Incannerax What a waste of my time!!!

CommentsXp Best movie ever!

Fairaher The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.

Robert Joyner The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

bkoganbing A couple of passing Mormon Elders steered me to this film and I have to say it was not a bad choice. Filmed in both Salt Lake City and Kiev, The Saratov Approach is about two Mormon Elders on their mission in the Russian city of Saratov who are kidnapped by a pair of would be criminals and the LDS church itself given a ransom notice.As a tenet of the faith these young men and occasionally women do go on these two year missions to spread the faith. In that time if one is converted by them it's gravy. The meat and potatoes is to spread good will for the Church of Latter Day Saints. So Elders Propst and Tuttle are doing just that in the Russian they've learned in preparation for this assignment.Corbin Allred and MacLain Nelson do a good job in roles they are clearly too old for. Missionaries are usually 18 to 25 and the real Propst and Tuttle are identified as 23 and 20 in an article I read on the case. All the Mormon Elders I've ever encountered were about that age and the most recent two who recommended this film looked barely out of high school. In fact had they gotten two who looked like them to play Propst and Tuttle the film would have been better because the vulnerability would have increased exponentially.Alex Veadov and champion skater Nikita Bogolyubov play the kidnappers. Veadov is a Russian navy veteran and Bogolyubov just a follower in over his head. On certain levels the Elders do bond with the kidnappers, but it's hardly a Patty Hearst situation.The Saratov Approach is a nice film that would have been better with different casting of the Elders. It's also a commercial for the LDS church, but that's to be expected.And this review is dedicated to those passing Mormon Elders Reed and Hamilton both from rural parts of Utah who recommended The Saratov Approach as good material to review.

bdkwilson71 This is an independent film without all the Hollywood back up but they do a wonderful job with it. You are captured into the story from the very beginning. It's an amazing story and as a mom I couldn't imagine what I would do having my son go through what they did. The actors seem to portray the real characters so well. It's moving in how people came together for these two young men in not only the church they belong to but also by everyone religious or not. I laughed and cried and cheered in this movie. I have seen Corbin Allred in other movies like Saint and Soldiers and he does a great job, as well as all the other characters. You will not be disappointed going to this movie.

alliacortes I never write reviews for movies but this movie I couldn't resist. This movie had me shaking the whole time because I didn't know what to expect. Its based on a true story. When this incident happen I was a little young to understand what was going on or even heard about it. So I had no idea what to expect. It was intense but not too intense that you are feeling bad after. Its truly inspiring. A movie for everyone no matter religion you are. When it comes out on DVD I'm gonna get it for sure. I loved it. And I know anyone that watches will too. I would watch it again in theaters. Hope this movie gets more recognition because it truly deserves it.

mark blanchard Despite what the other 10 star reviews would have you believe, this is very much an LDS movie that will likely appeal only to LDS audiences. Since it's a true story that made TV news in its day, I suppose it is no spoiler to reveal that not much happens to the two kidnapped missionaries during their 5 days of captivity before they are voluntarily released. For that reason the screenplay fills the action void with: a dream sequence, many flashbacks, a heady dose of preaching to the camera, and some none-too-subtle figura christi allusions. But I'll grant you that it is a fairly well made film for its type. It's true that the actors playing the missionaries are about ten years too old for their roles and the ones playing Senators and FBI agents are about 10 years too young, but overall the film is comfortably shot and scored. Yes, the hand-held camera is herky-jerky even when it doesn't need to be, but who really cares about these quibbles? Go see it if you skipped Sacrament Meeting last Sunday or if you just want to reinforce your belief that deep down all gentiles really respect we Mormons even when their use of coffee, tea, and beer makes them do bad things -- like not root for the Utah Jazz.