I love LDS themed Movies, RM's, Mormons and Gangsters, and others. I will see this one also. I do not remember another one about Female Missionaries.
Going on a Mission is supposed to be the most Wonderful 2 years or 18 Months of your life. Every Missionary is supposed to think and say so. Often in reality it is not. Often it is a time of Loneliness, Homesickness, Real Sickness, Anxiety over what is happening at home with family and girlfriend/boyfriend. They are often hungry, broke, and alone. You also have to watch what you say and because, you can be reported to the Mission President and horror of horrors sent Home. You face Massive Rejection, some Temptation, or you are Teaching The Gospel in a Langue that is not your own, to a people you do not love. If you Baptize a few people you are lucky but more often you are seed planting or encouraging inactive to come back to Church. Often you are transferred just as you are about to get some where. Sister Missionaries are more settled mature, have better educations, they have be been discouraged to go, and have turned down offers of Marriage.

I love LDS Family Movies. I love most of the Missionaries I have met, worked with, gone out on splits with, fed, listened to and in someway helped. In March 1988 two nicely dressed young men parked their Bikes, climbed the steps to my 2nd Floor Apartment, knocked on my door. I opened my door, one said. "we have a message for you form out "Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" I thought for a rather long moment, then I let them in. My sweet wife served Soda and Cookies and I listened to Lesson 1 as they used their Flip Chart. I asked questions, they gave answers. They left me with a BOM and an invite to Church. I read some of the BOM and went to the Church. On April 6 1988 I was Married by the Bishop and then Baptized in the Water. I read the rest of the BOM and lots of other stuff. I mostly for a while observed. 14 Months Later we where Married and Sealed in The Mesa Az, Temple. I who fit no where fit best here. These Movies are good. Like the Missionaries they reach people.

The writer/director/filmmaker says other LDS filmakers "have lost their way" (all but HIM, I suppose)
What unbridled arrogance and contempt for his fellows!
Who is THIS guy's mentor?
Rush Limbaugh?

I saw the film at the premiere on Wednesday and really, really liked it. I'm going to see it again this weekend.

I saw the film in January at the LDS Film Festival. I've been in this business for over 30 years and now teach film production at Utah Valley University. I have have very low expectations of this genre but was caught totally off guard by the film. The tight direction, beautiful art direction, wonderful cast, tasteful cinematography and compelling story make this an excellent "little film" that should delight the market. It has the look and polish of a movie costing ten or twenty times more.

Kudos to these filmmakers. They researched their market, found a story, gathered their forces together and set a new standard.

My wife and I saw this film at the LDS Film Festival, and it is definitely good.

Some people prance around with knee-jerk criticism of LDS themed movies, as if their snobbish heckling makes them artsy, or enlightened or intellectual, or who knows what they think they are.

Nothing LDS related will make these prejudiced people happy.

But for those of us who still have open minds, you will like "Errand of Angels." It is a good story, good acting, great direction, beautiful music, gorgeous cinematography... it has a lot going for it.

Hopefully you'll check out this movie, and Ryan Little's new movie, "Forever Strong."

Both these films are good, with no cheese.

Hopefully these two films are the sign of things to come for LDS themed movies.

I have not liked most of the "commedy" LDS films. I have seen a few that are worth going to, and have a few DVD's from this market.

This one has looked good.

I am the director of "The Errand of Angels" and never said that other LDS filmmakers have "lost their way." What I was saying in the interview was that other LDS filmmakers lost interest in making LDS-themed films. This was not a judgment but an observation. I run the LDS Film Festival and encourage diversity since we started the festival. The misquotation is very unfortunate since I talked in length against the notion of telling other filmmakers what they "ought to do." I hope this misquote was not intentional.

God inspires these writers to make movies for his people.
Nuff said?

Best of luck Christian! I am hopeful for you to see a successful release. I am sure your audiences will be entertained. Keep up the great work.

You clearly had a poor experience. Sorry to disagree with you but most of us did have a great two years despite the hard times. I've found that many with opinions of their mission experience like yours don't have much positivie to say about the Church in general today. I hope you put the mission experience behind you and have kept your faith.

Where can I/we buy it!!!

A mission is a difficult experience, but, as with anything worthwhile in life, it can be a very meaningful and profound time. It is something that can help build a foundation as a member of humanity as well as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

The previews look like it's just another "Best Two Years" with sisters instead of elders. It even takes place in roughly the same area of Europe. How uncreative.

Should I comment?? Aww heck, why not! I love going to movies.. I've enjoyed many of the mormon genre' films though not necessarily all of them. I infer from some of the comments here that many of you believe that any film from a member of The Church is defacto good because as Rodney put it, "God inspire[d it]." I disagree. Though I believe God does use SOME Mormons in the media to promote His work, I'm pretty sure (by the movies I've seen) that He doesn't use every Mormon film-maker-wannabe. Budget, acting talent, directing vision, and writing skills go a long way in making a movie good (be it Mormon or otherwise). Being a member of The Church guarantees an individual NOTHING. They must still hone their talents and skills in order to succeed in the world. I hope that the Mormon film industry continues to develop to the point we get really GREAT films from it that move and inspire everyone.

Go Christian! We look forward to seeing your newest film!

-The Minnicks

I love movies in general and I've found LDS themed films a good form of entertainment. Just like everything thing else, some are better than others, depending on your taste. I think we live in a fortunate era when we have these options to entertainment - I would have loved to have had this 10-20 years ago. I hope LDS themed films will continue to flourish.

I haven't seen this movie yet. I just hope it doesn't have the same actor and actresses playing different roles as in so many of the other LDS movies. I don't care if I know the lead as long as the lead is a good actor. I'll probably see this movie, but as a returned sister missionary I will no doubt have my opinions. I'll just try to be nice and wish everyone success.

I'm very interested! Does anyone want to watch my kids so I can go?

"But Christian Vuissa begs to differ. The writer/director and founder of the LDS Film Festival says he believes that some of his fellow filmmakers are "LOST SHEEP" who have "SIMPLY LOST THEIR WAY."

Why must so many LDS people today sit in judgement of everyone (including those from their own group)?

These people truly sit in the grasp of Rush O'Hannity.

I will see and enjoy this movie which sounds like a sweet story of the challenges and joys of the life lessons of sister missionaries. Missions are difficult BUT isn't that how life is? Our boys both served very difficult missions fraught with stress, illness, exhaustion and regjection. They both say that the mission provided the life skills they need to move forward in life. They both say that each encounter with every person on their mission was something that changed those people for the better because of the love the missionaries have for all people. Missions launch young men and women who serve missions into real life with the ability to overcome any obstacle in postive ways. Life is full of obstacles and who doesn't need those skills? Our son-in-law says that his mission prepared him for the ability to serve in the Military and now in war and be able to find faith each day while preserving national peace. There is no better thing that a 19 year old can can do to find direction for himself. A mission is much like the military in giving direction, teaching about service and finding yourself.

There has never been a good LDS-centric film, and it appears that there will not be a good one for some time to come.

Hmmm. Is it a self-damning indictment to accuse others of "unbridled arrogance and contempt for his fellows?" One wonders who THAT guy's mentor is to prompt the invective.

Went to the premiere Wednesday nite. It's a beautifully done film. It's simple, it's sweet, it's honest and genuine. Kudos to all involved.

Brigham Ciry was an excellent film...

Good job Christian! Thanks for the quality movie from your fellow BYU grad classmate.

Ever since Richard Dutcher left the flock -
LDS films per se have been pure sanctimonious and proselytizing claptrap.

Sorry. I'd rather watch cartoons.

Christian, I am so proud of you for following your dream. It takes courage, spirit & perseverance. I'm glad to know you, you are a great example to me. I can't wait to see your latest film! Thanks for putting yourself out there. It's very important to make films that the consumer can trust will be uplifting, clean & inspiring. Thanks again.

I am happy to hear that missions may be lousy. I am one of those people who do NOT want you at my door. Shame on you!!!

I've met Christian and he is a humble, hard working filmmaker. He's doing his best to bring uplifting media to Mormons and the world.

Why the haters? Just ignore us and go watch your filth.

The problem with LDS films is that film makers try to pretend that they are good films simply because they are clean and church themed. However these LDS themed films are poorly made/written clean films. There are a ton of G rated quality movies. Just because it's clean and churched themed doesn't make it good. I'll take a pass on this one.

Hmmm.
Now that's interesting.
If one is not watching this filmmakers work then they must be watching "filth."
Very, very deep way of thinking indeed.

To: Anonymous | 8:53 a.m. Aug. 22, 2008

You've seen the PREVIEWS so you feel qualified to declare the movie as bad?! Wow.

By the way, the Errand of Angels takes place in Austria, which happens to be the home country of its director.

Regardless, how does setting a movie in Europe make it uncreative?

To: Anonymous | 9:36 a.m. Aug. 22, 2008

I'm with you; I am so ready for some new and better actors in LDS themed movies, including passing on the overrated and over praised Kirby Heyborne.

And please, no more pining for and fawning over RICHARD DUTCHER, the one hit wonder of LDS themed film.

Let's see some new talent on screen.

By the way, some of the actors playing sister missionaries and other parts in this movie aren't LDS... they really are actors though, and it shows.

To: indictment damning

Apparently the director was misquoted. If that is so, then your very judgmental "unbridled arrogance and contempt for your fellows" statement means you owe him a big apology. I wonder if your arrogance is unbridled enough to do so.

To: Jeff Vice

What about it? Did you make a recording of the interview?

Church movies.
No thanks.
I get 3 hours + of that each Sunday.
I prefer films that challenge my intellect and stimulate my artistic and critically analytical side.
There's a renaissance going on don't you know?

<If one is not watching this filmmakers work then they must be watching "filth.">

That's not what I said. But I do stand by my opinion that many of the posters here criticizing LDS filmmakers are probably viewers of movies containing what I would call "filth." Not all of the posters saying negative things, but some, if not many.

Do you disagree?

Surely there are also people who just don't like the quality of the LDS films so far. To them I say, go make your own or move on.

Why not scrutinize why it may be that you fixate on other people who "must be watching filth" and get back with us?

It's all done with mirrors they say.

to Heard this song before | 10:00 a.m. Aug. 22, 2008 & renaissance man | 1:05 p.m. Aug. 22, 2008

Thank you. I couldn't have said it any better.

---------------
renaissance man

... gets his religion in 3+ hours on Sunday, and apparently wants nothing to do with it the rest of the week. Well, not everyone thinks that way.

There are those who don't mind wholesome entertainment during the week, even if they have to endure a little cheesiness to have it.

By the way, wouldn't a REAL renaissance man judge each film on its own merits, rather than dismiss and mock an entire genre?

Wouldn't that be more of a "challenge to your intellect" and stimulating to your "artistic and critically analytical side?"

-----------
the problem

... has a point, "Just because it's clean and church themed doesn't make it good."

Then again, just because it is church themed doesn't make it bad either.

Why can't people see that pre-judging all church themed movies doesn't make them smart, it just makes them prejudiced!

That's the real problem too.

Besides, getting all gushy about Hollywood's G rated movies isn't the answer either.

It's not like Seinfeld's "Bee Movie" was worth the price of admission.

See all the LDS films you want.
Glut yourself on them if you'd like.

But please don't tell me what is a good film and what is a bad film. And what do see and what NOT to see.

I'll be the judge of that, thank you.

As far as pure cinema goes you have art and you have proselytism.

I'll take the art.

People vote with their feet (seats?) and their wallets. I really like LDS themed movies. Some are much better than others, but that is true of Hollywood movies too. Some of the LDS themed movies are every bit as good as the good stuff out of Hollywood.
If you don't like the LDS themed cinema, don't watch. The question is, why do those that don't like it feel they have to evangelize those that do?

I'm sorry but mpst of the LDS films I have seen stink to high heaven.
We're all quite tired of LDS proselytism.

You forgot make a $ films, are they "art"?

Sure some of the LDS films weren't in the same league as the 10 Commandments, but our family found most of them entertaining. We liked "the Best Two Years" and hope to see "Errand of Angels". Hey watch what you like, it's your choice.

My mother and I saw "Errand of Angels" tonight -- and we loved it. It was sensitively done -- and true to reality. I'm usually quite critical of "Mormon movies" -- but this was exceptionally good, per my review.

Critics should understand and realize that we are more prone to watching decent homespun fun than listening to or reading their blind criticism.

Has beens and wannabees in filmdom, the music world
and sports are just that . . .wannabees. Whny even respond to these creeps?

WASP

This film is not comparable to the usual LDS film. It is so much better. We are not fans of the LDS films that have been made in the past, and have been brought to us by our children. We find them silly and boring. But this film has great photography, a good story, good acting with actors who know what they are doing and direction that is better than most. It is worthy of national release.

Those who haven't seen this film and are comparing it with other LDS films, should see it first and then let us hear from you. I think your opinion would be greatly changed. You'll note that all who have seen the film have come away with a positive opinion of it. Only those who don't want to see it are criticizing it. How sad.

I just saw this movie and I will give it a B. I think the Mormon movie "Out of Touch" was the best Mormon movie. Besides that I liked Dutcher's movies. I was sad to see that Dutcher stopped making Mormon movies. Evangelicals can I give you some friendly advice? Make your own movies instead of criticizing others. People who criticize missionaries can I give you some advice? How well do you spread your message of atheism, agnosticism, or whatever you believe in?

This film ranks equal to "The Other Side of Heaven". My family and I really enjoyed the sensitivity of the acting, the scenery and the plot. This is an excellent example of how to write, film and edit a GREAT movie targeted to the LDS audience.

We were in tears and laughter. We plead for and writhed at the actors characters. This film brought out the best of reality in people's character and integrity. It left mystery and wonderment in our minds. It answered the call of hope.

Thank you for bringing a GREAT film to the world.

My wife and I just saw this movie this afternoon and really enjoyed it. I was amazed to read that it was made in such a short period of time with such a small budget. Kudos to the cast and crew for doing so much with so little.

Out of all the recent movies about missionaries, this movie resonated the most with our own mission experiences. We liked that the drama didn't come from a missionary struggling with his own testimony or lack of commitment. It came from a missionary wanting to be the best missionary she could be and discovering what that actually meant.

As far as I'm concerned, LDS cinema is alive and well as long as smart, wonderful stories like this are told.