Heart of the Beholder is a drama film based on a true story that follows the lives of a family who opened the first videocassette rental stores in St. Louis in the early 1980s. The family, consisting of Jim and Diana Stickley and their young children, initially enjoyed great success as their business grew rapidly.
However, their fortunes took a drastic turn when they refused to remove Martin Scorsese's controversial film, "The Last Temptation of Christ", from their stores. This decision put the family in the crosshairs of a Christian fundamentalist group, who demanded that the film be banned. The group, along with a corrupt prosecutor, began a campaign of harassment against the Stickleys, including filing trumped-up charges against them and their business.
As the pressure mounted and their legal bills piled up, the Stickleys found themselves fighting for their livelihood and their freedom. The film's themes of censorship, intolerance, and standing up for one's beliefs are explored in depth as the family struggles to maintain their integrity in the face of mounting persecution.
The movie has received positive reviews for its authentic portrayal of a family's fight against injustice and for its exploration of the complex issues of freedom of speech and religious censorship. Its power lies in the emotional impact of the story, which highlights the importance of standing up for one's beliefs in the face of adversity.