michael O'Donnell

"...a powerful statement of truth and grace. I recommend this film highly."

- Dr. Bruce Murphy, President, Northwestern College

"Final Solution is one of those rare films that comes along every couple of decades..."

- Barry Werner, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

“...fantastic!”
It is fantastic! This is a powerful movie – every family should have it.

-Dr. Robert H. Schuller
Executive Pastor, Crystal Cathedral
Hour of Power Television Ministry

“...not to be missed.”
This film, shot in South Africa, is a powerful true story of how the life of a white Afrikaner, well on his way to becoming a paramilitary assassin, was turned around by a woman and two books. I loved the way that the script worked in one of my favorite novels (Cry, the Beloved Country), and how it shows that the Bible can be twisted and also used to get at truth. The characters are not card-board cutouts, but fallible human beings seeking justice and vengeance--and eventually, reconciliation. It's not to be missed. I...can hardly wait for this one to be released on video.

-Ed McNulty,
Visual Parables

“4 out of 4 Stars”
Final Solution avoids a major pitfall that theme-driven movies can fall into. Some films find themselves so compelled to present a message that they manipulate the plot and characters to force a desired outcome. Final Solution starts with the very best ingredient found in every good story–great characters...completely believable...
The greatest attribute of a character is the change they experience from beginning to end. It is Gerrit’s transformation that makes the whole movie worthwhile.

-ChristianWeek
Paul Boge, reviewer

“...one of the best...”
Christian-produced message films are almost invariably preachy, one-sided, simplistic, and/or badly made, often all of the above. Writer-director Cristóbal Krusen avoids these pitfalls with notable restraint, aided by solid performances from well-known South African actors, authentic shooting locations, and attention to historical detail. In fact, Final Solution is easily one of the best films to date from a Christian production company.

-Steven D. Greydanus,
DecentFilms.com

“...an amazing video that everyone....should see”
This is a powerful and moving video that scrapes beneath the surface of the color issue in a way that has never been done before. There is more than one side to every story, and Final Solution gives you the chance to see the story from all different angles. From the rising and falling of Gerrit, the white supremacist, to the life and struggle of Moses, the black African just trying to survive apartheid, this is a movie that shows the startling and gruesome details of the times. Final Solution is an amazing video that everyone, both white and black, should see to understand that we all have struggles that can only be overcome if we come together and give peace a chance. Five Doves (highest rating).

-Dove Foundation Review

“...a must-see movie...”
It seems ironic that Gerrit Wolfaardt, a white South African, and I, a 48 year old-African American would become such close friends considering our backgrounds. After seeing Final Solution, I know why. Gerrit's life is turned around once he faces the truth of life and returns to the black townships he once persecuted to wash people's feet and ask for forgiveness...Final Solution helped black friends of mine come to grips with their own prejudice. A must see movie for anyone for whom race/culture is a life issue.

-Clarence Shuler, President
Building Lasting Relationships, Inc.
author of Winning the Race to Unity:
Is Racial Reconciliation Really Working?

“...touched the deepest part of my soul...”
Final Solution is a story of hope and reconciliation that touched the deepest part of my soul. It left me with renewed faith that no heart is beyond the reach of God's love and grace.

-Ken Davis,
Author, Speaker

“...emotional power...”
The emotional power of the film left many of us in tears.

-Rev. John B. Pennington
writing in THE WAVE

“...magnificently produced...”
Finally, a magnificently produced film–with the same production quality as 'The Hiding Place'--that deals honestly and openly with the issues of racism and ethnocentrism. From the beautiful score to the eye-popping cinematography, the smartly scripted plot never once fails to deliver. This is the film you tell your friends about. This is the film you put on your Top Ten List. It will be sure to create some lively debate for all those interested in reconciliation.

-The Rev. Dr. Michael O'Donnell, NFTO
Chaplain with the
Franciscan Order of Divine Compassion
Rector of Christ the King

“...will stun you...”
An eye opening film that will stun you by its truth and inspire you through an emotional reconciliation. Be prepared for a truth that hurts and a love that heals. You will never be the same again.

-Bobby Downes,
ChristianCinema.com

“...riveting...”
Final Solution is a powerful story of God's ability to forgive and is told in a way that makes forgiveness contagious...a riveting story of man's frailty and God's perfection. You will never look at people the same after seeing it. Final Solution is a story that provides both conviction and hope.

-Kevin Cramer, Director,
Harold Schafer Leadership Foundation

“...timely and relevant...”
Final Solution is a powerful presentation of the power of God to change even the most hardened heart. Set against a historical backdrop of racial tension and hatred, the film shows in a real and compelling way that these destructive cycles can be reversed. The dramatic conflict within the story can be understood in every society, thus making the film timely and relevant for audiences all around the world. Final Solution is well-crafted and entertaining but even more importantly, it is thought provoking.

-Ben Edwards, Vice President,
CBN WorldReach

“Terrific!”
A terrific film. Final Solution is a moving story that shows the reality of Gerrit's internal struggle between truth and the life that he has always known - truly inspiring.

-Ralph Winter, Hollywood Producer
(X-Men, Planet of the Apes)

“...faithful in its representation...”
Final Solution is a true story dramatically told by some well-known South African actors on location where it actually happened. The film is faithful in its representation of the South Africa of the period and is highly commended for African audiences. It reveals that racism is but a symptom of a more serious problem - sin. When this is recognized there is a more accessible solution than treating the symptoms. It's the only – the final – solution.

-Keith D Strugnell
Executive Director -
Go-Tell Communications
Regional Director - CBN Africa

“...great...”
A great film that carries a timeless message.

-Nick Arkanoff, WIBC, Indianapolis
Nick @ the Flicks

“...really hit home...”
Having visited South Africa for a 3 week ministry trip and having made Afrikaner and Zulu friends while there, I can tell you that this message of forgiveness and reconciliation really hit home with me. The conflict that has been happening in South Africa is a microcosm of what is happening throughout the world today and more importantly in each one of our hearts. This film really illustrates in a very practical way the true freedom that we all can find when we choose forgiveness. Well done!

-Barry Adams
Author, Father’s Love Letter

“...beautifully made...”
I found Final Solution to be a powerful statement of truth and grace. It depicts prejudice and racism with a realism that stuns North American Christians and then, with equal realism, shows the power of forgiveness and reconciliation. It is also beautifully made, with careful direction and excellent acting, but much to the credit of those behind the effort, neither the acting nor the directing gets in the way of the story itself. I recommend this film highly.

-Dr. Bruce Murphy, President,
Northwestern College

“...not to be missed.”
Final Solution is a marvelous film, with exceptional acting, wonderful cinematography, and, most importantly, powerful truth. The film perfectly captures the essence of the question, 'What is truth?', and Christ's words, 'The truth shall set you free,' remain with the viewer long after the close of the movie.

-Don Pape, Publisher,
WaterBrook Press,
a division of Random House, Inc.

“...challenges us... to walk out (our) convictions...”
"Not only was the movie real, it exposes the need and duty for every man and woman to be reconciled to God, and it challenges us as Christians to walk out these convictions."

-Reggie Hunt, Senior Pastor,
Boone Mennonite Brethren Church

“...shocking...”
Final Solution is a powerful drama based on actual people and events caught up in the maelstrom that accompanied the death of apartheid in South Africa. It shows in often shocking detail the anger and rage that seized many black youths in the late 80's and early 90's as apartheid began to break apart. Entering into the mind of an Afrikaner raised to hate black people, the film portrays the epiphany he experienced and his struggle to make amends for the wrongs that he and those like him had inflicted. Final Solution offers a dramatic insight into the uniquely South African spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation that underlies Nelson Mandela's magnanimity and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

-Joy & Herb Kaiser, Founders,
Medical Education for
South African Blacks (MESAB)

“...allows truth to change lives...”
Final Solution puts the viewer inside the mind and heart of a racist whose idealism calls him to violence and genocide. Gerrit is horrific and courageous. He faces truth with equal courage as it calls him to reverse his position. This is a powerful true story about evil and good, violence and love, pain and forgiveness. The film does not preach but allows truth to change lives."

-Dr. Karen M. L. Cianci,
Vice President for Academic Affairs,
Northwestern College

“I was mesmerized!”
Final Solution was a film I had to view once through tears and then have a crying session because it reminded me of conditions I had come through in America. I had to let some space pass before watching Final Solution again so that I could send you my thoughts. I was mesmerized! So many images came to mind of my own struggles as an African-American male caught in racial strife. I have been forced to use my fists to actually fight for respect in America. Blessings on all of you for bringing out a film that is riveting, in-your-face, thought-provoking, and showing how peace and truth CAN come through our deliberate actions of sharing peaceable solutions. Mind-blowing. A turning point for peace between blacks and whites!

-Ed Udell, President/CEO
BMI Foundation

“...powerful...”
Cris Krusen has crafted a powerful story of reconciliation in his first feature-length film, Final Solution. Final Solution tells the true story of Gerrit Wolfaardt, a modern Saul of Tarsus who plotted the genocide of black South Africans in the 1960s and who, like Saul, changed after an encounter with truth.

-WTVI - Charlotte, NC

“...high quality...evident in every detail...”
Final Solution is an excellent example of the best work being done in independent film-making. The film marries a well-crafted script with wonderful acting, sure direction and first rate cinematography. The high quality of the production is evident in every detail, and everyone associated with this movie should be very proud.

-Dr. Garey Durden
Professor (ret.) Appalachian State University

“...the message...must be embraced...”
The message of reconciliation in Final Solution must be embraced by all people if our world is ever going to live in peace.

-Dale Brown,
former LSU Basketball Coach,
best-selling author

“...compelling...”
Final Solution brings apartheid and its atrocities into a relevant and compelling presentation for people of all nationalities. It leaves you with the question, "What is my responsibility?" Our students were impacted and moved with compassion at the plight of the oppressed yet challenged by the resiliency of the human spirit. This movie has been and will be a catalyst that reaches across racial barriers to start a healing process that is long overdue.

-Scott Thomas, Campus Minister,
New Life Ministries,
Appalachian State University

“...powerful...”
Final Solution was chosen by a committee of past Crystal Heart Award winners for its powerful and insightful look at apartheid - focusing on the impact of one individual whose life is radically changed. It shows that even in the most desperate of situations a person who seems entrenched in a path of violence and hatred can change. The Heartland audiences were engaged and deeply moved by this powerful story of forgiveness and redemption.

-Jeff Sparks,
Heartland Film Festival

“...triumphant...”
"A triumphant real-life story that will touch your heart and your soul. Visually stunning scenes are used to paint this powerful story. With character's that felt as real as those that inspired them."

- Tony Bancroft
Exec.VP, Creative Production for Toonacious Family Entertainment

John Esvang Humanitarian Award
Marco Island Film Festival
Best Director, Best Film - Sabaoth International Film Festival (Milan, Italy)

Best God Moment (2003)
Film of the Year (2003)
WYSIWYG Filmworks, San Francisco, California

Best Feature Film, Best Musical Score (2003)
Down Under Film Festival, Darwin, Australia

Gold Award, Dramatic Feature Category (2003)
WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival

FINAL SOLUTION HAS BEEN AN OFFICIAL SELECTION AT THE FOLLOWING FILM FESTIVALS