"Machine Gun Preacher" focuses on a flawed, complex male protagonist whose personal transformation and action are front and center. The storytelling is remarkably non-woke by modern Hollywood standards, and character identity isn't exaggerated for ideological points. The film presents traditional arcs without injecting overt representation mandates.

The film actually leans into themes of redemption, faith, family, and masculinity, portraying religion in a serious, if gritty, light. It even depicts masculine traits and responsibility as virtues, which is a far cry from the typical undermining seen in highly woke media. There's little evidence of revisionist pushing of modern values onto its setting.

While the film is rooted in a Western hero's journey, it does explore the complexities of violence in a religious context and doesn't just flatten opposition into caricatures. Some may argue the depiction of Africa relies on savior tropes, but overall, alternative viewpoints are given some space.