Once I Was a Beehive
Once I Was a Beehive
PG | 14 August 2015 (USA)
Once I Was a Beehive Trailers

After losing her father to cancer, a teenage girl reluctantly joins her new step-cousin at a summer camp for Mormon girls.

Reviews
Mjeteconer Just perfect...
HeadlinesExotic Boring
KnotStronger This is a must-see and one of the best documentaries - and films - of this year.
Lidia Draper Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.
Ioannis Mpardakis Well done.Hello people, this is my first review, as I was motivated so much from this film. English is not my native language, so forgive any of my mistakes, only if you wish to do so.Secondly, I'm not a Mormon, I'mo not a fanatic of religion, not even a so called Hellas citizen, but as Socrates says (yes,says,not "said"), I am a citizen of this world.The film is truly excellent, one of it's kind, strong enough to carry each one of us deep into the most simple truth in life..difference is only to the outside. Cause inside of us, each person carries the unity not only of human kind, but the unity of universe itself, the unity of the whole universe into one soul mind and body..and this beats everything.As Socrates one day said, while going to a spring to drink water with his cup, that this child beat me in simplicity, when seeing a child by drinking with his own hands from the spring. Then he dropped the cup away, so that he could act the same as the child did.So, I'm admitting the same. This film beats me in simplicity, by being witness of their strength, by their pure wisdom, by their effort to help each other in every and each possible way, seeing each other's weaknesses, not to criticize them, but wanting to change them to their best possible strength again, finding themselves in this world throughout their pure good will intentions..throughout unity.Eventually, the human spirit and the governments of this world, could have learn enough if not all, from the very best example of.. at least once they were a Beehive.10 stars from me..they deserve the whole world.Thank you all.
kourtneykfitzgerald Since most Mormon films seem to cater toward the Mormon audience, I was pleasantly surprised to see that this film, while having Mormon characters, is not necessarily geared toward a Mormon audience. While it is probably best enjoyed by Mormon girls and women who have attended camp, it could easily be enjoyed by anyone. There are very few specifically "Mormon" references so it is relatable to a wide audience. That being said, it is a low-budget independent film, so don't expect to be wowed. However the acting quality is good, the soundtrack is good, and the plot, while fairly predictable, was not quite the touchy-feely conversion story that you'd expect from a religious film. It reminded me of the 2012 movie "Amazing Love". This film is a fairly accurate (though satirical) depiction of a Mormon girls camp. And yes, we really do sing "Noah's Arky" and "Mormon Boy"! It's tradition!
cysmith-64712 I came across this movie on Netflix. It was really good, and really other than the 'Young Women" reference, it took me a while to realize it was Mormon. It seemed to be just strictly Bible - It's a really good movie to show how girls interact and that even grownups lose their tempers and have the same identity issues. We're all just on a journey. My only one "complaint".. they should have done a bit more research on service animals verses emotional support animals and where they are allowed. Although, Roxie is adorable and helps calm Phoebe - she cannot be called a service animal. She is not trained to do work or a task! She simply calms Phoebe by being near her. An animal that calms just by their presence is an Emotional Support animal and is NOT allowed anywhere the person goes. A service animal is NOT a pet and other people would not be petting her. I only bring it up because it is a huge issue now and this movie is just adding to that confusion.
blue-7 I had the opportunity to catch this film as it was still being fine tuned at the LDS Film Festival in early March of 2015. It was being screened just prior to a session in which a film that I had made was being screened. I'm always interested in seeing what other LDS filmmakers are doing and this one (which at the time didn't have a final title selected yet) sounded like fun. "Once I Was a Beehive" turned out to be one of the highlights of the festival -- a delight from start to finish. I laughed and cried and thoroughly enjoyed the film from start to finish. McAllen Nelson, who directed and wrote the screenplay, has done a wonderful job of taking the viewer into a world of young women learning to value who they really are. The young players, headed by Paris Warner as a non-Mormon who has lost her father to cancer and finds herself at the girls camp when her mother remarries a Mormon man, are all very warm and believable. Special mention must be given to character actress Barta Heiner (who was so wonderful as the senior teacher in "The Cokeville Miracle") who lights up the screen every moment that she appears. Everything about this film works from the directing, fine script, excellent cinematography and the catchy score. I rank this as one the best films that a family could enjoy together. It's worth seeing in the theatre (if you have a chance with its limited release) and certainly purchasing on a Blu-ray or DVD. Did I say that it was for all ages? I was 76 when I saw it and went through at least six hankies!