An American/Filipino martial artist, depressed after the murder of his closest friends, is sent to explore his family's roots in the Philippines and ends up crushing a horrid child-exploitation ring, with the help of his grandfather ... and his fighting skills

Genre – Adventure, Martial arts, Coming of age

Comps – Karate Kid (new version), Man with the Iron Fist

SYNOPSIS:

Gonz, a young martial artist of mixed American and Filipino heritage, experiences a traumatic incident of high school violence that results in the loss of his friends. Deeply depressed and shaken, Gonz's parents decide to send him to the Philippines for the summer to help him heal and rediscover his roots.

In the Philippines, Gonz's grandfather, a master of Filipino fighting arts, is building a boxing gym and martial arts institute in the countryside and could use Gonz's help. Initially, Gonz struggles with culture shock and nightmares, but he begins to find solace and purpose as he learns about his heritage from his Grandpa, bonds with his peers, and even experiences a budding romance with a fierce female fighter.

However, their peaceful world is disrupted when a mysterious tourist agency opens nearby, and the bodies of local boys start appearing near the institute. A recently arrived priest is somehow connected to these disturbing events. With local law enforcement officers seemingly indifferent, Grandpa and Gonz launch their investigation.

They uncover that the friendly new priest is under investigation for his involvement in the shooting that claimed Gonz's friends in California. The church sent him to the Philippines to avoid prosecution. Now, it appears he is connected to human trafficking, sex tours, and thrill killings.

Gonz, armed with his martial arts skills, takes it upon himself to rescue the kidnapped children, even though he is outnumbered and outgunned. With the revelation that a deputy is on the priest's payroll, Grandpa rallies his students to mount an offensive to penetrate the evil fortress and free the children.

During an intense battle, Gonz is given a magic spear, which he initially scoffed at, to kill the priest. In a daring move, Gonz uses the spear to take down the fleeing priest, marking a turning point in his journey.

The bad guys are arrested, and the kidnapped children are safely reunited with their families. The martial arts compound is completed, symbolizing the restoration of Gonz's inner strength and resilience. Through this harrowing experience, Gonz transforms from a shattered teenager into a courageous man among men.

"REBUILDING THE SOUL" is a gripping and thought-provoking film that addresses pressing issues of our time, including school shootings, abusive priests, and human trafficking. It sheds light on the exploitation of children in both developed and developing nations, urging society to confront these atrocities and work towards a more compassionate and just world.

REBUILDING THE SOUL