Mission Stories

I'm really grateful for the inspiring messages of this film. Writer/Director Bryce Clark tackles some really tough and emotional subject matter and weaves several short stories into a beautiful tapestry of redemption and healing.

It is a spiritual film that never loses sight of the fact that we are all flawed and broken in some way and in need of a Savior.

Some very strong performances from the cast and an absolutely stellar soundtrack. The camera work and editing were also top notch.

This is a remarkable film of three stories woven together with the common theme of redemption and healing. Each of the short stories deals with people who felt lost, without hope of being reconciled to God. The stories of their journey to find hope in Christ, and to feel again love, peace and happiness are moving. There are very difficult and emotional issues in these stories, but the movie develops them subtly and with a sense of empathy. We also see young missionaries representing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints grow and learn in their intense and meaningful teaching of these people.

I was curious about this film being a theatrical release as its title of MISSIONARY STORIES plainly indicates that it is focused more a members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints then in reaching a larger faith-following group.

It depicts three missionary stories and is divided into four parts or Chapters as it is stated on screen.

The first missionary experience is divided into Chapter One and Chapter Four at the conclusion the film. It is certainly the most dramatic of the three stories as deals with a suicidal situation.

While I found myself pulled into the stories I did wonder why the filmmakers felt that it would drawn well in a theater. My understanding came with a statement at the end of the film that it was intended to be an introduction to television series that will explore various experiences of LDS missionaries -- in fact it invites audiences members to submit missionary stories for consideration to be told on the series.

I do think that something like this might work well as a TV series and it will be interesting to see if the intended plans actually more forward.

If it is done as television series I suggest that you refrain from shooting in the 2.35:1 format. For some reason would be filmmakers are fascinated with this anamorphic format. When seen on a TV screen you have a small image with black bars above and below the screen image. Why not use the full wide screen framing of the TV. It takes much more skill as a cinematographer to make effective use of the 2.35 format.

I was glad that I was able to catch a theatrical screening of MISSION STORIES. The sound track was well recorded and the limited use of music well done. The acting ranges from very well done to okay. The stories told did spiritual touch me several times.

I wish you well on your television project and look forward to see what becomes of this noble effort.