The Saratov Approach
LDS Film, DVD & Blu-ray
Rated PG-13 for some violence
Rated PG-13 for some violence
101 minutes
March 11th 2014 by Cedar Fort
March 11th 2014 by Cedar Fort
Summary
On what seemed like any other day, Elders Travis Tuttle (Corbin Allred) and Andrew Propst (Maclain Nelson) are approached by Nikolai (Nikita Bogolyubov) to teach a friend. But then the missionaries experience the unimaginable—they are kidnapped, beaten, and held for ransom. While their families, friends, and the world pray for their safe return, Tuttle and Propst are tested physically, emotionally, and most of all—spiritually.
My Review
I'm going to be really upfront here and tell you that I debated for a while about viewing this movie. I knew it was going to be an emotional one. That it would probably upset me, at least a little. I didn't know if I wanted to deal with those emotions. I actually knew one of the missionaries (well was acquainted with him from church, but more of knew his sister for a brief period of time) the movie is based off of. I remember vaguely about this happening, but it was a long time ago and people move away and grow up. I didn't remember most of the story. I just remembered that it had happened, but I wanted to know more about that and what he and his companion learned.
Let me just say that even if you're not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, that I would recommend watching The Saratov Approach. I have watched other movies based off of true stories of those in different religions and cultures and I believe that there are things that are universal. Things we can all learn from each other and that can inspire us regardless if we agree one hundred percent about everything or not.
This story was so sad. These two young men who are out on religious missions and trying to just serve and bless the lives of those they come in contact with are taken and held for ransom. I knew that their ransom wouldn't be met. The United States never does, nor do churches, ever pay ransoms. The effect of doing something like that would be too damaging. To watch as these men struggled with their fear and their faith, while their families did the same, was very heartbreaking. I definitely teared up a few times. I am a mother who will eventually send my boys and maybe my girls out on missions. It is scary for anyone to let their children go like that for any reason and trust that they'll be alright. This is pretty much a parents worst nightmare to have happen.
I thought that the movie was done really well. The acting was decent and I was definitely engaged in the story. They showed enough and balanced all the different aspects of what was going on so that the viewer could connect and understand without being overburdened. I have a deep respect for these two men. I'm sure their experience has been a huge influence in their lives.
It was definitely worth watching and I am planning on recommending it to my family and friends. I hope this story continues to inspire others to have faith.
Content: Clean (There is some violence as referenced in the rating and is not suitable for younger children, but definitely would be for teens and older.)
Source: From the publisher, which did not affect my review in any way.
Let me just say that even if you're not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, that I would recommend watching The Saratov Approach. I have watched other movies based off of true stories of those in different religions and cultures and I believe that there are things that are universal. Things we can all learn from each other and that can inspire us regardless if we agree one hundred percent about everything or not.
This story was so sad. These two young men who are out on religious missions and trying to just serve and bless the lives of those they come in contact with are taken and held for ransom. I knew that their ransom wouldn't be met. The United States never does, nor do churches, ever pay ransoms. The effect of doing something like that would be too damaging. To watch as these men struggled with their fear and their faith, while their families did the same, was very heartbreaking. I definitely teared up a few times. I am a mother who will eventually send my boys and maybe my girls out on missions. It is scary for anyone to let their children go like that for any reason and trust that they'll be alright. This is pretty much a parents worst nightmare to have happen.
I thought that the movie was done really well. The acting was decent and I was definitely engaged in the story. They showed enough and balanced all the different aspects of what was going on so that the viewer could connect and understand without being overburdened. I have a deep respect for these two men. I'm sure their experience has been a huge influence in their lives.
It was definitely worth watching and I am planning on recommending it to my family and friends. I hope this story continues to inspire others to have faith.
Content: Clean (There is some violence as referenced in the rating and is not suitable for younger children, but definitely would be for teens and older.)
Source: From the publisher, which did not affect my review in any way.
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