User reviews

This is not a bad movie and most of the english speaking world probably doesn't even notice that most of the acteurs in this movie that trie to speak German have terrible translated scripts. You could say that it is normal to have americans with poor german accents but even the Germans are not able to pronaunce a normal scentance. All the german soldiers behave like stereo type Nazis, like a loony toons cartoon from the '50. Sadly the movie leans in too much on to mormon faith with makes it monotonous. Given that the production quality is so high and the acteurs are pretty good this movie had more potentionel.

As an old man who's been a movie buff for over 50 years, I have to say this film was painful to watch. Why? Because it was so poorly made in every aspect you can think of. The dialogue was ridiculous and the music was repetitive and annoying.

Although I am not "LDS" as they say in Utah, I did live in Salt Lake City for 3 years and I know from experience that members of "The Church" as they call it there, do NOT talk like the characters in the movie. It's obvious to me this is just a propaganda film to promote the Mormon faith. I found the local adherents of "The Church" to be very nice, polite people but at the same time, if you are not "one of them" -- you will never be fully accepted. At least, that was my experience there and one of the reasons why I came back to "America".

Escape From Germany purports to be the "incredible true story" of the evacuation of Mormon missionaries from Germany just prior to the invasion of Poland. While I'm prepared to believe such an evacuation took place, the film creates an entirely false narrative around the Mormon relationship to Hitler and Nazism - so the film qualifies as propaganda, not historical drama. From the outset Escape from Germany implies that Mormons were persecuted by the Nazis and in grave danger as war became inevitable. In fact, Hitler had no problem with Mormons and many German Mormons were enthusiastic Nazis. Moreover, the Mormon church was more than mildly enthusiastic about Hitler throughout the 1930s, not at all averse to anti-semitism and fully supportive of many Nazi policies, such as their laws against homosexuality. So when the film's Mormon missionaries are depicted as fearful and repulsed by SS officers, then kind and compassionate toward Jewish children, it is fanciful revisionism, not a believable depiction of Mormon attitudes of the time. Blatant propaganda aside, Escape From Germany - despite an obviously lavish budget - is hobbled by consistently lousy dialogue, some very ropey acting and loads of hilariously OTT German accents. About the only plus is the cast of impossibly good-looking missionaries. Oddly, most look as though they should have been cast as hot Nazis.

That may have just been the longest 1 hour 37 minutes of my life. The dialogue is horrendous and the scores are abysmal. I understand that it did not have a large budget but the money that they did have was not put in the right places. The cast should have been hired. The lead was alright but the rest of the main characters looked and talked like they had never been in front of a camera in their life. Part of this was the script and how badly written it was but the delivery was not it. I wish they would have explored the theme of each character because the true stories in the credits were semi interesting. Please don't waste your time like I did.

This film is beautifully made, moving, and remarkably revealing about events leading up to World War II. It is based on careful research about real events, yet at the same time tells an almost unbelievably powerful story. The closing credits were one of my favorite parts of the film: we see photos of the real people who are portrayed in the film, along with information that confirms the veracity of the story we have seen while extending that story beyond what the film portrays. The issues dealt with are thought provoking and chillingly relevant, including the plight of refugees, racial and religious prejudice, and the abuse of government power. But we also see the power of goodness in so many who are willing to risk their own safety to help and protect others.

The writing was drab and stiff. The idea of 'Show Don't Tell' falls flat. The script could have used another 3-4 full revisions before going to production. So many dialogue elements could have been cleaned up. The acting was horrific and hard to stomach. The protagonist's constant 'smoldering' looks and dry delivery was nauseating. I laughed out loud on a few parts only to realize they were not meant to be funny.

I understand it is low budget and for a specific audience but this one was a hard pill to swallow.

2/3 of the movie was unbearable. The latter half of the 3rd act was redeeming and interesting. I enjoyed the end credits and the stories about the real people.

Comparing this movie to big-budget Hollywood films with A-list actors is impossible. So within the genre of modest-budgets with aspiring actors, this movie shines bright. Based on the true account of missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who are forced to flee Germany before the advent of WW2, Director/Producer TC Christensen weaves a story with suspense, humor, and limited political context.

Some of the one-line actors (Elders) could have been better coached, and I didn't care for the delivery from some of the primary characters.

Despite these shortcoming, the sets were fantastic, scenes were realistic, and the overall atmosphere was beautifully done. Beyond that, the core message of God supporting his missionaries in a period of crisis was spot-on and inspiring.

The additional details, during the end-credits were a huge bonus. I will watch this again, and I'll recommend this to others who wish to know the true 1939 account.

T. C. Christiansen delivers again in this inspirational true story set in the backdrop of the beginning of WWII. A call comes from then president and prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to a mission leader in Germany. The message: Germany will invade Poland in 3 days. Three days later Germany begins mobilizing the military. This movie is about the miracles that ensue and how God will guide any of his children as they turn to him. It is also a reminder of the atrocities committed against the Jewish people at this time. This reminder is sadly still relevant in our world today. A great film for the entire family.

Where to start? Think of the worst TV movie you've ever seen, then imagine how it could be worse in every possible way. This is like some ghastly vanity project where a child has been given hundreds of thousands to make a movie, and came up with this.

I can only assume that some christian cult funded this, and it's intended for those people to watch. But surely even they would be fidgeting in their seats after the first five minutes of ghastliness - honestly, the Germans in this are more likeable than the movie itself.

Please do not waste a minute of your time considering watching this rubbish; it's time you will never get back.

This movie was so incredible and shows that God's hand is in everything. Incredible true story, and a great reminder to turn to God in all things because He will direct you. Many negative comments about the dialogue not being realistic, but it was realistic because they are missionaries. That's how me and everyone else in my mission spoke pretty much. Very common to constantly quote scripture and talk about God. Absolutely loved this movie. One thing I loved was at the end they showed actual footage that one of the elders had taken while trying to escape from Germany. I loved that they also were able to interview the last living missionary that had escaped so they could get it as accurate as possible.

We just got back from seeing "Escape from Germany." WOW!!! It is one of the best movies we have ever seen. I expected it to be good, but not THIS FABULOUS!! Of course, they had great research and good material to work from with Terry Montague's book, "Mine Angels Round About: West German Mission Evacuation 1939." It was SO well done, in every respect, from the script, the filming, even the acting. It was just a great movie to watch. I'd back today and even pay to watch it again. I hope it comes out on Netflix or something once it is done in the theaters, but, hey, GO SEE IT!!! It doesn't matter what faith you belong to - it's a fascinating story. *Make sure to stay to read ALL of the credits - so many extra details about the people involved. To the very end. Don't miss any of it.

The reviews here are too harsh. This is an inspiring true story of faith and fear and heroic actions to save human life. Try to imagine what that would be like. Try to be open to what the true and story is. Every movie doesn't need to be full of sex drugs and rock and roll.

Sure the story could have had more depth. But it is riveting just the same.

Can you image the parents of these missionaries and how they felt? The dread and fear that's their children doing their Gods work could have been stuck and killed in Germany at this time? As a parent of a child who served a church mission, I feel that fear. Even as a non religious mother I'm sure they would also fear the loss of their child stuck behind enemy lines and the fear of what was happening.

Please watch this as it is inspirational. Again. Not a blockbuster but good non the less!

I absolutely loved it. I think for those with a spiritual bent, they will appreciate the miracles evident in this true story. Even so, it was a fascinating account from an historic point of view. Not having known the story beforehand, it proved particularly riveting.

The main actors all, as expected, did a great job. What impressed me, in addition, was the fantastic performances across the board. Though her part was small, the young actress who played the role of a little Jewish girl really stood out to me. When her family, especially her father,was being picked on by a Nazi official I was utterly convinced by her sorrow and I felt heartbroken. Tremendous acting chops for one so young.

I was a little apprehensive at first. However, from the opening scene to the last of the credits, I was on the edge of my seat. This is a true story of amazing courage and faith.

It's been out for several months, and I honestly thought my wife and I would be the only ones in the theatre. The 1:50pm showing was SOLD OUT!!! The house was packed. And, this was in a 16-screen mega theatre!!!

I want to watch it again. There is a lot to unpack with this movie. It is suspenseful, tearful, funny at times, and absolutely awesome.

At the end, it goes through all of the people as the credits are rolling and tells what happened to them after WWII. Stay for the credits.

This story will make lift and inspire you. If it were not a true story, it would be just another cheesy religious film. However, not so fast. Regardless of your persuasion, this true story will cause you to believe that there is something more to life that makes it all worth while. Positive themes. Difficult subject (war, racism, Nazi occupation, etc). Just go and see it. Worth your time and $$. It is an independent firm produced on a budget, so of course it is not Hollywood big-budget quality. But is you love independent film, this is for you. You will be glued to the credits as the post-period characters lives are highlighted.

With so few original and new stories being produced right now, it's refreshing to have something like this come along.

I suspect those that don't like this movie are either anti films with a Christian theme, anti Mormon, or honestly just don't know much about film.

Escape from Germany is beautifully filmed, and, frankly, the writing, directing and acting is better than most Faith-based films. (The Chosen, of course, being the Gold Standard.)

Regardless of whether you consider yourself a person of faith, or belong to any particular religion, I don't think you'll regret watching this wonderful Family Film.

A good time for this movie which accurately represents the holy spirit and the goodness of those close to God. I am not a Mormon I'm a Christian and at times am concerned by those in the more cult like Mormon churches, however I felt this movie was well done and that God did reveal himself and provide protection to a group of good people doing good, it is at times of violence such as we have now that we all - Christian and those without faith must raise our heads and pray for peace and do what we can to do good. I believe all should watch this with an open mind and heart and see how God provides for us even in dark times.

This film offered a true story with a PG rating for good family entertainment. The director T. C. Christensen mentioned three miracles that happened in the process of doing the film. Two were concerned with the funding of the less than a million-dollar cost of the film and the last miracle was who the extras were in the film. "Eighty-five percent of the extras in this film are descendants of the actual missionaries this happened to," T. C. said. "I loved to have them on the set, we introduced them every morning. And they made me cry every morning because they're there to honor their ancestor, and they bring a spirit to the set that helps us remember that this is a real story we're telling."

I was totally unaware of this story, and I'm glad that it was made into a film. Elder Seibold who was tasked with finding the missionaries was led by the Spirit to find them and urge them to get out. Time was of the essence, and he did meet up with some resistance. Luckily, he was able to convince them, it was necessary to get out.

I enjoyed learning about this dramatic story and how historic events such as WWII impact people's lives.