‘Saints and Soldiers’ voted best Mormon-themed movie


If you scroll down this page, you will see that we started voting five days ago on the best Mormon-themed movie.  In an extremely close vote, Saints and Soldiers edged out “Napoleon Dynamite” and “New York Doll.”

Just a word on “Saints and Soldiers:”  it is an excellent movie, and I think many Latter-day Saints would agree that the best scene is the one in which the Deacon (a returned missionary from Germany) tries to shoot at a fleeing German, but misses an easy shot.  He later learns that the German is a good friend from his mission, and he was apparently meant to miss.  There is a touching scene of reconciliation and friendship where we are reminded that the faceless German soldiers are sons of God who are difficult to hate once you see them face-to-face.

“Saints and Soldiers” is a sometimes gory war movie (my wife found it too violent, for example), but it is exciting, with good acting, good character development and a faith-promoting look at how an American missionary tried to reconcile love of country with love of his fellow men, even those who were temporarily his enemies.

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About Geoff B.

Geoff B graduated from Stanford University (class of 1985) and worked in journalism for several years until about 1992, when he took up his second career in telecommunications sales. He has held many callings in the Church, but his favorite calling is father and husband. Geoff is active in martial arts and loves hiking and skiing. Geoff has five children and lives in Colorado.

9 thoughts on “‘Saints and Soldiers’ voted best Mormon-themed movie

  1. It’s a good but not great movie, but probably about 20 minutes longer than it should be. Which makes it drag out. I think both Napoleon Dynamite and New York Doll are better. But I can understand those not voting for them. Napoleon Dynamite isn’t an explicitly Mormon movie. It’s much more a Utah/Idaho movie which many Mormons get because of direct or indirect contacts. Likewise New York Doll is a documentary which would lead some to not vote for it.

  2. Chris H, sorry to say that “God’s Army” came in last on our list with four votes. I loved that movie, though.

    * Saints and Soldiers (16.0%, 23 Votes)
    * Napoleon Dynamite (16.0%, 22 Votes)
    * New York Doll (15.0%, 21 Votes)
    * The Other Side of Heaven (11.0%, 15 Votes)
    * The Best Two Years (10.0%, 14 Votes)
    * Brigham City (6.0%, 9 Votes)
    * Gods Army II: States of Grace (5.0%, 7 Votes)
    * Other (name in comment) (5.0%, 7 Votes)
    * Johnny Lingo (4.0%, 6 Votes)
    * Charly (4.0%, 5 Votes)
    * Mr. Krueger’s Christmas (3.0%, 4 Votes)
    * Single’s Ward (3.0%, 4 Votes)
    * God’s Army (3.0%, 4 Votes)

  3. I wonder if New York Doll would’ve won had more people seen it. It’s too bad it hasn’t gotten more notice.

  4. I agree Tim. I think that *New York Doll* should be standard viewing in preparation for a mission. The themes the worth of a soul and repentance/redemption are so beautifully portrayed in this documentary.

  5. I love New York Doll. I think everybody everywhere should see it.

    I liked Saints and Soldiers, and am not disappointed to find that it’s won this little contest. It was no Saving Private Ryan, but it did a good job of being what it was.

    Actually, I like everything listed there that I’ve seen (haven’t seen Brigham City), as long as we’re talking about the original Johnny Lingo. Campy old Mormonia has to be represented, including Tom Trails, Man’s Search for Happiness and John Baker’s Last Race.

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