States of Grace

Let's start from the end - it was a good movie. At some point I thought it was heading to a "requiem for a dream" ending but something went wrong. Was it the weird final scene? Was it the lack of music? Was it the unbelievable characters? I don't know, still, as a non-Christian I found this movie to be good though my girlfriend that watched the movie with me said it was one of the worst films she have seen... I asked her why but she couldn't explain, she said "too much dialog, not enough action", and when a girl is saying that - you can guess what that means... So, going back to the beginning - it was a good movie but it could be an excellent one!

Just got back from "States of Grace." Truly an amazing film. It was not what I expected. Much less "Mormon" than "God's Army" in some ways. I was moved. Dutcher, in a way that reminded me of the evocative Sacrament scene in "Brigham City," ended this film with a very moving, personal experience shared by all the main characters in the film, which ingeniously had a powerful-yet-different meaning for each of them.

I was surprised at how long it was - just over 2 hours. If you're going to see a feel-good fluffy movie, this is not the one. It is PG-13 for good reason. Very faith promoting, but not "sweet." It is difficult to evaluate such a film for technical aspects; there were too many overwhelming moments in the film that skilfully drew me in.

One last observation: the film is excellently Christ-centered. Dutcher beautifully weaves a coherent fabric of the love of Jesus for all people out of disparate strands. At times I almost didn't want to see how a scene would end, because of the heaviness, but in the end it was all worth it. Mixing typical Mormon symbols and sentiments and typical Christian symbols and sentiments, the feel at the end ameliorates much of the pain displayed in the movie, and demonstrates how hope can prevail.

Mormon film to this point has been mainly "Mormon", but flightily "film". While some pictures have had strong points, for example, the subtle humor in "Napoleon Dynamite" or action in "Saint and Soldiers", most of the genre has been self-absorbed and self-serving. Even Dutcher's previous "God's Army" was aimed specifically for a Mormon audience and did not have any lofty design or style.

The self-proclaimed "Father of Mormon Cinema" has here created a film that could be accessible to a wide audience and should be better received. The characters are again missionaries, but share little similarities to the characters in "God's Army." The fact that it is already disappearing from theaters is due to poor marketing and advertising, and does not reflect the quality of the film.

Finally a Mormon character faces some real problems and really struggles. Finally Mormon characters make real mistakes and have to pay real repentance. Finally a Mormon story involves real non-Mormon characters and views them not as the oddity, but real people in the real world. And finally, Dutcher has a real vision and real message and actually directs this picture like no one has dared in the genre.

The acting in the film is miles above anything yet seen in Mormon film, as is the direction. Moments between Lozano and Carl, or any moment with the street preacher Louis feel honest and natural. The "gangstas" (as the ads so poorly state) seem real, not like your Mormon high school production or road-show. Even the character of Farrell, who was initially the weakest link in the film, shows his true colors by the end. Dutcher constantly alludes to action in his story and composition, and he creates some amazing pictures, showing that he may be the least accessible person off camera, but he is the most capable director of the genre yet. Carl's confirmation scene, while paying homage to "The Godfather", is amazing in its own right. The story occasionally bordered on cliché, but Dutcher never let it go that route, instead opting for some really difficult decisions for his characters.

I know that many Mormons will not want to see this movie because it has characters that have or will make mistakes. It has some uncomfortable situations and asks some tough questions. What they should realize, however, is that this is the first "Mormon film" that actually has something to say. Instead of laughing at ourselves and our Jello molds, why not show situations that really happen? Why not dare to put ourselves in the shoes of our fellow men? Why not realize that we are but one religion among many, all of which bring goodness into the world? Why not join others in their everyday struggles and know that we are not alone in this world? This film is the first to ask these questions and most successfully answer them. "States of Grace" is not the best film I have ever seen, but it is the best "Mormon film" I have yet seen and is among the best of this year. Open-minded, open-hearted, open-souled viewers everywhere should watch this movie. It may change how you look at things.

I have become a big Richard Dutcher fan. I always spend several days after seeing his movies thinking about the implications. States of Grace is by far his best offering. I think I liked it so well because it tells an LDS story that is not only realistic but can hold meaning for anyone of faith. It is very well crafted and the cinematography is just beautiful. The acting ranges from good to extremely good and as always in a Richard Dutcher movie the symbolism is deep.

My wife liked this movie so much because she felt that it told the truth. Bad things happen in the lives of good people everyday and Dutcher does a phenomenal job of looking at what that life can become when viewed through a spiritual filter. Something that would have little significance for one person may be a profound life changing event for another. This film demonstrates that and shows how all lives can be touched by the atonement of Jesus Christ. I never thought that I would see a movie that could tell such a gritty and true story and yet communicate so powerfully the universality of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is a great movie for Mormons but I can easily see why non LDS people would have trouble getting by the depiction of Mormon culture....too bad, I think anyone of faith could be uplifted by the message of this film.

For those faint of heart, weak of character, or poor in spirit, be careful with this film. It handles heavy issues, tackles serious drama, and has definite PG-13 material. But it also illustrates compassionately and expertly the atoning power of Christ, the amazing strength that can come from relying on Him in our imperfect, human state, and turning to Him in repentance, feeling His love, regardless of the mistakes we've made.

This was a gritty, realistic look at many of the issues young people (especially missionaries) face today. It doesn't try to hide the evil, but it does keep the Spirit and the Gospel of peace, hope and repentance far more prominent. It doesn't condescend or submit to cheap laughs and religious stereotypes, as many LDS-made films do, but rather, as Dutcher has a magnificent habit of doing, it focuses on what the Gospel is really about. It doesn't pretend that sin isn't sin, it recognizes fully when wrong has been done, and when further wrong is done in an attempt to rectify it. This film indicates the only real solution to any problem, the power of Christ. To those who grimace at the reverent and appropriate use of ordinances and the like in Dutcher's movies, get past your letter-of-the-law cultural mindset and take a look at the Gospel, and listen to the Spirit.

Technically, this film is as admirable and noteworthy as many films made nowadays. Where Dutcher finds such incredible actors is beyond me, as is how he manages to get such powerful and moving performances out of them. It's artistic, it's dramatic, but it's real and feels like a situation that you've seen before. The use of Sam Cardon's music was effective, and the one or two throwbacks to God's Army were enjoyable. Especially noteworthy was how this film didn't downplay any religion, but rather lifted up the importance of believing and relying on Christ.

I laughed, I cried, and then I cried some more. Everyone who finds their way to this review, PLEASE do what you need to do to see this incredible film. It will make you grateful that we have a Savior to turn to when we know we've done the wrong thing. I only wish I could give this film 11 stars. Bravo, Richard. You've done it again.