Credible Credits
Year: 2014
Director: Blair Treu
Tagline: Six ordinary individuals. Six extraordinary stories.
Synopsis: Get a glimpse at the lives of six individuals from around the country and around the world, all united by faith.
Review
This isn't a review like my other reviews. Partly because this film isn't like the films I usually review. I have no criticism to offer. The closest thing I've got is wishing the film had been a little longer so it could have gone a bit more in depth.
First off, let me point out the documentary is called Meet the Mormons, not LDS Theology 101. The film is not meant to be an introduction to Church doctrine. Of course you can't discuss the lives of members without discussing some of what we believe. After all, what we believe is inextricably intertwined into who we are. The focus of the film shines on living our beliefs as well as finding common ground with all religious traditions, whether it be Baptist, Catholic, or Hindu.
Primarily, this is an introduction to us as a people. The clear intent being to dispel the prejudices and misconceptions others have about us. The film even begins by acknowledging the most common stereotypes and misunderstandings. With each subsequent segment, the film basically says: "You think you know who Mormons are, think again." The growing diversity within the Church is emphasized and celebrated throughout.
For those who haven't seen it yet, I'm not going to spoil any of the stories. Suffice it to say, the first few stories are nice, lighter fare. For me at least, the stories got more gripping as the film went on, with the last story being the most compelling of all. That was the story of the single mother whose entire life was changed by the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
Beautiful stories would have been enough, but the film itself is also absolutely beautiful. At times the cinematography is just breathtaking. One segment is in Nepal. We see pictures of the Himalayas quite often. We don't often see the Himalayas as someone's backyard view. Stunning. And I clearly need to go ziplining in Costa Rica.
Just as a fun last tidbit, I'd like to point out that the film's editor was Wynn Hougaard, one of my professors when I was a film student at BYU. Neat.
My final assessment is simply to go see Meet the Mormons. It's 100% worth your time and 100% worth your money (which is being donated to the American Red Cross).
First off, let me point out the documentary is called Meet the Mormons, not LDS Theology 101. The film is not meant to be an introduction to Church doctrine. Of course you can't discuss the lives of members without discussing some of what we believe. After all, what we believe is inextricably intertwined into who we are. The focus of the film shines on living our beliefs as well as finding common ground with all religious traditions, whether it be Baptist, Catholic, or Hindu.
Primarily, this is an introduction to us as a people. The clear intent being to dispel the prejudices and misconceptions others have about us. The film even begins by acknowledging the most common stereotypes and misunderstandings. With each subsequent segment, the film basically says: "You think you know who Mormons are, think again." The growing diversity within the Church is emphasized and celebrated throughout.
For those who haven't seen it yet, I'm not going to spoil any of the stories. Suffice it to say, the first few stories are nice, lighter fare. For me at least, the stories got more gripping as the film went on, with the last story being the most compelling of all. That was the story of the single mother whose entire life was changed by the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
Beautiful stories would have been enough, but the film itself is also absolutely beautiful. At times the cinematography is just breathtaking. One segment is in Nepal. We see pictures of the Himalayas quite often. We don't often see the Himalayas as someone's backyard view. Stunning. And I clearly need to go ziplining in Costa Rica.
Just as a fun last tidbit, I'd like to point out that the film's editor was Wynn Hougaard, one of my professors when I was a film student at BYU. Neat.
My final assessment is simply to go see Meet the Mormons. It's 100% worth your time and 100% worth your money (which is being donated to the American Red Cross).
Quotable Quotes
- "God is the author of diversity." -- The Bishop
- "I'm not close to perfection, but I'm perfect in one thing: I'm perfect in trying." -- The Humanitarian
- "One choice can change everything." -- The Single Mother
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