Meet the Mormons

Meet the Mormons is a 2014 American documentary film directed by Blair Treu and produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). The film documents the lives of six devout Mormons living in the United States, Costa Rica, and Nepal. The LDS Church donated all net proceeds from the theatrical release of film to the American Red Cross.

The film features Jermaine Sullivan, "The Bishop", and his family. Sullivan is an African-American who is an academic counselor at the University of Phoenix. He was bishop of a ward in Atlanta, Georgia when the film was made, and now serves as a stake president. The film also covers Sullivan's wife and children. Darius Gray was among the associates of Sullivan interviewed.

"The Coach", Ken Niumatalolo, head football coach at the United States Naval Academy.

"The Fighter", Carolina Muñoz Marin, an MMA fighter from Costa Rica who had a chance to go pro international, but she and her husband decided it would separate their family too much.

"The Humanitarian", Bishnu Adhikari, a man from Nepal, with a degree in engineering who is the country director for Choice Humanitarian in Nepal. The organization works to improve the living situation in rural parts of Nepal.

"The Candy Bomber", Gail Halvorsen.

"The Missionary Mom", Dawn Armstrong, her story is chronicled from the birth of a son when she was a teenager, abandonment by his biological father, meeting her current husband - who had both her oldest son and her deceased next oldest son sealed to him when they were married in the temple, to her oldest son leaving to serve as a mission.

It is good to be a Mormon and to respect and estimate every person and every religion from Judaism To Islam.

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 is a documentary that examines the life of six devoted members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Meet the Mormons takes the viewers on a journey through the day to day life of these members from all around the world. The film paints a picture of their individual passions to their daily struggles while challenging the stereotypes that surround the Mormon faith.

This documentary follows 6 Members. First they stop in Atlanta Georgia to answer the question what it is like to be a Mormon Bishop, to balance a family and full time job and still have time for the volunteer responsibility of being a Mormon Bishop. They examine the life of a man named Jermaine Sullivan who is a Academic counselor, father of three and Bishop of the Atlanta Georgia branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He talks about how his faith, family, church members and friends fuel him to balance all that he has. Second they stop in Annapolis, Maryland and examine the life of the United States Navel Academy football head coach Ken Niumatalolo. Coach Niumatalolo talks about how his faith affects his life. One way being how he doesn't arrange meetings or practices on Sundays. Third they stop in Costa Rica and examine the life of Milton and Carolina Marin Muñoz and learn about how the men and women roles in a Mormon family are equal and what it is like to be a Mormon outside of the United States. Fourth they examine the life and amazing life story of a 92 year old pilot named Colonel Gail Halvorsen and how his faith helped him become The Original Candy bomber. Fifth they stop in Kathmandu, Nepal and examine the life of Bishnu Adhikari and how his faith and love of people helped him become a Humanitarian changing the life of thousands of people in Nepal. Sixth and final stop is in Salt Lake City where they examine the life of "The Missionary Mom" Dawn Armstrong and her life being converted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

This documentary is made by Mormons about Mormons. So naturally it is made to leave a good thought of the religion in the viewers head. 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 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.

Meet the Mormons is is documentary but it feels like more of an adventure as it takes you through the life of six different Mormons. This documentary shows its audience what it is really like to be a Mormon. This is an incredible documentary that I believe could attract many audiences not just those of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints but any others that are willing to learn about the Mormon religion. I give this documentary a 9/10 and really recommend it to anyone that wants to learn about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints or anyone willing to learn something new.

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.

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.