The subtitle I'd give this movie is, "How to make bad choices and still come out alive." The story is about two Mormons who are in Russia doing missionary work when they get kidnapped and held for ransom by very bad people. They rely on their faith and little else to get them through the event.
This movie has been called, "one of the best in the Mormon film genre," and even, "[it] isn't just great Mormon cinema, it's great cinema, period." Of the first statement, I'd say that I was unaware that there was an entire genre that could be categorized as Mormon. I wonder how many movies fit in that genre. Of the second statement, I'd say that it seems like it was said (and it was) by someone who really doesn't have much experience outside of the Mormon genre.
The acting in this movie was decent enough. I totally bought these two as relatively simple-minded missionaries who see the good in people before they even consider that someone may have nefarious intent. These two make bad decisions, tell stories of faith, and try to relate to their captors in a very realistic way for their characters.
The Russians are a bit less believable as kidnappers. I know that this is supposed to be based on a true story of heartbreak, faith, redemption, and lust (okay, maybe not lust), but it really seems like A) artistic liberty has been taken and B) an uncommon result. I mean, ignoring opportunities to escape is simply not the way to go when your goal is to get out, is it? The idea that "it's God's plan," can't really take the place of common sense in these situations.
Aside from the inherent issues with the pivotal points of the movie, the movie is done pretty well from a production standpoint. They also tried to have a sub-plot of what was going on at home to try and get the two men back, but the story was really weakly done, and the problem is that the main story was not strong enough to stand on its own.
Direction was okay
Cinematography was okay
Costumes were spot on
Dialog was awkward
Story was not enough to drive the movie
1.25/5