If you scroll down this page, you will see that we started voting five days ago on the best Mormon-themed movie. In an extremely close vote, Saints and Soldiers edged out “Napoleon Dynamite” and “New York Doll.”
Just a word on “Saints and Soldiers:” it is an excellent movie, and I think many Latter-day Saints would agree that the best scene is the one in which the Deacon (a returned missionary from Germany) tries to shoot at a fleeing German, but misses an easy shot. He later learns that the German is a good friend from his mission, and he was apparently meant to miss. There is a touching scene of reconciliation and friendship where we are reminded that the faceless German soldiers are sons of God who are difficult to hate once you see them face-to-face.
“Saints and Soldiers” is a sometimes gory war movie (my wife found it too violent, for example), but it is exciting, with good acting, good character development and a faith-promoting look at how an American missionary tried to reconcile love of country with love of his fellow men, even those who were temporarily his enemies.
It’s a good but not great movie, but probably about 20 minutes longer than it should be. Which makes it drag out. I think both Napoleon Dynamite and New York Doll are better. But I can understand those not voting for them. Napoleon Dynamite isn’t an explicitly Mormon movie. It’s much more a Utah/Idaho movie which many Mormons get because of direct or indirect contacts. Likewise New York Doll is a documentary which would lead some to not vote for it.
I know some people don’t care for documentary films, but everyone should see New York doll.
Where does God’s Army fall. That one is my favorite by far.
Chris H, sorry to say that “God’s Army” came in last on our list with four votes. I loved that movie, though.
* Saints and Soldiers (16.0%, 23 Votes)
* Napoleon Dynamite (16.0%, 22 Votes)
* New York Doll (15.0%, 21 Votes)
* The Other Side of Heaven (11.0%, 15 Votes)
* The Best Two Years (10.0%, 14 Votes)
* Brigham City (6.0%, 9 Votes)
* Gods Army II: States of Grace (5.0%, 7 Votes)
* Other (name in comment) (5.0%, 7 Votes)
* Johnny Lingo (4.0%, 6 Votes)
* Charly (4.0%, 5 Votes)
* Mr. Krueger’s Christmas (3.0%, 4 Votes)
* Single’s Ward (3.0%, 4 Votes)
* God’s Army (3.0%, 4 Votes)
I thought Saints and Soldiers was pretty decent. If anyone hasn’t seen it our would like to see it again, the whole movie is available on Hulu.
http://www.hulu.com/watch/32278/saints-and-soldiers
Thanks for posting the results, I love how close the top three are.
I wonder if New York Doll would’ve won had more people seen it. It’s too bad it hasn’t gotten more notice.
I agree Tim. I think that *New York Doll* should be standard viewing in preparation for a mission. The themes the worth of a soul and repentance/redemption are so beautifully portrayed in this documentary.
I love New York Doll. I think everybody everywhere should see it.
I liked Saints and Soldiers, and am not disappointed to find that it’s won this little contest. It was no Saving Private Ryan, but it did a good job of being what it was.
Actually, I like everything listed there that I’ve seen (haven’t seen Brigham City), as long as we’re talking about the original Johnny Lingo. Campy old Mormonia has to be represented, including Tom Trails, Man’s Search for Happiness and John Baker’s Last Race.