Meet the Mormons

This film seeks to inspire and enlighten viewers by summing up the goodness, challenges, and triumphs of six Mormons from diverse backgrounds and locales. 'Meet the Mormons'does a great job of storytelling, and breaks new ground in the genre of Mormon movies (i.e., One Good Man, Saints & Soldiers, The Other Side of Heaven, Charly, etc.), by providing the breadth, depth, and good pacing of an official documentary, coupled with a refreshing degree of authenticity and sincerity that is difficult to ignore or deny. 'Meet the Mormons'provides an opportunity to peer briefly into not only individual lives, but into the functions of the LDS Church and its unique global Gospel culture. Each member appears to live rich and service oriented lives and is presented in tandem with their loved ones, their religious community, as well as in key societal interactions - many of which are quite striking (e.g., a US soldier dropping candy out of airplanes for German kids, an educated Nepalese building schools and improving water supply for his people, etc.). As some critics have mentioned, film-goers may not fully appreciate the basic purpose of the film (even despite being keyed in by the films title) and get a little confused as to why there is no greater attempt at resolving doctrinal questions or controversies. If you are looking for a film length version of Mormon apologetics, this is probably not the film for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for an opportunity to be inspired by great lives, to reevaluate your own conceptions of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, while also being taken on an interesting trip around the world, this is a film for you to see (and see again).

MEET THE MORMONS was directed by Blair Treu who has done some work for Disney and did the 2001 feature film LITTLE SECRETS, which Ebert & Rooper gave "Two Thumbs Up!" I mention this film because I absolutely loved it and have wondered from time to time what future films Blair Treu would do. What he has done with MEET THE MORMONS is to create an insight into the lives of several members of the LDS faith in different parts of the world. The documentary is beautifully recorded and he has captured his subjects in a meaningful way that lets the viewer feel the wonder of having faith in God and striving to to use that faith in raising a good family and of serving mankind. Professional critics will find fault with it for not addressing beliefs of the LDS Church that non-members don't understand, but that's not what this film is trying to do. Members of the Mormon Church are not members of some cult group -- they are Christians who are trying to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ -- and their stories are as varied as each person is different. The film lets us share the lives of six different families who each meet the challenges of life by serving their loved ones and enriching lives of people they come in contact with. Members of the Mormon Church will be inspired by this film and people who know little or nothing about the LDS Church should feel a love and kinship with the people shown because they are men and woman striving to live good lives and serve their fellow-man. Blair Treu and the talents behind the camera have done a magnificent job of visually sharing the lives of some interesting people.

This documentary helps renew "faith in humanity" - that someone in almost any walk of life can make choices that make not only their lives rich, but also bless the lives of those around them. Each of the "mormons" focused on was so inspiring in different ways. I could see how my life could change for the better, just by being the best person I can be, and finding more ways to serve others. The cinematography was over the top, and the film was such high quality. Sometimes when I watch a documentary, there are places where the story drags, and not all of it is the most interesting. This one was an exception, as I enjoyed EVERY MINUTE of it. Hopefully those who watch it will come away with valuable information, just about what MORMONS stand for, but will realize there are many misconceptions about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I brought my wife and kids to this movie hoping to give my kids a broader view of the world, and the people who live in it. This movie was excellent, highlighting the stories, and lives of six ordinary people from around the world, who have done amazing things just by being good. They didn't set out to be amazing, they just choose good. These people also happen to be members of The Church of Jesus Christ or Latter Day Saints (or Mormons).

I, and my children, came away realizing that the daily choices we make can have great effect. That acts of good can touch others and have a profound effect on their lives. I do not agree with some critics that this was a movie trying to convert me to Mormonism. I think that the church wanted people to realize that their members are normal people trying to be good. That accomplished that goal, in an inspiring movie that made me want to help others in the world.

This is a documentary made by Mormons about Mormons. So naturally it is designed to leave the audience with a favorable taste in its mouth toward the religion. Given those expectations it's not nearly as preachy as you might expect. It is fascinating to see the way in which Mormons tell their own story. The stories of the 6 featured people in the documentary could probably be told about good people of any other Christian faith. The question the film seeks to answer is why these intelligent, normal, believing people choose to be members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and not some other Christian denomination.  The production value is high and there are some breathtaking settings, particularly the segments from Costa Rica and Nepal. The narrator's script was sadly weak and trite. It might have been better altogether without any narration at all. The greatest measure of this film though, is the state of mind you leave with. Did I want to be better because of the message I felt in this film? Absolutely. Overwhelmingly. I want the absolute selflessness of The Candy Bomber and The   Humanitarian. My life would be much richer with the hope and resilience of The Missionary Mom. And that is exactly what I was hoping to get from Meet the Mormons.