User reviews

In just ten minutes, the film hurls the viewer headlong into an epic saga from a scarcely examined time and place where a population has cleaved itself into warring factions. This centuries-long conflict stemmed from an ancient intra-family rivalry that makes the Hundred Years' War look like a schoolyard squabble. The short film touches the zeitgeist as it raises issues of freedom and centuries-old injustices. And at a time when spirituality has become passé and talk of God has become impolite in civil society, the full feature seems poised to elevate divine conviction against the backdrop of a battle royale. If the full feature can sustain the intrigue, maintain the lofty grandeur, and build on the human connection that this short concept began, there may be no limit to the heights the full feature (or trilogy) might attain. Kyle Warr has augmented the film's storytelling as he sets off to make his own mark in theatrical music composition.

Went to the premier short. Great story! Great concept. Solid performances. Great costumes and makeup. However, i can only give this a 6 out of 10 because the charcitureing and stereotyping aesthetic really rubbed me wrong. It did not offend me at all mind you. It just came across as cliche. There has been a cultural acceptance of this idea that Lamanites looked and acted like Polynesians and Native Americans and that Nephites looked and acted more like Europeans. And that Arnold Freiburg paintings were somehow an accurate representation of these real people. Please do something different than fall into that box. Take the chance to approach the cultural aesthetic of these historical figures in a new and fresh way. Please please please!!

My wife and I attended the premier event and loved it. It was too short!!! I want a 3 movie, Lord of the Rings extended edition style release (ie. 3-4 hours each), one a year for 3 years. :) This is such an epic story that deserves to be told on the big screen.

WOW, just wow! I knew you guys could do it, but that was better than I hoped for. Thank you for putting your heart and soul into this project, and thank you for the opportunity to be one of the first of millions to take part on this journey with you by attending the premiere last night. My brother and I were deeply moved by all the emotion and power behind that opening scene and all the production BTS as well. The actors, and their testimonials of faith, prayer, lineage... are all blessings from God and I honestly could feel something special in that theater tonight. Not something that happens a lot at the movies. I'm excited for whats next for you all, I can already see the trilogy unfolding. This film deserves the recognition from Hollywood, and this story needs to be told in this medium!

As a young 19 year old serving in Mexico I had a dream/vision of a movie based on the war chapters of the Book of Mormon and I saw clearly an image of a jungle scene with the subtitle "Zarahemla, 72 B.C."

I wondered when someone would actually create that movie. I can't wait to see what you do with a full length feature.

My teenagers didn't realize this was only a short concept film and when the credits started rolling they were SO disappointed as they wanted to see the whole thing! We are praying that everything goes super smoothly so that this can become a reality sooner than later.

This concept short film exceeded my expectations and had me on the edge of my seat. A great story told well can become a great film. The desperate struggle for freedom chronicled in The Book of Mormon is a compelling and riveting story to bring to the silver screen. Astounding work Darin! Onward!

The acting and quality of the cast and special effects were very well done. The cinematography was excellent and the setting and costumes were perfect. The film score emotionally connects the viewers to the story and greatly enhances the experience. The overall presentation was enthralling especially for the short amount of time that was available to create and produce it. It felt like I was watching a major motion picture. I can easily see this project progressing toward completion and I believe it will happen.

The power of faith and prayer are real and they bring forth miracles. Ben Cross mentioned the influence of prayer in his decision to accept his role in the behind the scenes cut. This project has miracles woven into it and many people believe in it.

Here's the deal. I went to the show with low expectations. I thought the first 13 minutes were sub-par. BUT, I do think that the quality reflected the meager budget constraints and the minimal prep time. In other words, I wasn't thrilled.

When the film concluded, I sat there with my arms crossed, wondering why I was so disappointed. I got some pretty dirty looks from the people around me because I was not nearly as enthused.

Here are my gripes: 1. The soundtrack needs to match the epic potential of the film. What I heard, was third rate, at best. But his reflects the budgetary constraints. I expect much better when the full length film begins production. 2. Mr. Southam is brilliant. But he needs to spend more time behind the camera. It feels like he can't handle a leading role and direct a film of this magnitude simultaneously. LET SOMEONE ELSE BE CAPTAIN MORONI! 3. The dialogue and the story line were choppy and a bit difficult to follow. And I've read the Book of Mormon. Again, I attribute that to timing and budget. 4. Overall, the opening sequence felt rushed. I expect some major touch ups and edits to the completed version.

I will add that the final 30 seconds of the concept presentation were what gave me hope for the completed version. Most of the concept film made me feel like this project is off to a rough start. However, I did get chills watching Captain Moroni raise the Title of Liberty to the legions below. THAT was what I paid to see! Give us more of that and I will gladly throw the remains of my sad little paycheck at a full priced ticket!

Intense, beautiful, instantly captivating! Excellent film work, music, costumes and acting. Really good characters in each role. Ben Cross is one scary dude! We loved it and can't wait for the full length movie....all three of them!

Ben Cross' performance was spine-tingling powerful as the wicked King, sure hope that if he's needed for the full production that he will agree to come back! Moroni's emotional cry of "Jehovah!" grabbed me by the throat! Everyone's performance was topnotch! It fell so authentic. Can't wait!

There is something about this film that will definitely change peoples lives for the better!

This was a very interesting short concept film, and has a lot of potential. This is definitely the best adaptation of Book of Mormon thus far, but I think there are a few things that can be improved upon. The fighting scene was corny and the choreography needs improvement. It was too simple and slow. Unfortunately, they need a new actor for Captain Moroni, the director has talent directing, but does not truly embody the character of Moroni. Captain Moroni was portrayed differently in the Book of Mormon. The costumes and set were amazing.

* Three of us saw the concept preview two nights ago with a group of 82. I'll review in bullet points. * Probably one of the best, most worthy events that needs to be told on a full screen, but if told at all, it must be done right. * Direction was lacking. Ben Cross was actually the highlight because he knows how to act despite poor direction. The rest of the crew needs time and experience on screen. The growling Lamanites were a disappointment-an eye-rolling experience. * Poorly cast: Lamanites and Nephites traveled mostly on foot. The Lamanites were cast from body builders who would pass out if they had to run more than 100 feet. The sped-up scene was obvious. * The preview focused on the death of the latter Moroni who had little to nothing to do with the 500-year previous Moroni who raised the Title of Liberty during the reign of the judges. This should have been a brief intro, with the remaining preview time focused on the events related to the movie title. * Movie title was poorly explained in text at the prologue--should have been expressed visually in the film short. The actual storyline should have been the focus of the preview, not the above bullet point. * The point of Moroni's struggle, and his raising of the Title of Liberty, was to overcome an insurrection at his homeland kingdom during a time of desperate war--not clearly portrayed-only a glimpse in the prologue text and at the very end in a vague visual. * A full length feature film requires big investors/backing/support, experienced people outside the realm of the LDS faith. This concept preview did not target that crowd, and will not attract them because it depends on the viewer having a prior background knowledge of the events. Overall, not a good pitch for a full-length feature film.

There is power in this film that no other movie I have seen could create. In just 14 minutes the film was able to capture raw emotion that left me speechless, and wanting more. The soundtrack is amazing! There's a strong connection between the audio and the visual which helps create strong emotions throughout the film. Along with the soundtrack is the incredible acting. The actors were very well connected and each one was able to portray their character in a unique way that made it seem very realistic. This was a low budget production, but it reflects the work of a high budget film. You would never imagine that this was produced in such a short amount of time funded by supporters on kickstarter, yet that's exactly what happened. There is so much potential for this film and I only dream and pray that it becomes a full length feature film in the near future. On a more personal note, I usually don't get emotional in movies, but this proved to be different than any other movie I've seen. Most of the film was intense, but there was one line towards the end that was just one word. As the actor was yelling that word the emotion and strength was so immense it made me emotional. The theater went silent and you could tell that everyone in the room had felt the same power that I did. I applaud the director and everyone involved in this project, may the spirit of Freedom spread like wildfire across the world!!!! Ho Fe!!!!!

This was a great concept with a riveting story, fantastic acting, wonderful camera work, and a beautiful soundtrack. The set location was great, and the costumes, makeup, and stunt work were spot on. I really had goosebumps during many of the scenes. It lays the groundwork for what will be an amazing story of one man's struggle to unite his people under a banner of freedom and face a murderous population intent on enslaving all those who oppose them. This movie started in an area, and time, I did not expect, but fully realized the intent and perfect placement of the characters as a setup to properly tell the story. Well done team, you made me a believer in this movie!

High quality short film! Even within its short duration, this film was able to showcase the essence of the war chapters found in The Book of Mormon and the role Captain Moroni had in a way never before seen in other movies with their respective heroes and stories. It combines both a feel of gritty survival and a new visual perspective on the concept of ancient war depicted in the book, and the concept of religious freedom. Off to a great star. I give it a big thumbs up and my full support!

I had read reviews from others who had seen this short film and they all loved it - but I rarely enjoy movies for reasons others do. I don't go for the cinematography, or for the brilliant acting and editing - I rarely notice those things. (Unless it is very bad acting) All I want from a movie is to feel something powerful - which very often is a hard thing to achieve.

With that said, I felt something from the opening shot of this film. The music, the action, the story line, it was all truly captivating to me as a person who has always wanted to see what it was really like to be there in Book of Mormon times.

All I wanted was to feel something - and I felt it!

I was skeptical! You're probably reading this because you're skeptical as well! Don't Be!! I'm here to say emphatically that THEY DID IT!! The look of the film is incredible! The score is incredible and my goodness, Ben Cross! Just thinking about his performance gives me chills. Then there's Karina Lombard and Eugene Brave Rock. They're performances were so powerful without having to say anything! These are amazing, Non-LDS actors who caught the vision of what Darin is trying to accomplish. After listening to him speak tonight I can promise you that he is 100% fully invested in making this movie with the highest standards possible. This IS happening! Let's all get behind this great effort! Spread the word!

This film is not worth it...at least not with the direction they are taking it and the absolute lack of plot and character building and not to mention the overkill of graphic violence...where are they going with this film?! I would not recommend it to my friends...Very Disappointing. He said he wanted to use this as a spiritual tool, but it does exactly the opposite, I did not feel any spirit of Freedom while I watched it, it is actually very repulsive due to the graphic violence! This does the Book of Mormon an injustice...its a no for me!

My son and I were so enthralled with this short, and my only negative comment is that I wish it could have been the full length feature film. This movie touched me deeply and emotionally. Because I was familiar with the story, seeing it come to life on the big screen for all the world to see, brought tears streaming down my face. I'm so thankful that Darin Southam had the foresight to make this movie and bring Captain Moroni's story to the world. What a great movie this is going to be! I The short was gripping from the first moment to the last, and definitely worth seeing twice.

The acting and film were first class. Other then that with out a lead in and understanding what it is about. Not of much use to me. If you want the general public to get anything out of it, there probably needs to be some kind of explanation.

As a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, I was thrilled to hear that Darin Southam was endeavoring to make a full length movie that could more powerfully and broadly share some of the amazing stories of the book of Mormon in order to increase interest in the book, which can bring us closer to Christ. When I watched the concept short with my family, it was too gory. The book of Mormon ends without us knowing the fate of Moroni, the son of Mormon and I also disagree that Darin should take liberty to portray his death at the hand of his enemies. Maybe he died of natural causes or was translated like righteous prophets before him, so I would have preferred leaving this open ended. If the movie focuses too much on warfare I fear it may give a poor impression of the Book of Mormon's purpose. Christ himself teaches in the Book of Mormon that "he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me but is of the devil." I hope that Darin can capture the goodness of Captain Moroni...how he allowed prisoners of war to escape when he would have been more than justified to kill them. He was an amazing soldier but more importantly an amazing christian.

I'm so glad to see great actors like Ben Cross, Karina Lombard and Eugene Brave Rock on board with this project, their acting left nothing more to want. Writer and director Darin Southam who also stars in the film has created a work of art. The music by Kyle Warr was incredible. The hero's of ancient America have always inspired me. The reign of judges instead of a king who can oppress. Freedom from those who seek to destroy and most of all, a promised land giving hope and strength to a nation who will follow the Christ. I felt this inspiration while watching this concept film. I've been nervous about anyone making a film about these events because they need to be told right in a film or not at all. I watched this last night and was moved. Realizing these complex stories cannot be told in a short concept, I certainly got a taste of what I've been looking for. I cannot wait to see the features.