Reviews & Ratings for
The Testaments: Of One Fold and One Shepherd More at IMDbPro »

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5 out of 7 people found the following review useful:
Wonderful and moving film, 12 January 2002

Author: pererau from USA

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.

6 out of 9 people found the following review useful:
Spiritually uplifting & inspiring. Superb portrayal of Christ., 2 October 2002
Author: Mike (LangSci@attbi.com) from Salt Lake City, UT

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!

3 out of 4 people found the following review useful:
Instructions given to Director by First Presidency, 12 May 2007

Author: curtis_rice from United States

*** This review may contain spoilers ***

The substance of this comment was originally written in October of 2005 and I just checked back and saw that it was deleted after an abuse report was received. Other than my comment not being flattering of the LDS church, I don't understand how it violates any guidelines. If it is objected to again, I hope someone will explain how it violates the guidelines. I think it gives those interested in this movie an important insight into the creation process. Those who are so insecure with their beliefs that they feel the need to censor alternative viewpoints are pretty shallow characters.

But on to the movie. I will confirm what many have posted here that this film is very effective at facilitating spiritual feelings in may of its viewers. When I saw it the theater was filled with tears and sniffles at the end.

The movie was generally well directed and the cinematography and art direction were all reasonably well done in comparison to major studio pictures. I don't believe it was as well done as its predecessor, Legacy, however, in the acting department. There were a few parts that didn't ring true for me such as the romance, which seemed poorly developed and unbelievable and a strange moment of levity involving the pet monkey when they were announcing the coming of Christ (seemed a bit irreverent).

The director of this film, Keith Merrill, came to our Ward for a visit and spoke to us about the film. Several things about his comments were interesting and shed insight into the creative guidelines he was given. He said when he met with the First Presidency of the LDS church to discuss what they were looking for to replace Legacy in the Legacy theater he was given wide latitude with only a few requirements. Two are worth expanding on: First, he was told to only cast actors that had temple recommends (or were temple worthy). He was told that this was because of problems that had arisen with actors which had been cast for Legacy. Merrill didn't elaborate but I later asked around and was told by someone who was on their mission at Nauvoo during the filming that the actor that played Joseph Smith in Legacy was openly homosexual and also openly critical of the LDS church during the filming in a way that was (not surprisingly) disconcerting to the many missionaries and LDS crew members present.

There was also another problem with the actress who played the female lead, as it was discovered only after the film was finished that she had appeared nude in two prior movies. (I checked out one of these movies, "The Betsy", in which she is shown seductively disrobing in front of the male lead played by Tommy Lee Jones.) I think this restriction placed by the First Presidency explains what I believe was a comparatively lesser quality in acting since the pool that actors could be drawn from was shallower.

The second instruction, which Merrill said came from President Hinkley, was pretty straightforward -- to make sure that everyone that everyone left the theater in tears. As you can see from other reviews, the director hit the mark there. Consider this story the next time you hear someone say they felt the "spirit" in any LDS movie.

3 out of 4 people found the following review useful:
Very Moving; Graphic depiction of the Crucifixion; Evocative., 2 May 2001

Author: Sid Unrau (sidunrau@hotmail.com) from Orem, Utah

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.

4 out of 6 people found the following review useful:
Awesome!, 29 July 2004

Author: brianakarobin from Halifax, Nova Scotia

I was able to see this movie when I was visiting in Utah in the Fall of 2003.

Although I can't remember all of the details, I do remember the feeling I had watching the movie. It was awesome. this is the most powerfully spiritual film I have seen, surpassing any of the other church films.

As for the movie, I seem to recall that the acting was quite good, the effects were excellent (especially compared to the BOM movie!), and again the story was powerful. It culminates with the Savior's visit to America, and the scene is touching and powerful. I absolutely loved it. 10/10

5 out of 8 people found the following review useful:
Spiritually uplifting & inspiring. Superb portrayal of Christ., 2 October 2002
Author: Mike (LangSci@attbi.com) from Salt Lake City, UT

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!

5 out of 8 people found the following review useful:
A Transcendent Triumph . . . if you're Mormon, 4 April 2002
Author: (reddiguy@hotmail.com) from Provo, UT

Not to say that being a Mormon, or, more correctly, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is wrong; however, those not familiar with LDS tenets and fundamental doctrines journeying to see this film in Salt Lake City, Utah, or who potentially see it via LDS acquaintances will most likely not be as riveted by the emotionally charged film as those who are. It certainly is meant to rivet and inspire, not to prod our intellect or demand art house enthusiasts'attention, and as most transcendent works it will seem either too sentimental or downright saccharine, but it is so because it caters to an audience whose faith is cradled in its lofty content, such as the visit of Christ to the Americas. For those inclined to study LDS beliefs, and to grasp the exultant joy and adulation they feel for Jesus Christ, this film is a dramatic example of their faith. For those wanting to dive into intellectual quandaries and secular cinematic debate, there are more appropriate venues.

2 out of 3 people found the following review useful:
Fabulous!, 17 August 2004

Author: tcs0018 from Bakersfield, California

What I really liked about this movie was the fact that it used the different styles of movie composition so that anyone who watches the film will get something out of it. If someone likes romance...there is romance. If someone likes intrigue...there's intrigue, etc. The wide ranging movie styles are blended very well into this wonderful and moving movie.

The actors did a fabulous job at portraying what the people may have been like and acted like during the time of Christ on earth in America. It gives people a visual of that time in history which is a great teaching tool. I love this movie and I appreciate all who worked on it.

3 out of 5 people found the following review useful:
If you want to feel Christ in your heart, see this movie., 12 November 2005

Author: sf_basilix from United States

This short movie just can not be described with words. When watching this movie, especially at the end, tears were forming in my eyes and I felt a closeness to Christ that I can vividly remember to this day. It has inspired me to be a better person as I was able to witness the love of Christ like no other movie. I encourage anyone to watch this movie - whether you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints or not. I guarantee you will not be disappointed and you will feel Christ's presence in your heart and be touched. I believe it is still showing in many of the Church's Visitors Centers but may be replaced with a new one that is coming out about Joseph Smith on or around Dec. 24, 2005. See it, before it goes away!

4 out of 7 people found the following review useful:
Uplifting, Inspired, AMAZING!, 26 June 2005

Author: temple_bound from United States

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!

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