The Saratov Approach (2013)

best movie i've ever seen.

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

Yes, absolutely, there is fun to be had, as well as many, many things to go boom, all amid an atmospheric urban jungle.

One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.

From one humble Christian's perspective...Language level: 1 out of 5 Nothing objectionable.Sexual level: 0 out of 5 Absolutely none.Violence level: 2.5 out of 5 Some fighting, being held at gunpoint, etc. May not be suitable for children under the age of 13.Personal Thoughts: An excellent inspirational film, with a message of Christian hope.

There are many problems with this movie. With the only real positive being that the soundtrack is pretty fantastic (Most of the time) First off, the movie has no suspense at all even though it's a kidnapping/ransom movie. Problems the heroes are presented with are resolved BY THE VILLAINS. (Not a spoiler: At one point the heroes want something to drink, but since they are Mormon missionaries they cannot drink alcohol. So the main villain GIVES THEM EXACTLY WHAT THEY WANT. That sort of thing happens multiple times in this movie.) The movie also has me not caring about the main two missionaries because their only characterization is that they are nice, loyal Mormon boys. Neither of the characters have any kind of backstory. The only chance either of the heroes have time to talk to each other they don't expand their characters, but rather just talk about praying and their religion. They really just are one dimensional characters. They really do shoe horn in a lot of the Mormon ideas. I know a lot of people might critique these points just based on that it was a true story, but that can be debunked in two ways. The two missionaries who told the story probably twisted it to fit the message they were trying to tell (This happens a lot in LDS churches trust me I used to be a member) second of all if the story you're working with won't translate well to film then maybe you shouldn't make it? One other problem I have with the movie is the fact that it's so predictable. You can tell everything the movie is setting up from the second it starts to happen. Nothing that happens throughout is for no reason and I predicted every single thing that would happen in the movie just from the scenes before hand. I went into this movie completely blind too not even knowing what is was about, however the person I was watching with every time I'd complain about how little thought went into the movie they would try to shut down that point by expressing how it's a true story. For example I'd complain about how stupid the characters were and they'd respond "Well everyone's flawed." Then I'd say. "Especially the screenwriter for this piece of garbage." The acting goes from decent to hilariously bad, luckily none of the main characters are too awful.4/10

I absolutely loved this movie. Being a Mormon who served a 2 year mission probably made the movie more relatable than it would be to the non Mormons out there. What I like best was the accurate portrayal of the LDS Church, specifically LDS Missionaries. Unlike the how Mormons are portrayed in Big Love, The Book of Mormon Musical and Millions, this picture is able to tell a compelling story, without being insulting and staying true to LDS culture.I don't think one needs to be LDS to enjoy the movie, but do think that Mormons in general will find it more enjoyable. For people who are offended by Christians or religion in general, I would fear that the movie would come off a bit "preachy" Having said that, I see it as a very accurate portrayal of LDS life.

Its hard to come up with the words that adequately describe my feelings during the movie. I laughed, I cried, I said "Amen" during their prayers...I was definitely moved.I encourage all of you to go see the movie. Although it is based off the LDS experience of serving a mission I really think that it appeals to those of any religion. It is a really strong story of faith...faith in Heavenly Father, faith in the power of prayer, faith in your family and friends and church and most of all faith in yourself, Gods plan for you and His ability to provide.It was also very refreshing to talk to one of the missionaries the movie was based on and to hear him say that this movie was pretty spot on in regards to the events that took place.