MiserereNobis Posted July 14, 2017 Posted July 14, 2017 (edited) Which LDS film should I watch and why? I'm really asking about officially sanctioned films (with the Mormon nihil obstat and imprimatur), but feel free to argue for a non-official film. Please elaborate on the why -- I know there are lots of LDS films out there. Why this one in particular? ETA: I'll watch the one that most people think I should and give you my feedback on it. Edited July 14, 2017 by MiserereNobis
Kenngo1969 Posted July 14, 2017 Posted July 14, 2017 It's not an "officially-sanctioned" film, and, notwithstanding its maker having turned away from the faith, I really like God's Army. For an explanation of why, see here: https://greatgourdini.wordpress.com/2014/06/01/gods-army-and-my-own-mission/. That post also briefly mentions an "officially-sanctioned" film, Labor of Love, which is what God's Army would be if the latter had been produced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (It's the perspective on LDS missionary work through the eyes of someone who had just recently completed his mission: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2eSROqkmdA). I also like On The Way Home, which deals with the practical implications of the LDS Plan of Salvation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5ix31YR57o). And The Prodigal Son, a modern-day setting of the New Testament Parable: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnqdE06UaQ4. Happy watching. 3
JLHPROF Posted July 14, 2017 Posted July 14, 2017 (edited) That depends on what you are looking for, what topics etc? Legacy is a very nice basic retelling of Church history and the life of Joseph Smith, but it is not even slightly scholarly. Testaments is a nice story of Christ's visit to the America's. How Rare A Possession/A Voice From The Dust tells two stories of people finding the Book of Mormon - Parley P. Pratt and an Italian religious student. My personal favorite - Mountain of the Lord tells the story of the construction of the Salt Lake Temple and digs a little deeper into things I consider important. These are all fictional retellings. For a more documentary choice I like Between Heaven and Earth - A 45 minute examination of temples featuring interviews with a variety of people, including non-members. Edited July 14, 2017 by JLHPROF 3
JLHPROF Posted July 14, 2017 Posted July 14, 2017 3 minutes ago, Kenngo1969 said: It's not an "officially-sanctioned" film, and, notwithstanding its maker having turned away from the faith, I really like God's Army. For an explanation of why, see here: https://greatgourdini.wordpress.com/2014/06/01/gods-army-and-my-own-mission/. That post also briefly mentions an "officially-sanctioned" film, Labor of Love, which is what God's Army would be if the latter had been produced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (It's the perspective on LDS missionary work through the eyes of someone who had just recently completed his mission: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2eSROqkmdA). I also like On The Way Home, which deals with the practical implications of the LDS Plan of Salvation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5ix31YR57o). And The Prodigal Son, a modern-day setting of the New Testament Parable: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnqdE06UaQ4. Happy watching. Love God's Army (despite it not being Church produced). "Let's do some good!" 2
Kenngo1969 Posted July 14, 2017 Posted July 14, 2017 I thought of another one I really like: How Rare a Possession, which deals with the conversion power of the Book of Mormon (the book, not the play ). It has a thumbnail sketch of the conversion account of early Church leader Parley P. Pratt, as well as that of a pioneer of the Church in Italy where my brother served his mission, Vincenzo di Francesca. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75D5UEPwP-Y 4
mapman Posted July 14, 2017 Posted July 14, 2017 The Testaments is the best film the church has made imo. It was never going to win any oscars obviously, but it is pretty to look at, the acting is decent, and it doesn't make me roll my eyes or just get bored like some of the others. Also, the soundtrack is really pretty and it has a moving message about Christ. 2
JLHPROF Posted July 14, 2017 Posted July 14, 2017 1 minute ago, Kenngo1969 said: I thought of another one I really like: How Rare a Possession, which deals with the conversion power of the Book of Mormon (the book, not the play ). It has a thumbnail sketch of the conversion account of early Church leader Parley P. Pratt, as well as that of a pioneer of the Church in Italy where my brother served his mission, Vincenzo di Francesca. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75D5UEPwP-Y That's the one I thought was called Voice From The Dust. Maybe that's the video it was included with...
MiserereNobis Posted July 14, 2017 Author Posted July 14, 2017 15 minutes ago, Kenngo1969 said: t's not an "officially-sanctioned" film, and, notwithstanding its maker having turned away from the faith, I really like God's Army. For an explanation of why, see here: https://greatgourdini.wordpress.com/2014/06/01/gods-army-and-my-own-mission/. I just read your blog post. Thank you for sharing, especially how the film and your own experiences connected. 1
MiserereNobis Posted July 14, 2017 Author Posted July 14, 2017 9 minutes ago, Kenngo1969 said: as well as that of a pioneer of the Church in Italy Uh oh, an Italian.. probably a Catholic then! Both you and JLHPROF recommended, though, so it's on the list of possibilities
sunstoned Posted July 14, 2017 Posted July 14, 2017 53 minutes ago, MiserereNobis said: Which LDS film should I watch and why? I'm really asking about officially sanctioned films (with the Mormon nihil obstat and imprimatur), but feel free to argue for a non-official film. Please elaborate on the why -- I know there are lots of LDS films out there. Why this one in particular? ETA: I'll watch the one that most people think I should and give you my feedback on it. God"s Army. this was a good representation of mission life. 4
Tacenda Posted July 14, 2017 Posted July 14, 2017 Mr. Krueger's Christmas with Jimmy Stewart, Cipher in the Snow...these stand out in my mind and are both put out by the church. The Single's Ward, God's Army 2 - States of Grace, The Best Two Years, The Hometeachers (there was such a touching moment in it, even if the rest is corny, that I just loved) to name a few...not put out by the church.
Darren10 Posted July 14, 2017 Posted July 14, 2017 (edited) 2 hours ago, MiserereNobis said: Which LDS film should I watch and why? I'm really asking about officially sanctioned films (with the Mormon nihil obstat and imprimatur), but feel free to argue for a non-official film. Please elaborate on the why -- I know there are lots of LDS films out there. Why this one in particular? ETA: I'll watch the one that most people think I should and give you my feedback on it. Non-official film: Saints and Soldiers. Best LDS themed movie I know of. Luke 2 is a great short Christmas film. Edited July 14, 2017 by Darren10 2
hagoth7 Posted July 14, 2017 Posted July 14, 2017 (edited) 4 hours ago, MiserereNobis said: Which LDS film should I watch and why? I'm really asking about officially sanctioned films (with the Mormon nihil obstat and imprimatur), but feel free to argue for a non-official film. Please elaborate on the why -- I know there are lots of LDS films out there. Why this one in particular? ETA: I'll watch the one that most people think I should and give you my feedback on it. If looking for official movies depicting official LDS doctrine, I'll let others chime in. If looking for a glimpse of non-official LDS culture/belief, I recommend scooping up some popcorn from an apricrot tree and watching Once I Was A Beehive. Why? 1. Main character is not LDS. So you experience a glimpse of a people through fresh eyes. 2. The wife and creative partner of the main writer/producer is Catholic, and had her hand in that creative pie. And you'll see her in the film. 3. For years, until this movie came out, The Best Two Years had been my all-time favorite - one that resonated with my mission in northern Europe. So it took a well-crafted, well-acted film to bump a funny/serious/heartfelt film about the European mission experience into second place. 4. What helped the movie steal my heart that night, in addition to the very impressive two young actresses who stole the show, was that at the film's premiere, we brought along my son's best friend, a young lady who had tragically lost her father recently. And I got kind of uneasy at a few things early in the film that could have touched a raw nerve from our neighbor's recent loss. Won't add a spoiler. But at the end of the film, I turned and looked at her and waited. And she grinned from ear to ear, saying she couldn't wait to bring her mom to come see it. It had been a healing experience for her, and she wanted to share it. 5. As someone who is not LDS, you will likely appreciate some of our fun quirks and foibles and some unexpected strengths. 6. The music alone (upbeat/joyful soundtrack) is worth seeing the film. 7. I both laughed and cried in that movie. I'm prettyy even-keeled, so it's a tough sell for any film to get me to do both. Perhaps three in my adult life have succeded at that. 8. It is not a perfect film. But it was a near-perfect experience each time I've watched it. Full disclosure: This film happens to have been written and produced by a nephiew, with assistance from his wife and others. (The guy smiling for the camera is my nephiew.) So you can take my recommendation with a grain (or shaker) of salt...and some butter...if that makes ithe popcorn/movie experience tastier. Edited July 14, 2017 by hagoth7 1
Hamba Tuhan Posted July 14, 2017 Posted July 14, 2017 3 hours ago, MiserereNobis said: Uh oh, an Italian.. probably a Catholic then! A rare Protestant, actually.
hagoth7 Posted July 14, 2017 Posted July 14, 2017 23 minutes ago, Hamba Tuhan said: A rare Protestant, actually. How certain are you? It's been years, but I'm reasonably confident that the account is of a man studying to become a Catholic priest. Good film.
Alan Posted July 14, 2017 Posted July 14, 2017 The Best Two Years The RM The Home Teachers Mobsters & Mormons 17 Miracles None of these are church made or sanctioned films. On the whole, Church made films don't tend to be very good in my view. 2
RevTestament Posted July 14, 2017 Posted July 14, 2017 The best official Church movie I have seen = The Testaments. It really moved me. The best unofficial film = Eprhraim's Rescue It's true and covers a little doctrine, a little Church history. The best unofficial missionary movie = The Best Two Years. 3
Alan Posted July 14, 2017 Posted July 14, 2017 14 minutes ago, RevTestament said: The best official Church movie I have seen = The Testaments. It really moved me. The best unofficial film = Eprhraim's Rescue It's true and covers a little doctrine, a little Church history. The best unofficial missionary movie = The Best Two Years. Ephraim's Rescue; absolutely. I couldn't remember what it was called, but I agree with you, it is excellent. 1
Bobbieaware Posted July 14, 2017 Posted July 14, 2017 6 hours ago, MiserereNobis said: Which LDS film should I watch and why? I'm really asking about officially sanctioned films (with the Mormon nihil obstat and imprimatur), but feel free to argue for a non-official film. Please elaborate on the why -- I know there are lots of LDS films out there. Why this one in particular? ETA: I'll watch the one that most people think I should and give you my feedback on it. You should check out the movie Napoleon Dynomite. 3
Bobbieaware Posted July 14, 2017 Posted July 14, 2017 6 hours ago, MiserereNobis said: Which LDS film should I watch and why? I'm really asking about officially sanctioned films (with the Mormon nihil obstat and imprimatur), but feel free to argue for a non-official film. Please elaborate on the why -- I know there are lots of LDS films out there. Why this one in particular? ETA: I'll watch the one that most people think I should and give you my feedback on it. The following is an excellent LDS vignette. In six minutes it perfectly captures the core LDS concepts of teaching by the Spirit and receiving personal revelation. https://youtu.be/uJ7J_uUk4uw 1
Hamba Tuhan Posted July 14, 2017 Posted July 14, 2017 4 hours ago, hagoth7 said: How certain are you? 100%. 2
USU78 Posted July 14, 2017 Posted July 14, 2017 8 hours ago, Kenngo1969 said: It's not an "officially-sanctioned" film, and, notwithstanding its maker having turned away from the faith, I really like God's Army. For an explanation of why, see here: https://greatgourdini.wordpress.com/2014/06/01/gods-army-and-my-own-mission/. That post also briefly mentions an "officially-sanctioned" film, Labor of Love, which is what God's Army would be if the latter had been produced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (It's the perspective on LDS missionary work through the eyes of someone who had just recently completed his mission: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2eSROqkmdA). I also like On The Way Home, which deals with the practical implications of the LDS Plan of Salvation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5ix31YR57o). And The Prodigal Son, a modern-day setting of the New Testament Parable: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnqdE06UaQ4. Happy watching. And G-d's Army II. And Brigham City. And 17 Miracles. 3
Amulek Posted July 14, 2017 Posted July 14, 2017 9 hours ago, MiserereNobis said: Which LDS film should I watch and why? I'm really asking about officially sanctioned films (with the Mormon nihil obstat and imprimatur), but feel free to argue for a non-official film. Please elaborate on the why -- I know there are lots of LDS films out there. Why this one in particular? ETA: I'll watch the one that most people think I should and give you my feedback on it. Well, if you aren’t LDS, the church has an officially sanctioned film that it shows in the temples with some degree of regularity. You have to see it in the temple though. Those pirated / bootleg versions of the film floating around the internet really won’t give you the full experience. If you’re looking for something more entertaining though, I would recommend the following three films (in this order): Brigham City God’s Army Saints and Soldiers None of these are “official” LDS films, but they are the best LDS films I have seen to date. Unfortunately I don’t find much of what passes for LDS filmmaking to be terribly compelling. I see that somebody mentioned Napoleon Dynamite. If you’re going to watch a comedy, that’s pretty much the only one that is worth seeing. And, even then, I think you’re going to miss out on quite a bit (and possibly not really enjoy it) if never lived in or knew somebody from rural Idaho (is that an oxymoron?). 1
strappinglad Posted July 14, 2017 Posted July 14, 2017 Come on guys, I am shocked ...SHOCKED .. that no one has mentioned Johnny Lingo ! 2
USU78 Posted July 14, 2017 Posted July 14, 2017 6 minutes ago, strappinglad said: Come on guys, I am shocked ...SHOCKED .. that no one has mentioned Johnny Lingo ! Three cows is many.
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