I Can Only Imagine: A Movie About the Story Behind the Song

I have been, or can be if you click on a link and make a purchase, compensated via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value for writing this post. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

I Can Only Imagine: A Movie About the Story Behind the Song is part of a campaign through FlyBy Promotions. All opinions are my own and affiliate links are present. (Updated May 29, 2018 with review & DVD release information.)

Are you familiar with the popular Mercy Me song, I Can Only Imagine?

This is one that has been so inspirational and moving for many people. However, most of us do not know the story behind the song. And that is what this film is all about!

About I Can Only Imagine

It’s the song that brings ultimate hope to so many … often in the midst of life’s most challenging moments. Amazingly, the song was written in mere minutes by MercyMe lead singer Bart Millard. In reality, those lyrics took a lifetime to craft.

Although he found faith at a young age, life wasn’t easy for Bart. He leaned into an active imagination and his love of music as escapes from a troubled home life. As he grew older, Bart turned to football in hopes of somehow connecting with his abusive father. But a career-ending injury—combined with the vision of a teacher who saw
unlimited potential—set Bart on a musical pathway.

Chasing a dream while running from broken relationships with father and Shannon, his childhood sweetheart, Bart hits the road on an old, decrepit tour bus with his new band MercyMe—named for his grandmother’s favorite expression. With the guidance of a grizzled music-industry insider, the band begins a journey none of them could ever have imagined.

I CAN ONLY IMAGINE stars J. Michael Finley, Madeline Carroll, Trace Adkins, Priscilla C. Shirer, with Cloris Leachman and Dennis Quaid.

DVD Information

The #1 Inspirational Movie of the Year Comes Home on Digital on June 5 and Blu-rayTM Combo Pack and DVD on June 12.

The home entertainment release of I Can Only Imagine features over 3 hours of extras including 7 deleted scenes, 7 in-depth featurettes, an audio commentary, and more!

Watch the Trailer for I Can Only Imagine

Why I am Excited to See I Can Only Imagine

As I said, this song moves me each time I hear it. So much power in the lyrics!

I am a lover of stories and hearing more about how this song came to be is something I know I will enjoy.

Then there is Dennis Quaid who I have adored as an actor for years.

From a few exclusive scenes I was given the ability to preview, I can tell that this is a story of change and redemption. A story of how God can work in our lives for the better.

Those that watch this film will learn how Bart finds a new path in life from that which he expected. How a teacher sees his talent for music and a voice meant to be shared and uses her position of authority to transition him from the expected football to the stage. And how what he thought the fledgling band Mercy Me should be doing and what they needed to share were different.

Like many, there are times in my life which are dark and trying. Times when you wonder if joy and peace will ever return. However, I know that clinging to my faith and allowing God to work in His time means that joy and peace will come. It just won’t take the path I may envision or occur in the time frame that I may desire.

Review of I Can Only Imagine

My youngest son and I were able to see this in theaters. This is such a moving film and I am eager to watch it again on DVD in my home. I especially want to watch it with my husband.

As I surmised from the trailer when it was released in theaters, this is a story of forgiveness and redemption.

Bart lived through difficult situations when he was growing up. He became bitter towards his father and couldn’t wait to leave home. All through his struggles from when his mother left, he embraced a faith that continued to grow. He also found his voice and talent for music.

But, as the story unfolds, you see that he HAS to return home to make things right. His manager can see the pain within him and knows it is only through letting go that Bart will be able to become successful in his career as a musician.

Definitely, have some tissues on hand. There are moments where tears are quite likely to flow.

 

Have you seen I Can Only Imagine Yet?
Have you felt a special connection to the song?