The Testaments of One Fold and One Shepherd

I had heard a lot of things said about the movie before I saw it nearly two years after it opened, and so was wary of whether or not it would live up to its billing. The first 45 minutes of this hour-or-so long film are good, but nothing amazing. Then the action scene and then the scene where Christ comes takes you on an emotional roller-coaster and gets you thinking of what it would be like to be in that situation. It is very touching. Nobody moved for nearly 5 minutes after the film was over, many crying. As one who loves the Book of Mormon, I truly enjoyed how this movie brought to life the most important aspect of it.

The Testaments: Of One Fold and One Shepherd is moving and beautiful. It is obviously designed to focus the viewer on Mormonism's focus on the Savior. Nevertheless, most of the acting is well done, the scenery is beautiful, and the story line is interesting. There are a few glitches (the Savior's feet don't seem to be pierced as he greets Mary on resurrection morning, for example) and some overly-dramatic attempts that fail just a bit (especially lines delivered by the father), but overall I believe the movie is compelling. After the movie the lights come half-way on while we hear a choir sing a hymn; it is interesting to me that nobody moves during this time - the audience just sits through the three (or so) minute hymn; I think that shows how evocative the movie is; the audience is glad to have some time to just contemplate, wipe tears away and prepare to leave the theater.

Whether or not it is spiritually uplifting is left to the viewer. However, as a film, everything about it is pretty mediocre, especially the acting. The music and sound design are nauseating too. It is a competent movie with pretty cool costumes and engaging sets, but I'm baffled as to how this has an 8.0 (at least rn).

This superb portrayal of Christ clearly sets Him on His throne for all the viewers to see. Several scenes suddenly take you inside a masterpiece of art (you think to yourself, I've seen this shot before!) posed as if a famous still-life of the Savior was expanded into a moving picture.

The Book of Mormon has intrigue, violence, deception, murder as well as repentance, patience and love. This film includes each of these elements, ending in the overwhelming message, that Christ is above all of it and God, our Heavenly Father sent Him as a gift "not. . . to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved" Amen and amen!

I can't say truly that I have seen very many movies that I would go back and enjoy seeing over and over again consistently. However, after viewing this particular movie, I can. It is a movie about inner struggles, repentance, love, and best of all, faith. When there is no place else to turn and you are confused, you can turn to our Savior and Redeemer. With an ending that will literally leave you in a pile of tears, this movie is superb. Probably the best by far!

I read a comment on here saying that this film was awful. I honestly can't say I understand the logic behind that comment. It is a fantastic missionary movie (and I know because I know of people who saw it, and they became interested in the LDS church.) And also, it is a movie that can relate to us in our day; it can relate to how we struggle inside to find the truth.

TWO THUMBS WAY UP!