Meet the Mormons

I was very happy to be able to watch a film so well made and that was able to convey to people outside of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints just what we believe and how we live. It was done in a very non-threatening way, so that people would not feel as though they we're being proselytized but being informed. I felt those who were chosen to be a part of the film were very interesting and showed very well how the church family and programs work. Overall, I felt it was a most excellent, well done production. Congratulations to all involved. It Would be great if everyone could watch it so they could know and understand better! Maybe someday they will! 😊

I loved this movie. If you want to know what Mormons are really like, this is a very real portrayal. I loved how they used the stories of so many different individuals with such different backgrounds. It truly shows how the Mormon religion is a worldwide religion. This movie dispels any myths you may have heard regarding Mormons and their beliefs. I was impressed with how real they showed the people being. They didn't hide or cover up how Mormons aren't perfect. They also didn't hide some of the real challenges that Mormons face. If you want to know what makes Mormons tick and what they're really like, this movie is for you!

While the creators of this British TV documentary make it clear they are not Mormons (aka members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), I found the introduction to be even-handed with facts - even those that most members (including the young man who is the documentary's subject) refuse to discuss.

While I understand why Mormon leaders assigned chaperones to the filmmakers (wanting to avoid headlines like "Mormon Kids Admit to Being Sexually Active!"), the filmmakers proceeded to edit footage to portray a controlling organization.

I give props to the interviewer for the completely human reaction to the young man's homesickness.

Being familiar with Mormon songs sung by children throughout the production, I often found it completely appropriate. There were a few jarring uses (worship song as background to a youth dance).

This is NOT the film created by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with the same title released in the same year.

Right off the bat, I am a Latter Day Saint, or a Morg Borg as dave-3715 charmingly coined us. I found the documentary to be very solid overall. It's clearly striving to be fair: it gives the church a fair shake, tries to address the main questions and ideas people have, and ask some of the more pointed questions as well, and that's about all anyone can ask.

The few minor issues I do have are mostly with the presentation of the documentary rather than its substance. There are some weird and forced editing choices, especially with music. Almost every review mentions it, but the way the documentary portrays the subject, Elder Field, always having a companion or escort is...interesting. My issue with it is not that they focus on it or use "deceptive" editing techniques - it's shown clearly and fairly because he certainly wasn't ever alone with the camera crew - but rather that they didn't really mention that LDS mission rules explicitly forbid being alone in any circumstances outside of personal hygiene and one-on-one interactions with church leaders in formal settings. The narrator mentions that they aren't allowed to be alone, but doesn't contextualize or emphasize the breadth of the rule's impact very well: in short, the crew always having an escort or Elder Field's companion nearby is not unique to them and would be more or less the same in any other circumstance.

This documentary does not ask the hardest questions. It doesn't show the innermost secrets of the "Mormon Enigma." But it does tell a very human story of a young man putting his faith into work out in the world in the face of great personal difficulty. The Mormon church is trying to be more open and clear about their beliefs, practices, and history. I strongly believe that they have a long way to go, but things like this show that they are trying. That's not nothing. It's worth a watch if you're curious, and if you enjoy it and/or have further questions I hope you include a first-hand source in the material you look up.

This is a great documentary because when you leave the theater you are going to feel better than when you came in. That is rarely the case with many of the movies today. This was a fresh look at a religion that has been clouded in mystery and suspicion. Ask anyone about what Mormons believe and you'll get some outlandish answers. Many people don't relate the name of the church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with the "Mormons". Many think most Mormons live in Utah. This is one of the misconceptions. It is a global church with more members living outside the United States. I think this documentary really sheds some light on a subject. Many people have just fluffed it off as a church with a different Bible or that they pray to a different God. After seeing this, those thoughts are put to rest. This documentary sought out members of the church that live in several different countries. Their stories are touching.

Mormons, the most secretive church that knocks on your door to tell you all about it. This film is a must see - enjoyable, interesting and spiritually uplifting for all faiths and all ages.