States of Grace

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.

It's a movie about strugglers (some Mormon, most not) and the grace of God; it is beautiful, and even though from a Mormon perspective, it is not an in-your-face Mormon flick.

If you liked the ending to "Brigham City" (sacrament scene) you'll like this even better - less Mormon, more universal, and absolutely moving.

I wish there were more movies like this - that cause me to think about my relationships with others, my commitment to Christ, and how happy I am to live in a land where I am free to worship as I choose.

I hope people will see this movie and not worry about whether it's just a bunch of "Mormon propaganda" - because it is not. The Mormons are not the good guys and the non-Mormons are not the bad guys. There's plenty of good, bad and in-between for all.

Good job to all involved!!!

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 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 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.