The Drop Box (A Movie Review)

I went tonight with some girls in my small group to see a movie called The Drop Box. I immediately came home and emailed a ton of people to tell them they just HAD to go see this incredible movie. And if it's good enough to share with my contact list, it's surely good enough for me to post about over here, isn't it?!

The Drop Box is only in theaters March 3-5, which means that THURSDAY (either tomorrow or today, depending on when you're reading this) is the last day you'll be able to see it. Please, please, please do not miss this movie!

About the Movie

The Drop Box tells the story of South Korean pastor Lee Jong-rak and his heroic efforts to embrace and protect the most vulnerable members of society. It is a heart-wrenching exploration of the physical, emotional and financial toll associated with providing refuge to orphans that would otherwise be abandoned on the streets. But The Drop Box movie is also a story of hope—a reminder that every human life is sacred and worthy of love.

South Korea is not the only country grappling with the issue of orphan care. Around the world, there are more than 150 million orphans waiting for forever families to call their own.

An award-winning feature-length documentary, The Drop Box will be released as a theater event across the nation for three nights only on March 3, 4, and 5, 2015. Audiences will learn of Pastor Lee’s story, how he one day came upon a newborn who has been abandoned on a cold night in a Seoul alley. That experience prompts him to build a “baby box” at the front of his church—a warm, safe place where desperate mothers can leave babies that would otherwise be abandoned. Many of the babies who are left in Pastor Lee’s baby box have developmental or physical impediments.

After the movie screening, audiences will watch a group discussion featuring the film’s director Brian Ivie; musician Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife, Mary Beth; and Focus on the Family President Jim Daly addressing issues related to adoption, orphan care, and the sanctity of human life. A portion of the film’s proceeds goes to support the ministry of Pastor Lee.

The Drop Box is being released by Pine Creek Entertainment in association with Focus on the Family and Kindred Image.

Official Movie Site  |  Find a Theater Near You

My Thoughts

The Drop Box is a documentary about a pastor in South Korea who has installed a "drop box" where people can leave their babies instead of abandoning them on the streets, where they are likely to die before they are found. I was heartbroken to hear stories of men and women who can't take care of babies born with severe disabilities. Young girls are especially vulnerable around the world, and the intense shame they feel upon learning they are pregnant often leads to suicidal thoughts. God gave Pastor Lee a vision for giving people a safe place to give up their children. No, it's not a perfect solution, not even close! But God is using Pastor Lee, his "drop box," the church in South Korea, and a host of volunteers to save the lives of hundreds of babies.

After volunteering in an orphanage for several months following my college graduation, anything about orphan care is understandably near and dear to my heart. However, my enthusiasm for the movie is about much more than a passion for the subject. The movie was incredibly well made, and  the message was powerful. It's a hopeful story about a family's complete dependence on God to care for whoever comes across their path. The overarching theme of the movie is the truth that every life is valuable. 

I watched the entire movie with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat. If you don't have plans tomorrow evening (Thursday, March 5), please go see this movie! [5+ stars]