States of Grace

Independent filmmaker, Richard Dutcher, follows his GOD'S ARMY and BRIGHAM CITY with a film that will reach out and touch more then just members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), if discriminating moviegoers can be made aware of the film. STATES OF GRACE, like Dutcher's first film, GOD'S ARMY, takes place in the Los Angeles area, but it takes you into tough neighborhoods where life can be snuffed out suddenly. The story (which I will not dwell on)examines the strengths and weaknesses of its characters, people from all walks of life and of many faiths and beliefs. It beautifully witnesses that Christ loves all people, not just those who have found Him and are striving to live better lives.

Dutcher, who wrote,edited and directed this film, has a way of creating interesting characters and complex situations that do not take the easy path. He's unconventional--and this film, like his BRIGHAM CITY, will cause some to be uneasy and shy away from viewing it. And that will be their loss.

The cast is rich in numbers of characters that both fascinate and live. Ignacio Serricchio, Lucas Fleischer, Lamont Stephens, Rachel Emmers and Jo-Sei Ikeda are each quite remarkable. The character of Louis, a homeless preacher (played by Jo-Sei Ikeda) who the Mormon Elders befriend is one of the films highlights. Ikeda has a rich voice and delivers a moving performance in a part that is very well written.

STATES OF GRACE has one of the most moving climaxes that I have ever experienced. One of Richard Dutcher's great strengths as a writer and director is bringing together the elements of his story into a powerful conclusion that moves the viewer and seals the meanings of the film.

Ken Glassing's cinematography is first rate, as is Ben Carson's scoring of the film. Dutcher's films always look like they must have cost a great deal more then they did.

If you get the chance, see it in a theatre.

I must confess I rolled my eyes when I heard this movie was being made. If it were not for the unanimous critical acclaim, from the few who have reviewed it, I would not have seen it. I also must admit there were a couple awkward but forgivable dialogue moments. But by the end of the film, I was stunned. I felt more moved by this film than any other I have seen in years, perhaps ever.

I imagine some will unfairly and erroneously think Dutcher was trying to justify sin and never get passed that criticism. But that's not the message. The message is that it doesn't matter who we are or how serious our sins are, it is never too late to find hope in Christ. That message could not have been conveyed if the worst sin the film addressed was someone shoplifting or breaking a minor mission rule. It had to address serious sins to show the reach and power of the atonement. This movie is not only the best Dutcher film, nor is it just the best LDS genre film, it is one of the best movies of any kind I have ever seen.

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.

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!

I cried through the whole thing, it was so moving and affecting. I have not a big fan of Mormon Cinema thus far, as most of it is very idealized, filled with in-jokes, and generally just very "in your face". But this film is so real, so accessible, and so professionally done that I could not help being completely knocked out by it.

The performances are much better than I have seen in previous Mormon films. Particularly those of Ignacio Serricchio and Lamont Stephens, who are simply spectacular as the gang-kid-turned-missionary and the gang-kid-turned-convert, respectively.

I loved the fact that this movie is about faith and belief, but not specifically about the Mormon faith. The two main characters are Mormons, but the stories are about real life situations and the way people behave in them, not about how Mormons are "supposed" to behave.

I would recommend this film to any and all. I will certainly be buying it when it comes to DVD.