God's Army

I have seen this movie about three times. I consider it one of the best movies made by LDS. The movie portrays reality of LDS missionaries. I am a convert to the church (I was raised catholic), so I can relate to the scene with the dad and the two daughters. The movie is interesting all the way. I could not think of one dull moment. I like the fact that prayers were expressed throughout the movie in complete form. I was moved by the scene when the elder was ill. The reaction of the "greeny" was real: a nineteen-year old that did not know what to do in such a situation. I was also impressed by the other missionaries who quickly reacted by doing the proper procedures to prevent the ill missionary from getting hurt while having a seizure. I loved the eloquence with which the missionaries taught.

First things first, I LOVE this film. Sure, it was raw and real, and even a titch cheesy, but I think the world has been fed sugar-coated views of the church for far too long and to show members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (and missionaries, to boot!) as real, imperfect people was a stroke of genius. I must say, however, that as I read through many of these reviews, I was pretty unpleasantly surprised with some of what was said (even and especially by Mormons!). This film was not propaganda, nor was it "anatomy of a cult." I've heard Richard Dutcher himself address his position in making this film and his intentions are pure and his film is real. Sure, it doesn't bring up particularly touchy issues the gospel has with the world, but does ANY movie address every aspect of its subject matter? To those who think that Dutcher's script dismisses those struggling with faith with a wave of the hand, claiming, as the film states "sometimes I think God gives us a few hundred reasons to believe, and just throws in a couple not to, so that we can choose for ourselves," I would say THAT IS WHAT FAITH IS ABOUT. You can find imperfections with even a perfect system if you look hard enough. This film showed real people in real situations. The moment of insanity, as so many have put it, when Elder Allen realizes his true identity was the most touching thing I had seen in a theater to date (until, of course, Dutcher's next brilliant film, Brigham City). I'm disappointed that people have decided to use their film review as a Mormon-bashing forum (although, I suppose I'm using it as a Mormon-promoting forum, but all in the name of defending the truth, right?). I give this film 11/10 and recommend it to anyone who has an open mind or faith in what the true gospel is really about.

Most people don't know who this Richard Dutcher is nor do they know the real personal beliefs of the LDS church, AKA Mormons. Some say they're gay haters and others say they've neglected blacks and woman rights and privileges.

Richard Dutcher does not have to prove anything to anyone. He is himself and does what he feels and wants just like the rest of us. While he stays peacefull about his work, others critic and show thier anger. Some LDS and non LDS members are against what he does but my personal opinion is this. Gods army is a film that helped him put his own missionary experiences on film. Stuff that might have happened in his life and I know he is proud to see it put up on screen. He doesn't have to be contraversial like all this art house cinema garbage. Bad language nudity, and politics dont have to be a part of every film. This movie explained the things he wanted to explain and helped me understand more about the LDS community. Not all of them are the same and not all of them are strong in the faith. The movie does let us know that some how these young men can change the lives of many for Good. Ive seen more Reverence,happiness, and success in this religion than any other in my life. I believe after seeing this film it would be important for me to be a part of it. I dont hate anyone no mater how extreme or different they are. Their all Gods children. This movie lets us know that some need a little more help than others. This is my review and I suggest the next time someone critics without knowing how to make a film or without having made one ever, they should keep to themselves or show us they can do better Smile everyone, Life is beautiful Jeffrey

The start of, and perhaps, the definitive work thus far with regards to the fledgling "Mormon cinema" movement, God's Army is an honest and worthy cinematic effort. Writer/Director/Actor/Producer Richard Dutcher tells a story he really beliefs in with honesty and passion, and although the acting and production value of the film are not up to par with his subsequent effort, Brigham City, the integrity of the film makes it far more enjoyable and far more appealing. With reference to the other works within "Mormon cinema" including Singles Ward, Brigham City and Out of Step, God's Army stands tall in comparison, the quality perhaps being reflected in a boxoffice take more than twice it's closest competitor. Singles Ward and Out of Step in particular are cheap, easy and unimaginative swill churned out to an eager, but small, target audience of Mormons starved of entertainment they can reallly call their own. These films pander to the lowest common denominator, whereas God's Army

attempts to rise above purely Mormon culture and give the world a taste of what it is like to serve a higher and unseen entity - relying purely on faith, as an insecure, young, and unlearned youth.

I attended an open house for the recently completed 97th Mormon Temple and was once again impressed by these 'true believers' - men and women of steadfast religious conviction (some would say, the product of communal brainwashing). But judging by "God's Army", an honest and down-to-earth depiction about Mormon conversion, you have to say the young members are far from being willing robots, ready to accept their faith. It took a lot of guts for writer, director, and star Richard Dutcher to make this mainstream religious feature that, on the whole, is both inspiring and entertaining. But in his quest for a wide audience, Dutcher has toned down the religious preaching and built up a story about multi-ethnic characters in the heathen Los Angeles. Devoid of some proselytizing however, we don't fully appreciate the Mormon beliefs nor their missionary work. The various conflicts in the story and their syrupy resolutions also lent themselves more to the "Touched by an Angel" TV series. That being said, "God's Army" has several good points. The humor is both refreshing and yet self-directed: in their pristine mission quarters, the men have a posted cockroach board with specimen and species identification; Elder Sandoval boosts himself above a railing to face the famous Hollywood sign as he delivers his salvation message even as his fellow missionaries are throwing pieces of food at him; and the house antic is to take pictures of fellow missionaries sitting on the commode. The acting (mostly first-timers) is surprisingly good, especially the genuine chemistry between Elder Dalton (Dutcher) the mentor and Elder Allen (Matthew Brown) the student. In their shared dialogues, we learn much about a disciplined lifestyle that will lead to personal growth and salvation. It isn't afraid to air out dirty laundry in discussing issues of black bigotry and dissent to the Book of Mormons. It shares with us flawed characters trying to overcome their barriers - Elder Allen raised by a stepfather who baptized him to the Mormon faith and later landed in prison for child molesting, Sister Fronk unable to commit to a Mormon suitor because of her inadequate faith, and Elder Kinegar who could not overcome his religious disbeliefs. "God's Army" isn't a film for everyone because in witnessing men and women struggling to understand their faith and commitment, we are bound to ask ourselves the same questions.