States of Grace

Independent filmmaker, Richard Dutcher, follows his GOD'S ARMY and BRIGHAM CITY with a film that will reach out and touch more then just members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), if discriminating moviegoers can be made aware of the film. STATES OF GRACE, like Dutcher's first film, GOD'S ARMY, takes place in the Los Angeles area, but it takes you into tough neighborhoods where life can be snuffed out suddenly. The story (which I will not dwell on)examines the strengths and weaknesses of its characters, people from all walks of life and of many faiths and beliefs. It beautifully witnesses that Christ loves all people, not just those who have found Him and are striving to live better lives.

Dutcher, who wrote,edited and directed this film, has a way of creating interesting characters and complex situations that do not take the easy path. He's unconventional--and this film, like his BRIGHAM CITY, will cause some to be uneasy and shy away from viewing it. And that will be their loss.

The cast is rich in numbers of characters that both fascinate and live. Ignacio Serricchio, Lucas Fleischer, Lamont Stephens, Rachel Emmers and Jo-Sei Ikeda are each quite remarkable. The character of Louis, a homeless preacher (played by Jo-Sei Ikeda) who the Mormon Elders befriend is one of the films highlights. Ikeda has a rich voice and delivers a moving performance in a part that is very well written.

STATES OF GRACE has one of the most moving climaxes that I have ever experienced. One of Richard Dutcher's great strengths as a writer and director is bringing together the elements of his story into a powerful conclusion that moves the viewer and seals the meanings of the film.

Ken Glassing's cinematography is first rate, as is Ben Carson's scoring of the film. Dutcher's films always look like they must have cost a great deal more then they did.

If you get the chance, see it in a theatre.

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.

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.

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!!!

Just got back from "States of Grace." Truly an amazing film. It was not what I expected. Much less "Mormon" than "God's Army" in some ways. I was moved. Dutcher, in a way that reminded me of the evocative Sacrament scene in "Brigham City," ended this film with a very moving, personal experience shared by all the main characters in the film, which ingeniously had a powerful-yet-different meaning for each of them.

I was surprised at how long it was - just over 2 hours. If you're going to see a feel-good fluffy movie, this is not the one. It is PG-13 for good reason. Very faith promoting, but not "sweet." It is difficult to evaluate such a film for technical aspects; there were too many overwhelming moments in the film that skilfully drew me in.

One last observation: the film is excellently Christ-centered. Dutcher beautifully weaves a coherent fabric of the love of Jesus for all people out of disparate strands. At times I almost didn't want to see how a scene would end, because of the heaviness, but in the end it was all worth it. Mixing typical Mormon symbols and sentiments and typical Christian symbols and sentiments, the feel at the end ameliorates much of the pain displayed in the movie, and demonstrates how hope can prevail.