Search - States of Grace on DVD

Sheldon D. from VANCOUVER, WA
Reviewed on 11/9/2010...

I am a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Though I am not a Mormon, this movie transcends Mormonism and can grip the heart of any person with its exceptional and real theme(s) of hope and forgiveness and law and grace. Of the thousands of movies I've seen throughout the decades, I place this one near the top along with The Passion of the Christ and Chariots of Fire. Beware: You will need to keep a box of Kleenex near by when watching.

A PENTECOSTAL AND A BAPTIST PRAY FOR A MORMON ELDER!

TOMMY C ELLIS | Federal Way, WA United States | 03/17/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This story to two young missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints who encounter and interact with a homeless Pentecostal preacher, a wounded gang-banger, a struggling actress, and, of course, their own frailties. There is no church propaganda here. In fact, there is some telling in-house social commentary going on here that applies well to any religious tradition.

There are powerful scenes and situations throughout the presentation. Temptation can be subtle, and it's grip gradual. Likewise, personal redemption sometimes just requires a little openness--and seeing the big picture, instead of the immediate policy limitations (do we let the sick homeless guy sleep over or not?)

In the end, what pushes me to the five-star mark is the producer's daring. His characters are real, flawed, and yet marked with God's image. Wrong choices are made, and problems do not neatly resolve. Yet, humanity, compassion, and sincere faith do result in miracles.

Neither my wife, nor I, are LDS. Nevertheless, we found our own Christian faith affirmed by States of Grace. Two thumbs up, as the pros say!"

A masterpiece

Margaret Young | Usa | 11/25/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Though many will see this film as a product of the LDS culture, such a perception minimizes its artistry. Richard Dutcher is credited as beginning Mormon-themed movies, but _States of Grace_ transcends the genre he himself created. This is a universal movie about empathy, compassion, repentence, forgiveness, humanity, and redemption. It is unquestionably the best film Dutcher has made, and rises far above any other film which might be classified as "Mormon." Its audience should not be limited to those most familiar with Mormon missionaries. The missonaries could be Catholic priests or Evangelical ministers and the movie would still succeed. It is a beautiful depiction of the growing pains we humans must experience if we are to mature in our sense and expression of moral and social responsibility."

A moving film

T. Seawright | Chicago, IL | 11/25/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While perhaps not as graceful as Brigham City, this film is one of Dutcher's best. It's startlingly realistic, well-acted and well-made. The performances remind us once again that Dutcher is a real filmmaker, not a Mollywood hack; and the story is beyond moving. At the risk of making it sound like a moralistic film (it's not), I have to say that States of Grace is also deeply spiritually edifying."