The Least of These is a 2019 movie that is based on the real-life story of an Australian missionary named Graham Staines, who was murdered along with his two sons in India in 1999. Starring Garedew Assefa and Erik E. Laursen, the movie is a tribute to their work and the message they spread, while also exposing the dark and brutal reality of religious tensions in India.
The movie begins with journalist Manav Banerjee (Sharman Joshi) coming across a conspiracy theory against the missionary Graham Staines (Stephen Baldwin). Graham is portrayed as the villain who is out to convert the people of India to Christianity, whereas in reality, he is known for his selfless work with the Leprosy patients in India. Manav's editor assigns him to investigate the conspiracy and find out the truth about Graham and his work.
Manav travels to the village of Baripada, where he finds Graham living with his wife and children. He is welcomed by Graham, who shows him around the hospital he runs for the Leprosy patients. The hospital is run on charity, and Graham takes care of the patients like his own family. He educates them, provides treatment, and helps them reintegrate into society with dignity. Graham's work has won him affection and appreciation from the people of the village.
Manav begins to see Graham in a new light, but his investigation leads him to a shocking discovery. There is a right-wing Hindu extremist group that is against Graham's work and wants him out of their village. The group is led by a fanatic called Mahendra (Manoj Mishra), who is determined to stop Graham from converting the people of India to Christianity. He sees Graham as a threat to the Hindu beliefs and wants to eliminate him at any cost.
Manav is caught in the crossfire between the two ideologies, and he must decide which side he is on. He discovers that the truth he was searching for is much deeper than he imagined. The story of Graham's work with the Leprosy patients is not just about conversion but about love, compassion, and humanity. Graham's faith is not just in Christianity but in the goodness of humanity, and his work is to spread that message.
The Least of These is not just a movie about a Christian missionary in India; it's a movie about humanity, love, and the fight against religious prejudice. It's a movie about the power of faith, not just in Christianity but in humanity's ability to do good. The movie shows the dark reality of religious intolerance and the need for us to rise above it.
The movie's performances are outstanding, with Stephen Baldwin giving a brilliant performance as Graham Staines. His portrayal of a man who is dedicated to his work and his faith is heartwarming and inspiring. Sharman Joshi also delivers a great performance as the skeptical journalist who discovers the truth about Graham's work.
The Least of These is a movie that will leave you inspired and moved. It's a tribute to the work of the real-life Graham Staines and his message of love and compassion. It's a movie that reminds us of the power of faith and humanity's ability to do good. It's a movie that shows us the importance of rising above religious prejudices and embracing the values that unite us as human beings.
