The Saratov Approach

First of all, before I get attacked for this review, I want it known that I am LDS. That said, I'm not the type of LDS blindly submissive follower, I'm of the free-thinking variety and as such, this is not a critique of the story or religion. as a person who studied film production in a major university, however, I must say this is one of the most poorly made films I have ever seen in a very long time.

The story is fine, if you can get past the mostly-awful acting, intrusive music, continuously shaky camera work - obviously in competition for the largest number of nauseated viewers since 99's 'The Blair Witch Project' and quite a bit of filler involving 1990's basketball references and ineffective waiting family scenes, you might actually enjoy it.

The film has its moments, two exactly, but the other 100 minutes are not worth watching for those brief moments of redemption. Had this film been made another way, it could have really been something, the basic story is good, the script, screenplay and film production isn't up to par, even considering other low-budget films.

Personally, I wish I would have just bought a ticket to see 'Saving Mr. Banks' or 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty' again.

From one humble Christian's perspective...

Language level: 1 out of 5 Nothing objectionable.

Sexual level: 0 out of 5 Absolutely none.

Violence level: 2.5 out of 5 Some fighting, being held at gunpoint, etc. May not be suitable for children under the age of 13.

Personal Thoughts: An excellent inspirational film, with a message of Christian hope.

A couple of passing Mormon Elders steered me to this film and I have to say it was not a bad choice. Filmed in both Salt Lake City and Kiev, The Saratov Approach is about two Mormon Elders on their mission in the Russian city of Saratov who are kidnapped by a pair of would be criminals and the LDS church itself given a ransom notice.

As a tenet of the faith these young men and occasionally women do go on these two year missions to spread the faith. In that time if one is converted by them it's gravy. The meat and potatoes is to spread good will for the Church of Latter Day Saints. So Elders Propst and Tuttle are doing just that in the Russian they've learned in preparation for this assignment.

Corbin Allred and MacLain Nelson do a good job in roles they are clearly too old for. Missionaries are usually 18 to 25 and the real Propst and Tuttle are identified as 23 and 20 in an article I read on the case. All the Mormon Elders I've ever encountered were about that age and the most recent two who recommended this film looked barely out of high school. In fact had they gotten two who looked like them to play Propst and Tuttle the film would have been better because the vulnerability would have increased exponentially.

Alex Veadov and champion skater Nikita Bogolyubov play the kidnappers. Veadov is a Russian navy veteran and Bogolyubov just a follower in over his head. On certain levels the Elders do bond with the kidnappers, but it's hardly a Patty Hearst situation.

The Saratov Approach is a nice film that would have been better with different casting of the Elders. It's also a commercial for the LDS church, but that's to be expected.

And this review is dedicated to those passing Mormon Elders Reed and Hamilton both from rural parts of Utah who recommended The Saratov Approach as good material to review.

I like the direction that LDS cinema is starting to take. I heard about this movie from my uncle, who had just finished his mission in Russia when this story was happening, so he had some close personal connection to it. And the film turned out about like I expected it to, which is not a bad thing.

The first thing audiences will notice is the excessive use of hand-held camera, Bourne-style but in the wrong genre of film. Hand-held was a good choice generally, but every single shot was bobbing and moving around, often so much that it pulled me out of the story and reminded me that there's a camera in the room, a camera that won't sit still.

The next thing I noticed was that the camera assistants were not that good--focus was noticeably soft on a bunch of the shots, and many of the rack focuses were either too fast or too slow. I have worked on plenty of student productions that did much better than that.

The screenplay was pretty decent, actually. I am a screenwriter, so this is the area I pick on most closely, and they did all right. I felt like they relied too much on tears and violins to create emotional tension, but that happens in every single LDS film so I won't complain about that. I would have done some things differently, like not shown the ex-missionary who calls the parents, or given the parents something to do other than mill around the house looking concerned and/or crying. But the story moves forward in a way that builds tension and sets the stakes high, but allows room for some powerful moments.

On the whole, I would set this movie on the shelf right next to Saints and Soldiers. LDS cinema in general hasn't gotten to the point where it can really compete with Hollywood, but as far as LDS cinema goes The Saratov Approach is a pretty solid addition.

I am a religious person, and also a Mormon (or, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). I really liked this movie. Many of the reviews here are from people who obviously have an ax to grind against mormonism. If you don't like the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, then don't watch this movie! But, if you are an open minded Christian (or any religious person, for that matter) who would like to see an inspiring movie that is based on a true story, this movie is for you. Yes the film is a little preachy, so if that bothers you then steer clear.

The movie is a little slow at parts, but there is plenty of suspense. The main actors do a superb job, especially the Russians.