States of Grace (2005) User Reviews

Deserves Better...

[C_Stroman · 7/10 · 30 November 2005]

This film is the third "Mormon Cinema" film from writer/director Richard Dutcher. It presents a similar setting as his first film "God's Army" in that the main characters portrayed are Mormon Missionaries and their unique experiences in the real world. In fact in the predominantly Mormon communities in Utah this is being billed as a Sequel "God's Army 2: States of Grace" whereas it is assumed that outside of Utah it will be billed as simply "States of Grace". States of Grace is more appropriate however as this new film isn't a continuation of the last nor are any of the characters from the first represented (with one minor exception of the "Mission President"). As with prior Dutcher films, this one weaves into it believable, real life characters, believable faith, and a realistic gritty world setting. The theme of this film is represented in it's title "States of Grace" and deals primarily with real life redemption. We have the Missionary who is about to go home who has a closed book past, but carries the literal scars that hint to his background. We have his companion who is neither over the top good or rebellious bad, but just a generally believable regular missionary. You have their neighbor who is a good person has hidden her spiritual scars where no one can see them. You have the homeless street preacher whose at first seems to be just another crazy rambling loon, but has made bad decisions to get to the point he is. And you have the gang member whose past is not as important as his future and his decisions about the path going forward.

The film covers a little over a couple of weeks (three, almost four perhaps) and the events that bring them together. Some events are jarring, others are more subtle. But the lives of these individuals become intertwined with real life reactions.

There are no miracles or lights from the skies. No angels or demons. The Goodness portrayed in the film is very real and true. The Evil portrayed is very real and true. What happens to each of the characters and how they respond is very natural. I don't think it would be very easy for someone to watch this film and say "that's not true" or "that would never happen". The stories portrayed do and have happened.

The film is good. It is well done and the stories are well told and acted out.

That being said, the film suffers from the expected. It was done on a very shoestring budget and the creative control and external influences on the making of the film appear very centralized around Dutcher. There were some scenes that should have been cut entirely because they were duplicate of others or they spelled out plot direction that wasn't really in question (a little too "on the nose"). Also the dialogue, although being very natural, was sometimes TOO natural to the point were it could have used some "spicing up" at the writing level or some "creative editing" in the cutting room to liven them up. It seems like everyone in this film is a "listener" to everything anyone says that they are around. I don't think any dialogue ever overlapped or was cut short.

The film could have lost 10 to 15 minutes and it would have helped, rather than hurt it.

In classic Dutcher form the film evokes a deep emotional response at the end and does so pretty successfully without feeling too contrived or forced. It's not a happy ending, and it's not a sad ending. The ending as always is LIFE with a glimmer of hope that things can get better.

For the non-Mormon viewing audience, you should have no problems seeing this film. It's as "faith promoting" as the Thorn Birds is to Catholicism. That's not the films intent and there is no preaching as the "save all" of Mormon values or faith. It really is a good film about real characters and the Mormons could easily be of any faith as archetypes.

For the Mormon viewing audience, if you want any portrayal of the church you view to be a mirror image of those produced by the church, then you may have problems with this this film. But be assured the problem is not with the film, but with your belief on what all portrayals of Mormons should be. This film attempts to portray Mormon's in Real Life with the real challenges that exist. If you had problems with Brigham City because of it's positive AND negative portrayals of Mormons, then you will most likely have problems with "States of Grace" as well. You're better off sticking with the "I'll Build You a Rainbow" filmstrip.

My hat goes off to Richard Dutcher however as he has tried and succeeded to create an entertaining film that is true to life and itself.

There's much worse out there to waste your $5 off of than on this film.

Has the potential to be a "christian" requiem for a dream... but misses...

[Master T · 7/10 · 20 March 2007]

Let's start from the end - it was a good movie. At some point I thought it was heading to a "requiem for a dream" ending but something went wrong. Was it the weird final scene? Was it the lack of music? Was it the unbelievable characters? I don't know, still, as a non-Christian I found this movie to be good though my girlfriend that watched the movie with me said it was one of the worst films she have seen... I asked her why but she couldn't explain, she said "too much dialog, not enough action", and when a girl is saying that - you can guess what that means... So, going back to the beginning - it was a good movie but it could be an excellent one!

More recruits in God's Army

[bkoganbing · 6/10 · 31 December 2013]

Although unlikely that gentile audiences will be seeing States Of Grace, Richard Dutcher premier LDS film maker has provided another insight into Mormon missionaries and the dynamic of the inner workings of the relationships of those missionaries. This film focuses on Elder Ignizio Serricchio who is barely a week away from completing his mission and his partner Elder Lucas Fleischer who's a pretty rigid sort and doesn't think that Serricchio is really with the program.

At first you wouldn't think so seeing Serricchio more interested in playing basketball and marking time like an Army enlistee awaiting discharge. But in that last week Serricchio makes some incredible connections, a gangbanger whom he saves the life of played by Lamont Stephens, a street preacher whom they found sleeping on said street and who Serricchio takes home.

It's that third person they interact with Rachel Emmers who is a neighbor whom they bring in to nurse the street preacher played by Jo- sei Ikeda. She's an aspiring actress and a nice girl and let's say that for Fleischer she's a bit too much temptation.

It turns out that Fleischer is a book of rules and Serricchio has the spirit of the missionary. His background which I won't reveal gives him that spirit.

Once again Richard Dutcher turns out a nice film that will not be seen by other than LDS audiences.

A transcendental, moving experience, not to be missed for people of any faith

[drew_graham1 · 10/10 · 5 November 2005]

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.

Splendid

[voodoolady171 · 10/10 · 7 November 2005]

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.

Unforgivable, not recommendable

[TheFluk2 · 1/10 · 5 November 2005]

This very finely crafted film commits the unforgivable (which is ironic, given the film's theme). No one coming into this film knows what they are in for. Worse than that, 3/4 of the way into the film, no one still has any clue of what they're in for because everything up to that "moment" is a different movie.

As a front-row fan of Dutcher's first two films, easily competing for the Best 2 Mormon films to date (competing with Saints and Soldiers and, now, New York Doll--saw that at a screening), Dutcher had me wanting to see his film for a very long time. I was there. I wanted to believe, believe that I'd see the next great Mormon movie, one that would hold the Numero Uno spot for a very long time. But no. Three-fourths in the film took the sharpest of left turns and dragged me through something that I never wanted to go through. He takes on the Mt. Everest of all moral issues, yea, both of them, with little time or emotional capacity left to adequately address them, but instead waves them both off with a nod towards Jesus as if that will make all things well, instantly. (True it is that Jesus saves. Don't accuse me of not believing that. That's not Dutcher's problem.)

Is the film shot well? Indeed. Do the actors act? They acted their pants off. Was the music appropriate? All but whatever was over the closing credits. Everything about this film was superb, except the story, which was so dank and wrong, that all else doesn't matter. (I learned "dank" from New York Doll, very decent show, by the way.) The third act of the film was neither desirable nor pleasant nor faith affirming. I know Dutcher was bending over backwards to make it so, but I was so far shoved out of the movie at that point that nothing, no thing, could have brought me back. The preposterous unbelievability of dozens of details in the final minutes didn't help. Anyone who's been on a mission knows what I'm talking about, especially anyone who—Spoiler Alert—is familiar with events surrounding someone being sent home from a mission early for moral and/or psychological reasons. It's as if a parallel universe suddenly sprung up where normal rules or behaviors suddenly don't apply.

There are a million things good about this film, but they were created and beautified only to be trampled upon and thrown away in a knee-jerk fit of "ooh, this will really get them" elitism. Hence, unforgivable. I can only hope that when Dutcher puts the finishing touches on his next film ("Falling", apparently), that he remembers that film critics can only buy so many tickets and that it's the fans that pay the bills. That's why the first God's Army was such an unqualified success.

Dutcher's shock and awe approach proves that when it comes to the Big Issues he is in way over his head, having neither the spiritual nor creative maturity nor business sense necessary to take them on. I pray—pray!—he learns his lesson and that years from now he and we all look back, with a chagrin, and rejoice that he pulled his head out of where the Light doesn't shine and really, successfully, takes on those and other issues and changes the world forever because of it.

Powerfully Moving - Christ-Centered

[sidunrau · 9/10 · 4 November 2005]

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.

Excellent acting, lots of action, but certainly not a feel-good movie. Just the opposite. Depressing.

[shrinutah · 2/10 · 4 November 2005]

I was sorely disappointed in this movie. Twice I was temped to walk out because segments of the movie were so demoralizing and depressing. The movie has elements that allude to all the seamy things in life (pornography, murder, suicide, fornication, hatred, gang warfare). The graphic nature of the violence in this movie was particularly disturbing.

And Richard Dutcher does a great disservice to the LDS Church in portraying missionary attitudes, commitment, spirituality, and obedience as unfocused and lackadaisical.

My biggest objection to this movie, however, was that it is the exact opposite of a feel-good movie.

Dutcher's God's Army One was okay. His Brigham City was quite good. This movie, in terms of casting, acting, and drama was his best. But in terms of being inspiring or uplifting it was as awful as it could be. In fact, this movie so demoralized me that I am sorry I went. I have lost interest in ever again supporting Dutcher in an LDS-themed movie with a ticket purchase.

Much More Then Just a Sequel. . .

[blue-7 · 10/10 · 1 November 2005]

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.

Disappointing. . .

[frobize · 3/10 · 18 March 2006]

I had heard good things about "States of Grace" and came in with an open mind. I thought that "God's Army" was okay, and I thought that maybe Dutcher had improved and matured as a filmmaker. The film began with some shaky acting, and I thought, "well, maybe it will get better." Unfortunately, it never did. The picture starts out by introducing two elders -- Mormon missionaries -- and it seems that the audience will get to know them and grow to care about them. Instead, the story degenerates into a highly improbable series of unfortunate events highlighting blatant disobedience by the missionaries (something that undeniably exists, but rarely on the level that Dutcher portrays) and it becomes almost laughable.

Dutcher's only success in this movie is his successful alienation of his target audience. By unrealistically and inaccurately portraying the lives of Mormon missionaries, Dutcher accomplishes nothing more than angering his predominantly Mormon audience. The film in no way reflects reality. Missions are nothing like what Dutcher shows (having served a Mormon mission myself I can attest to this fact) and gang life in California certainly contains much more explicit language than the occasional mild vulgarity.

The conclusion, which I'm assuming was supposed to touch the audience and inspire them to believe that forgiveness is available to all, was both unbelievable (c'mon, the entire mission gathers to see this elder sent home -- and the mom and the girl are standing right next to each other!) and cheesy. Next time, Dutcher, try making a movie that SOMEONE can identify with.

Truly Moving

[DrGandolfo · 10/10 · 5 November 2005]

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!!!

I had doubts but it was AMAZING!!!

[sdbyu · 10/10 · 12 November 2005]

I must confess I rolled my eyes when I heard this movie was being made. If it were not for the unanimous critical acclaim, from the few who have reviewed it, I would not have seen it. I also must admit there were a couple awkward but forgivable dialogue moments. But by the end of the film, I was stunned. I felt more moved by this film than any other I have seen in years, perhaps ever.

I imagine some will unfairly and erroneously think Dutcher was trying to justify sin and never get passed that criticism. But that's not the message. The message is that it doesn't matter who we are or how serious our sins are, it is never too late to find hope in Christ. That message could not have been conveyed if the worst sin the film addressed was someone shoplifting or breaking a minor mission rule. It had to address serious sins to show the reach and power of the atonement. This movie is not only the best Dutcher film, nor is it just the best LDS genre film, it is one of the best movies of any kind I have ever seen.

What is this Mormon Propaganda?

[pakiman47 · 1/10 · 22 February 2007]

I have no respect for IMDb ratings anymore. I think a bunch of Mormons flooded the website and voted for this. This is not an artistic movie, it is Mormon propaganda. Nothing wrong with that, but the plot outline and the way it is described is totally misleading. If you are a bible thumping Christian or a Mormon, watch this movie, you'll love it and think it is truly amazing. For anyone else, don't bother, the story is so contrived, random stuff happens that really doesn't follow in a coherent way. This guy tries to commit suicide cause he sleeps with his neighbor. Are you kidding? What a pussy! Anyways, this is an awful movie.

Amazingly Powerful

[sally7-1 · 10/10 · 9 November 2005]

One of the most powerful movies I have seen short of The Passion of Christ..alittle slow starting, but then hold on to your seat!!! I think everyone should be touched by this movie, regardless of religion, race, or whatever, the scenes switch back and forth to create a very powerful connection. I highly recommend this to anyone over 13, take all your young friends to see this movie..it really connects with what is happening in the world today. I loved the way that it portrayed that there is hope, and forgiveness available, no matter the situation. Don't let this one get away, my adopted daughter is going to go see it again tomorrow, and take her boyfriend....A must see film

I am Mormon and...

[elderfarr · 5/10 · 9 June 2009]

What is with all the "in your face" comments? If you do not like Mormon movies, do not watch them. It is as simple as that. If I watch a movie about the Catholic church, I have no right to say they are "throwing something in my face." There is Jargon in Mormon movies that if you are not Mormon, you may not understand, that does not mean anything is thrown in your face. As a member of the LDS (aka Mormon) church I thought the movie was entertaining. I certainly was disappointed in the missionary that made some big mistakes, having served a mission myself, I know I would not have put myself in that position, but I guess the movie was somewhat entertaining. It kept my attention. This was not so much centered on just the church though, I will agree with that. The movie is OK, I would not watch it again, but it was alright.

Entertaining and powerful from start to finish

[wildonrio-1 · 10/10 · 28 December 2006]

I didn't really feel like watching this movie but got sucked in after watching the first 10 minutes. As I watched, I realized how well done it was and was blown away that an LDS film could achieve such quality. The characters in the movie were not your typical perfect examples of Mormon saints, but rather flawed characters learning how to be better. The movie also tied all of the characters together very well. Even though each one had their own problems, they all had one solution. Spiritual, yet very real. All of us can relate to the characters as they are all imperfect, as we are.

If you are a Utah Mormon, I especially advise you to watch this. It might help you break free of the bubble you live in.

awesome, but then...

[cm2ps · 5/10 · 16 November 2005]

I love Dutcher's previous efforts, God's Army and Brigham City, and was looking forward to States of Grace. It was awesome! at least for the first 100 minutes or so. Then an unexpected (and unnecessary) turn in the film during the last 30 minutes destroyed the whole thing for me. What was he thinking by throwing in the whole scott and holly thing? I think that this film would have been much better without this. My trainer went home for the same reason, so I am not saying it does not happen, I just feel that it was not necessary in this film to get across the principle of grace - Dutcher did an amazing job with this film until the story went south with these two characters.

God's Army 2: States of Grace-My 2 Cents

[vixaudioshow · 10/10 · 10 November 2005]

My wife and I went to see Richard Dutcher's States of Grace as my birthday present to her. It was a Wednesday night and the theater was practically empty. I didn't care. I knew from seeing Dutcher's previous films and reading a couple thoughtful reviews on this film that we were in for a rewarding movie experience. We were not disappointed. By the time States of Grace was over, my wife and I felt like we had been through an emotional and spiritual roller-coaster. The characters came across as real people with real problems. As an old hardened movie buff who's seen everything, I was surprised at how deeply this movie touched me. It was like Dutcher was putting his heart and soul on the line with this movie and I had no choice but to respond with my own unrestrained emotions. I feel bad for those who will reject this movie because it is rated PG-13 or because of the controversial aspects of the story. Of course these are the same folks who were outraged at the first GOD's ARMY because it didn't show missionaries as 100% perfect at all times. We all fall short of the mark. This film is a wonderful reminder of how much we need the Atonement and how much we need to be forgiving of each other.

Better than expected

[alexvw-2 · 10/10 · 24 January 2007]

I got dragged to this movie. I didn't want to go. I hate "Christian" or "values-based" movies. I'm a regular guy. I ended up watching the whole thing, and felt mad when my girlfriend made me go out for candy! I didn't want to miss anything. I was pulled along by the story, and the characters were really compelling. It's like you know these people. You've seen them around, and you are included in a few days of their lives. The end just blew me away. I think it could have been improved by a heavier hand editing a couple parts, but it was just so good overall, I had to give it a ten. Go see it. You'll see why. It's honest. I bought the DVD.

Thought provoking movie

[onemoretime1998 · 9/10 · 10 November 2005]

I have become a big Richard Dutcher fan. I always spend several days after seeing his movies thinking about the implications. States of Grace is by far his best offering. I think I liked it so well because it tells an LDS story that is not only realistic but can hold meaning for anyone of faith. It is very well crafted and the cinematography is just beautiful. The acting ranges from good to extremely good and as always in a Richard Dutcher movie the symbolism is deep.

My wife liked this movie so much because she felt that it told the truth. Bad things happen in the lives of good people everyday and Dutcher does a phenomenal job of looking at what that life can become when viewed through a spiritual filter. Something that would have little significance for one person may be a profound life changing event for another. This film demonstrates that and shows how all lives can be touched by the atonement of Jesus Christ. I never thought that I would see a movie that could tell such a gritty and true story and yet communicate so powerfully the universality of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is a great movie for Mormons but I can easily see why non LDS people would have trouble getting by the depiction of Mormon culture....too bad, I think anyone of faith could be uplifted by the message of this film.

Best "Mormon Film" Yet!

[bigmattyk · 9/10 · 7 December 2005]

Mormon film to this point has been mainly "Mormon", but flightily "film". While some pictures have had strong points, for example, the subtle humor in "Napoleon Dynamite" or action in "Saint and Soldiers", most of the genre has been self-absorbed and self-serving. Even Dutcher's previous "God's Army" was aimed specifically for a Mormon audience and did not have any lofty design or style.

The self-proclaimed "Father of Mormon Cinema" has here created a film that could be accessible to a wide audience and should be better received. The characters are again missionaries, but share little similarities to the characters in "God's Army." The fact that it is already disappearing from theaters is due to poor marketing and advertising, and does not reflect the quality of the film.

Finally a Mormon character faces some real problems and really struggles. Finally Mormon characters make real mistakes and have to pay real repentance. Finally a Mormon story involves real non-Mormon characters and views them not as the oddity, but real people in the real world. And finally, Dutcher has a real vision and real message and actually directs this picture like no one has dared in the genre.

The acting in the film is miles above anything yet seen in Mormon film, as is the direction. Moments between Lozano and Carl, or any moment with the street preacher Louis feel honest and natural. The "gangstas" (as the ads so poorly state) seem real, not like your Mormon high school production or road-show. Even the character of Farrell, who was initially the weakest link in the film, shows his true colors by the end. Dutcher constantly alludes to action in his story and composition, and he creates some amazing pictures, showing that he may be the least accessible person off camera, but he is the most capable director of the genre yet. Carl's confirmation scene, while paying homage to "The Godfather", is amazing in its own right. The story occasionally bordered on cliché, but Dutcher never let it go that route, instead opting for some really difficult decisions for his characters.

I know that many Mormons will not want to see this movie because it has characters that have or will make mistakes. It has some uncomfortable situations and asks some tough questions. What they should realize, however, is that this is the first "Mormon film" that actually has something to say. Instead of laughing at ourselves and our Jello molds, why not show situations that really happen? Why not dare to put ourselves in the shoes of our fellow men? Why not realize that we are but one religion among many, all of which bring goodness into the world? Why not join others in their everyday struggles and know that we are not alone in this world? This film is the first to ask these questions and most successfully answer them. "States of Grace" is not the best film I have ever seen, but it is the best "Mormon film" I have yet seen and is among the best of this year. Open-minded, open-hearted, open-souled viewers everywhere should watch this movie. It may change how you look at things.

Touching movie for all

[anmsmom333 · 10/10 · 18 February 2006]

I was quite touched by this film. I was a little apprehensive at first since I knew it would have gang violence but that was not too graphic (not as much as you would see on the nightly news). I love how one missionary with a similar past to one man was the one person that man needed for him to right his life. There is sadness in this film but overall it is about the love Jesus has for all of us and how no matter what we do, he will always love us. I love the friendships that develop as the story goes on and how heart warming the end is, shows the true meaning of Christmas. If you are LDS - I think this is a must see film. It makes me appreciate missionaries all the more. If you aren't LDS - it will still warm your heart to see the love, friendship and compassion a person can have for his fellow man.

A Moving Drama, States of Grace is a Must See!

[rick_koerber · 9/10 · 4 March 2006]

States of Grace is a must see for anyone hooked on real drama. The plot is complex and moving, the theme a moving exploration, and the acting is much more than I originally expected. This is movie that should touch a cord with anyone who has had serious questions about life, religion, and how our life's stories fit together in a world of difference. The end of the movie brought me to tears which is highly unusual. Don't attend this movie if thinking and feeling are burdens for you. Other than that caveat, this moving is a must see for everyone.

Originally billed as the sequel to Dutcher's "God's Army" this movie definitely stands on its own. The story is told from the perspective of two LDS missionaries but is not preachy, nor is this a "Mormon" movie. This is a movie about the permanent and perennial questions facing all believers. The main characters are anything but typical, and the story has plenty of surprises. Also, there is some genuine humor that caught me off guard. The relationship between the missionaries, a street preacher, a gang banger, and a struggling actress will bring a few smiles and tears.

Dutcher bridges the gaps between Christians and LDS

[bandl-1 · 9/10 · 31 October 2006]

Having seen the movie and attending the opening at Trolly Square with the discussion panel afterwords, I was truly impressed at Dutcher's ideas and how he helped bridge the gaps between Christians and Mormons. As a Born Again Christian I would highly recommend this movie to anyone seeking Gods forgiveness of sin. This movie clearly presents the Redemption Message and all could learn from it. I also thoroughly enjoyed the panel discussion after the movie, it was clearly enlightening to me that Dutcher realized some of the roadblocks that keep Mormonism out of the mainstream of Christianity. One example was the use of the Cross, when questioned about that Dutcher said that LDS had demonized the Cross far to long. The Cross is one of the main symbols of Christianity, yet you will not find a Cross on an LDS church, it is considered a murder weapon. I was also surprised at the number of people who walked out after his statement, seeming to disagree with him. All in all I still consider this movie excellent to present Gods message of salvation.

Great

[andresrequenatappi · 9/10 · 1 November 2006]

Cari: Pelicula has enchanted me, as much the sin as the repentance is of very human form, mainly as the mission president shows of a very affectionate form his love by the missionaries and instead of recriminating the attitude of the missionary he embraces it and he cries with him. The end of the film is fantastic. Andrew: I like the continuity that gives in this before film "God's Army" leaving in this film actors already made in 2000. As much in this as in first I mainly like vision real of the world of the church Mormon's and the respect by the other beliefs. Our vote is the 9 We like very much (sorry our English is very bad)