F9: The Fast Saga

F9: The Fast Saga - 2021

Movie Info

Rating: PG-13

Age-appropriateness: language, violence

Overview: Cipher enlists the help of Jakob, Dom's younger brother to take revenge on Dom and his team. Through a sibling rivalry we see the difficulties and the power of a family who loves one another unconditionally.

Themes: family, friendship, sibling rivalry, death/grieving, the cross, revenge, conflict resolution, peace, stealing, mercy, father/son, immortality, vulnerable children, faith, prayer

The Quick 3

Ask these quick questions to hit the major themes of the film.

1. Sibling rivalry. Have you ever had a rivalry with one of your siblings or friends? How did that impact your relationship with that person?

Dom and Jakob were brothers that didn’t always get along. Jakob always lived his life in his brother’s shadow, thinking he would never be as good as Dom. Some people even called him the “useless one”, considering Dom to be superior in every way.

2. Family. Why is family such a powerful and awesome thing? What can make family such a hurtful and difficult thing?

Buddy said that “the worst thing you could do to a Toretto is take away his family”. And Buddy says that’s exactly what Dom did to Jakob. Queenie says that “nothing is more powerful than the love of family”. She also says that when you turn that into anger and resentment, nothing is more dangerous.

3. Immortality. Did you realize that your life will actually never end? Why are Jesus’ words in this verse so important?

Dom’s father taught him about immortality. He said that some cars are just like a family: if you build it right and take care of it, it’ll live forever. Jesus Christ came to save us so that we could live forever in heaven. In John 10:28-30, Jesus said, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, or my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”

After The Movie Discussion Guide

Follow this 5-10 minute discussion guide to drive an in-depth conversation.

1. Dom and Jakob were brothers that didn’t always get along. Jakob always lived his life in his brother’s shadow, thinking he would never be as good as Dom. Some people even called him the “useless one”, considering Dom to be superior in every way. Have you ever felt this way with one of your siblings or friends? How did that impact your relationship with that person?

2. Jakob and Cipher wanted to get revenge on Dom and his crew. They were angry for Dom’s past actions and they wanted to get even. 1 Peter 3:9 says, “Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.” When was the last time you really wanted to get revenge on somebody? Instead of getting even, how could you pay that person back with a blessing?

3. When they were young, Dom and Jakob watched their father die at a car race. This was a traumatic and difficult experience that impacted the rest of their lives. When was the last time you had to grieve the loss of someone you loved? What is a healthy way to grieve and express yourself sadness?

Here's an article about How to Talk to Your Child About Death/Grieving.

4. Jakob tried to steal two parts to the Project Ares device. It was a device that could control all of the worlds computers and weapons systems. Tej points out that Ares was the Greek god of war. Tej says that if Jakob acquires the full Ares device, he’ll be the “god of nearly everything.” This comparison to God is due to the fact that God is all-powerful. What do you think it means for God to be all-powerful? Why do you think people can never actually be all-powerful?

5. Buddy said that “the worst thing you could do to a Toretto is take away his family”. And Buddy says that’s exactly what Dom did to Jakob. Queenie says that “nothing is more powerful than the love of family”. She also says that when you turn that into anger and resentment, nothing is more dangerous. Why is family such a powerful and awesome thing? What can make family such a hurtful and difficult thing?

6. Dom’s father taught him about immortality. He said that some cars are just like a family: if you build it right and take care of it, it’ll live forever. Jesus Christ came to save us so that we could live forever in heaven. In John 10:28-30, Jesus said, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, or my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” Did you realize that your life will actually never end? Why are Jesus’ words in this verse so important?

Minute By Minute Guide

Use this break down of the entire movie in addition to the “After the Movie” discussion guide. Great for repeat viewings.

:02 Dom’s dad tells him, “It’s not about being the stronger man. It’s about being the bigger one.” What do you think he means by this? How can you be the bigger person in any given situation?

:08 Dom’s son asks him where God is. They talk about how God is always in our hearts. Isaiah 41:10 says, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” How do you feel, knowing that God is always with you? What changes now that you know you always have God and that He loves you?

:18 Dom and his crew had to drive through a field of land mines to escape danger. Have you ever been in a really tricky situation? How were you able to use courage and bravery to get through it?

:29 Dom gets into a fight with the race car driver that caused his dad to crash. When the race car driver says mean things, Dom loses control and lets his anger take over. Proverbs 16:32 says, “Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.” How often do your emotions make decisions for you? How can you become more able to utilize self-control in really difficult situations?

:36 Tej and Roman acknowledge the fact that they are “not normal”. They recount the incredible missions they’ve been on and talk about how lucky they’ve gotten over the years. In what ways are you “not normal”? What experiences have shaped you into the person you are today?

:44 Dom confronts Jakob for having a part in their father’s death. Jakob did something to his father‘s car that contributed to it being engulfed in flames when it crashed. How do you typically handle conflict when it comes up with a friend? What’s the healthiest way to resolve a disagreement?

:49 Buddy says, “you gotta make peace with the past if you want hope for the future.” Buddy then says that he hopes Dom finds his peace. In John 16:33, Jesus said, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” What gives you peace in this world? Why does true peace only come from Jesus?

:57 Queenie steals a necklace and Dom goes with her to get away. Dom says that his “thieving says are over”. Queenie points out that hers aren’t. God’s Word commands that we don’t take things that don’t belong to us. When was the last time you you took something that wasn’t yours? What was the consequence of your actions?

1:13 In order to help the team, Ramsey has to do something she’s never done before. She has to learn something new and get out of her comfort zone. When was the last time you had to get out of your comfort zone? What was a skill you learned in order to help a friend?

1:22 Han comes back after everyone thought he was dead. How friends were amazed to see him alive. On Easter Sunday, Jesus came back to life after everyone thought he was dead. Everyone’s lives were completely different now that they learned that Jesus is actually God and everything He promised was true. Why do you think that Jesus‘ resurrection changed everything? How is your life different now that Jesus came back to life?

1:31 Jakob told the truth about his dad losing the car race on purpose. Jakob said that he was trying to keep a promise that he made to his father. How do you think Jakob is feeling right now? Do you agree more with Jakob or Dom’s actions in the events during and after their father’s death?

1:50 On multiple occasions, Han saved Elle’s life. Han saw that Elle was vulnerable as a young child and he stepped in to help. Later, when Elle was captured, Han put himself in harm’s way to save her. Isaiah 1:17 says, “Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.” How can you support and protect people who are in trouble? In what ways can you do good and seek justice for vulnerable people around the world?

Check out this article about How to Talk to Your Child About Vulnerable Children (Adoption/Foster Care).

1:59 Roman tells Tej that he’s got to have faith. Tej responds by saying, “Faith is not in numbers”. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” In what ways have you used faith in your life? How strong would you say that you have faith in God?

2:04 Dom and Jakob reconcile. Dom recognizes that no one is perfect and that his brother deserves a second chance. No one on Earth is perfect. We all make mistakes and we sin, missing the mark for God’s best for us. Yet, God gives us forgiveness and reconciliation through Jesus. In what ways are you not perfect? How do you feel about God, knowing that He forgives you and loves you unconditionally, no matter what you’ve done?

2:09 Dom invites his son, Brian, to say grace. When Brian says he doesn’t know how to pray, his dad tells him “It’s easy. Just say whatever is in your heart.” How comfortable are you at praying? What are the types of things that are in your heart that you might pray about?