Witnesses (2021) User Reviews

Maybe they were brass

[nogodnomasters · 4/10 · 27 June 2021]

This is a propaganda story of the origins of the Mormon faith. It is told as a flashback by David Whitmer (Paul Kandarian ) to a reporter. It starts with the finding of the pages, the translation, the lost translation, Joseph reading out of a hat, and then the rift within the church itself. It also includes the he was a prophet, and "how did he not see that coming" criticism which was shrugged off.

The acting was bland. David Whitmer in real life had a German accent. None of the witnesses had a rational view of the world but were heavy into mysticism types of belief.

Guide: No swearing, sex, or nudity.

Who really wrote this movie

[debiann-10946 · 4/10 · 9 July 2022]

I was watching this movie, and it got to way....too many parts that were based on historical facts, but with some you know- artistic liberties, oddly matched my movie script, that I wrote in 2017, and protected each year... being dirt poor, but paying the fees each time I changed it, to protect it... and then I sent it to two well known people in utah, saying it was copyrighted and protected to see scenes snd details you dreamed up and wrote and stupidly shared with a "trusted friend", it's disturbing, seriously scenes I wrote, things that were unique I had never seen and merged with different stories... example with Catherine, I wrote about her almost seeing the plates and Joseph running to stop her... I wrote that... it wasn't in historical record at all, other than she saw them, too many other unique scenes, bam- in my face; alas still planning to make my movie, I know my movie inside and out. It was changed enough maybe to not be plageuarism, but it just about was, and wow... made me sick for a week, but God will give them fruits for their lack of labor and choice to utilize my script and not tell me.... Don't trust people. The end. My movie will be awesome.....

Not factual in so many ways

[finky325 · 1/10 · 15 August 2021]

I can't believe some reviewers ase calling this factual in any way. It really proves that Mormons don't know their own history other than the sugar coated stories they're told as children.

This movie is not historically accurate, it's more fan fiction which would be fine but it claims to be accurate.

The positive reviews on this are giving me a good laugh.

[simianfriday · 1/10 · 11 October 2021]

"Historically accurate!" "Honest!" "Amazing film!"

These are how positive reviews are framing this story of a two-bit conman and his hapless marks.

If you're unsure if this movie is worth your time - ask yourself... do you trust positive reviews from people who believe a conman's story about speaking to god via a stone he was hiding away inside of a hat that only he was allowed to look at, along with golden tablets he received (but didn't let anyone else see and mysteriously disappeared never to be found) and translated as the word of god himself?

If you trust the positive reviews coming from people who believe this obvious conman spoke the truth - then this movie is for you.

If, however, you are capable of thinking about something without drooling all over yourself then you probably won't enjoy this movie.

Pretty bland

[joebiden-87418 · 1/10 · 20 July 2021]

The church use to excommunicate people for teaching that Joseph Smith translated from a hat. Most of this is white washed history.

2/10 only because technically is not a badly made film.apart from that it revisionist rubbish

[andrewngjones-61839 · 2/10 · 17 October 2021]

The title says it all. Well made. Just unfortunate that its about j.smith and his "witnesses " and the prop plates that are in this film have probably been seen by more people than the supposedly. Real ones.

You won't find a better movie on the 3 witnesses

[madditapp · 10/10 · 1 November 2021]

Tons of antagonists of the church are rating this movie hoping it will make them feel better about their lives. This movie is amazing! I saw it in theaters and bought the movie as soon as I could. It's a beautiful depiction of the events with the 3 witnesses of the Book of Mormon translation. I would highly recommend this movie to everyone!

Disappointing. I Was Hoping It Was Going To Be Better.

[doctorplug · 1/10 · 26 March 2023]

I bought the DVD last week and we watched this as a family on Monday. My family and I were completely confused for most of the movie. It's a jumbled mess. There are confusing flashbacks and then mind-scratching jumps forward that aren't explained well at all. Also, from what I've read about the Witnesses and what was portrayed in this movie do not correlate at all. Students of Mormon history will be disappointed that the movie didn't accurately portray the events. People that don't know Mormon history very well will not understand or be able to follow along very well. Hopefully there will be a sequel that will do a better job.

Very well done movie for the Latter-day Saint audience

[tompittman7 · 9/10 · 8 June 2021]

I really enjoyed this film.

First, it was not cheesy like many can be in this genre.

Second, the acting, cinematography, music, editing, sets, costumes, etc. Were all very well done and professional. This was a very well-built film.

Third, the story jumped around a lot chronologically. While that can make for a more interesting film - and people already familiar with the origins of the Church probably followed the story just fine - those who are less familiar with the founding of the Church will probably be confused at times.

For example, why is Joseph Smith falling? Oh, never mind; it was just a dream. Wait, he's dead? Was that from the fall or something else?

The scene only makes sense if you already know the story.

But perhaps my favorite thing about the film is that it didn't shy away from the controversial parts of Church history. Rather than gloss over them or skip them altogether, the film showed how those events impacted the decisions of early Church members and leaders.

The film gives color to the black and white understanding many of us think we have of these people.

As a result, I have so much more appreciation and respect for David Whitmer, Martin Harris, and Oliver Cowdery.

If you are a Latter-day Saint, this is a must-see movie.

I'm looking forward to owning it when it comes out on disc.

Religious propaganda

[daltto · 1/10 · 17 October 2021]

Its mildly interesting dramatisation as to the fiction that the Mormans are told as hearsay and given in the book of Mormon but to suggest that this nonsense is somehow factual in terms of any of those events actually happening is ridiculous. Where are all these gold tablets? Since when has god needed "seer stones"? Just another set of gullible people conned for money and influence. Has to be minimum rated because its dishonest and tries to present this as somehow true or evidential.

The West End play "the Book of Mormon" is more accurate and informative.

Really Bad Film

[stevehawkins-39060 · 1/10 · 20 March 2023]

This sets Mormon film making back about 20 years. There are inaccuracies all over the place. Joseph uses the golden plates as weapon to repeatedly hit his attackers over the head until he renders them unconscious. Lot's of gun violence and mobs screaming and yelling (but no explanation why), The film jumps forward and then backward and then forward so many times you'll think you are on the Pirate Ship ride at Lagoon. I was very disappointed at the portrayal of this important era of mormon history. This movie was badly acted, badly written and badly directed. I don't think I've seen a worse film since Madea Goes To Prison.

This is not an action film! Too confusing, and full of annoying overuse scene! Bored to freaking death!

[kwenchow · 1/10 · 29 October 2021]

This film start with a man riding horse shouting, and another man "David" been taken scene! As turnout, this film is about the story of the so-called "Book Of Mormon" told by David to a journalist "Edwin"! Entire film full of boring conversation, and annoying overuse scene! Such as, overuse of the walking scene, overuse of the searching scene, overuse of the staring scene, overuse of the arguing scene, overuse of the calling names scene, overuse of the dining scene, overuse of the song playing at the background scene, overuse of the trial scene, overuse of the preaching scene, overuse of the riding horse scene, overuse of the narration scene, overuse of the long angle scenery scene, and overuse of the flashbacks scene! Make the film unwatchable! At the end, David let Edwin go, after finish telling his story! That's it! Wasting time to watch!

A fine portrayal of early Latter-day Saint history

[smarshall-00103 · 10/10 · 18 June 2021]

This movie was a wonderful portrayal of the lives of many early Latter-day Saints, including in particular Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris. The story was accurate and the acting and filmography were superb. The movie highlighted the integrity of the three witnesses who never denied their visionary experience when they saw the angel and the gold plates. Their persistent testimonies, even when they were out of the church, is something that critics of the story of the origin of the Book of Mormon have trouble coming to grips with.

Inspiring and historical movie

[dwsrmwolf · 9/10 · 5 June 2021]

The movie was very well done, with great acting, videography, and music. And it was historically accurate. I also appreciated how it adeptly handled sometimes difficult periods in the history of the witnesses.

Although I appreciated the flashback approach, I can see how that would be a bit confusing for those who are not familiar with the history. So it may be helpful for someone to briefly familiarize themselves with the basic story of the three witnesses before watching the movie.

But all in all, the movie was very inspiring.

Great Effort Pays off

[farmboy-00317 · 10/10 · 20 June 2021]

This is a great movie that is not super long but yet tells an accurate story on historical events. As a Christian I appreciate the effort put into early American Religious history, no matter the type.

Honest portrayal

[GStringham1 · 9/10 · 5 June 2021]

It was good to see that the movie did not just gloss over the negative events of that day. And did not hide the fact that the witnesses all had issues with Joseph Smith and left the church.

Fair portrayal of a complicated story

[jscottdunaway · 10/10 · 10 June 2021]

Many films have been made about the early days of the Mormon Church. This is the first to treat the founding and organization of the Church from the perspective of the three men who claimed to have witnessed the metal plates from which Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon. The story is complicated even though the message is simple. The film helps us to understand these these men as real people who managed to hold true to their principles even when they felt personally betrayed by church members and leaders. Some of the most controversial aspects of early Church history are intertwined with the lives of these men. Parts of the film may be difficult to understand by those who are not familiar with Joseph Smith and the early days of the Church. Nonetheless, the message of integrity and holding true to principle even in the most difficult circumstances rings true. The film is an important addition to the growing body of literature that is helping enrich our understanding of this unique and important piece of American religious history. It is worth a repeat viewing.

For all the haters and doubters out there....

[sunisfun-99372 · 10/10 · 18 November 2021]

Time will tell the story!! You don't realize but you're all fulfilling prophecy by the hatred 😂.

Great movie, great story! Couldn't have imagined going through this stuff then people calling you a liar but thus the world we live in. I'm guessing the haters didn't even see the movie, just putting in their opinion because is what they've heard. Fools Mock but they shall mourn.

Inspiring

[dajagrow · 10/10 · 27 June 2021]

We took the whole family to see this. Very professionally done. Highly recommend this movie. Very historically accurate.

An enjoyable movie for the unfamiliar, the faithful, or both

[radras · 9/10 · 5 June 2021]

The film focuses on real people as they live through extra-ordinary events, The history aspect is more a backdrop in the lives and emotions of the characters. Too often, Church History genre of films are overshadowed by speculation, conspiracy, or are too focused on depicting key points in their portrayal of historical figures, actions, events and their context. Refreshingly, this film did not go there, leaving the audience to be entertained rather than schooled. This movie is about people, not a Prophet, nor a Church, nor a book (though these 3 things play a crucial role and are portrayed with painstaking historical accuracy in my opinion.) But as such, the film may leave unfamiliar movie-goers with lots of questions about the Prophet, the Church, and the Book of Mormon. For example, my wife asked whether the early Church didn't baptize woman.

Quality, Honest, and Entertaining

[awsmoot · 10/10 · 6 June 2021]

I enjoyed this film and find it to be appropriate for both those that belief the testimonies of these witnesses and those that don't. The story attempts to recreate a complicated story that aligns with the historical record as best as we can tell. Did these witnesses ever actually see angels? Nobody can know for certain, but this film helped to understand their full stories from beginning to end based on their own words.

2 Nephi33

[rfeldman-17100 · 10/10 · 11 December 2021]

2 But behold, there are many that harden their hearts against the Holy Spirit, that it hath no place in them; wherefore, they cast many things away which are written and esteem them as things of naught.

Realistic and factual

[benbergin-797-515939 · 9/10 · 21 July 2021]

An inspiring but realistic portrayal of Joseph Smith and the three primary witnesses of the gold plates and the Book of Mormon translation process. The movie does not pull any punches when it comes to the conflicts, controversies and imperfections of the early leaders of the church. The story flashes back and forth a bit too much which may be confusing to those unfamiliar with Church history. Overall, the movie does an excellent job of portraying a fascinating slice of American history that more Americans should know about.

Amazing Film

[mkdavey · 10/10 · 10 June 2021]

I have seen this movie 2 times now. The film is amazing and gives a unique side of the witnesses point of view and shares so much fact. The director is an incredible man and is extremely talented. If you haven't seen it you should go now!

AWESOME!

[vbdyvgh · 10/10 · 3 July 2021]

This was an incredible movie. Very well done and true to life. Highly recommend.