Witnesses

I really enjoyed this film.

First, it was not cheesy like many can be in this genre.

Second, the acting, cinematography, music, editing, sets, costumes, etc. Were all very well done and professional. This was a very well-built film.

Third, the story jumped around a lot chronologically. While that can make for a more interesting film - and people already familiar with the origins of the Church probably followed the story just fine - those who are less familiar with the founding of the Church will probably be confused at times.

For example, why is Joseph Smith falling? Oh, never mind; it was just a dream. Wait, he's dead? Was that from the fall or something else?

The scene only makes sense if you already know the story.

But perhaps my favorite thing about the film is that it didn't shy away from the controversial parts of Church history. Rather than gloss over them or skip them altogether, the film showed how those events impacted the decisions of early Church members and leaders.

The film gives color to the black and white understanding many of us think we have of these people.

As a result, I have so much more appreciation and respect for David Whitmer, Martin Harris, and Oliver Cowdery.

If you are a Latter-day Saint, this is a must-see movie.

I'm looking forward to owning it when it comes out on disc.

I can't believe some reviewers ase calling this factual in any way. It really proves that Mormons don't know their own history other than the sugar coated stories they're told as children.

This movie is not historically accurate, it's more fan fiction which would be fine but it claims to be accurate.

It was good to see that the movie did not just gloss over the negative events of that day. And did not hide the fact that the witnesses all had issues with Joseph Smith and left the church.

Witnesses is a well done film based on a true story. It is not a documentary but a well scripted portrayal of the Witnesses of the Book of Mormon. The director captures the beauty and suffering of the day and the music is beautiful. It is entertaining and inspirational and captures the most important message that no matter what the witnesses faced, they stayed true to their testimony of what they saw and witnessed.

The acting was well done and whether or not you are a Christian or a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, this film is uplifting showing the strength of the human spirit. I highly recommend.

I wish I could give Witnesses a higher rating. After all, it means well, and the acting is good. However, as a film, it's a little messy. First of all, it's a frame story, so there's that element, and then they have three different accounts they're trying to tell at the same time. Plus, in addition to all that, they also jump around in time within those accounts. It gets confusing. And I feel like they tried to cram too much into the movie. I'm fairly familiar with the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but I imagine Witnesses would be quite confusing for someone who isn't.