Meet the Mormons

I would have given the film 9.5 out of 10 if that had been an option. I want to save a perfect 10 for perfection when and if I run into it. But for me, this film comes close.

No film can be everything to everyone. But this film provide both a visual and an emotional feast for anyone who is open to it. I suspect that those who resist the magic of this film may be saying more about themselves than about the film's content--and if there's resistance, I suspect it begins with the very thought of joining in a celebration of the lives of Mormons or any people driven by faith or perhaps even with the thought of joining in a celebration at all. (Imagine how Dr. House might react.)

"Meet the Mormons" is one of the most beautiful and inspiring films I have seen. All of the segments are fascinating and inspiring, and in many, the cinematography is stunning. The last one especially, though in some ways quieter, keeps tugging at your heart after you've left the theater.

It's hard to compare "Meet the Mormons" to other films. It's a documentary, but it feels more like an adventure, an intense experience with life compressed into a little over an hour. Though the two films are very different, it reminds me in some ways of "The Tree of Life," except that "Meet the Mormons" is intelligible on a first viewing. But it is also rich enough to deserve repeated viewings.

It is entertaining, illuminating, moving, at times breathtaking. It is not preachy, but there is a sort of theme, or an intertwined set of themes. Themes that stand out include the insight that every individual matters, that each of us has a role to play in the magnificent symphony of life. Another theme is the power of goodness--especially in the sense that word is used by the philosopher Emmanuel Levinas: "being-for-the-other." Every one of the people featured in the film has found meaning and purpose because of relationships with others and because of a desire to serve and bless others. As Levinas suggests, that is essentially what it means to be human: to be responsible to and in relationship with others. To welcome that responsibility is to enjoy a rich and meaningful existence. To resist it is to be diminished. ​

In a sense, then, "Meet the Mormons" is a reminder of the meaning and the wondrous possibilities of human life.

The consumer clearly knows what to expect from the title, trailers, and stake holders of this production. **Warning** individuals expecting something different should not view the production.

The production quality is good, cinematography is great. Depictions of documented individuals are congruent with the objective of the film. Narrator seems inappropriate for role. Overall ranking is "8-9/10" relative to similar production pool types. Film shows the good in humanity, and focuses on accepting other ways of life. Pleasant film regardless of belief system, as long as the viewer respects the many differences within mankind.

This documentary helps renew "faith in humanity" - that someone in almost any walk of life can make choices that make not only their lives rich, but also bless the lives of those around them. Each of the "mormons" focused on was so inspiring in different ways. I could see how my life could change for the better, just by being the best person I can be, and finding more ways to serve others. The cinematography was over the top, and the film was such high quality. Sometimes when I watch a documentary, there are places where the story drags, and not all of it is the most interesting. This one was an exception, as I enjoyed EVERY MINUTE of it. Hopefully those who watch it will come away with valuable information, just about what MORMONS stand for, but will realize there are many misconceptions about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

MEET THE MORMONS was directed by Blair Treu who has done some work for Disney and did the 2001 feature film LITTLE SECRETS, which Ebert & Rooper gave "Two Thumbs Up!" I mention this film because I absolutely loved it and have wondered from time to time what future films Blair Treu would do. What he has done with MEET THE MORMONS is to create an insight into the lives of several members of the LDS faith in different parts of the world. The documentary is beautifully recorded and he has captured his subjects in a meaningful way that lets the viewer feel the wonder of having faith in God and striving to to use that faith in raising a good family and of serving mankind. Professional critics will find fault with it for not addressing beliefs of the LDS Church that non-members don't understand, but that's not what this film is trying to do. Members of the Mormon Church are not members of some cult group -- they are Christians who are trying to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ -- and their stories are as varied as each person is different. The film lets us share the lives of six different families who each meet the challenges of life by serving their loved ones and enriching lives of people they come in contact with. Members of the Mormon Church will be inspired by this film and people who know little or nothing about the LDS Church should feel a love and kinship with the people shown because they are men and woman striving to live good lives and serve their fellow-man. Blair Treu and the talents behind the camera have done a magnificent job of visually sharing the lives of some interesting people.

This is a documentary made by Mormons about Mormons. So naturally it is designed to leave the audience with a favorable taste in its mouth toward the religion. Given those expectations it's not nearly as preachy as you might expect. It is fascinating to see the way in which Mormons tell their own story. The stories of the 6 featured people in the documentary could probably be told about good people of any other Christian faith. The question the film seeks to answer is why these intelligent, normal, believing people choose to be members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and not some other Christian denomination.  The production value is high and there are some breathtaking settings, particularly the segments from Costa Rica and Nepal. The narrator's script was sadly weak and trite. It might have been better altogether without any narration at all. The greatest measure of this film though, is the state of mind you leave with. Did I want to be better because of the message I felt in this film? Absolutely. Overwhelmingly. I want the absolute selflessness of The Candy Bomber and The   Humanitarian. My life would be much richer with the hope and resilience of The Missionary Mom. And that is exactly what I was hoping to get from Meet the Mormons.