Freetown (2015) User Reviews

Mixed feelings

[palavitsinis · 5/10 · 24 August 2015]

Well, I am one of those suckers that will watch anything (I literally mean anything) with the "inspired by a true story" tag on it! This is one of these cases. I started watching this movie and I kept on waiting for something. Something that would intrigue me into it. Nothing.

It felt like I just stared at the screen for the duration of the movie with no feeling whatsoever. The characters were not analyzed enough, remaining on a superficial level. No explanation for their motive or incentives and a bunch of actors that would not be missed even if they gave up acting today.

The movie was not shot well and many of the scenes that could have been nice, were lost among others. The plot is overly simplistic and slow and it offers no "revelation" whatsoever. Even in the end, the solution that is given is somewhat too easy and simple-minded with lots of holes in it. Overall it felt like this true story could have remained untold. No one would miss anything! I gave a five to it, only cause I appreciated the historical background that came with it.

Better Than What These Reviews Say

[culmo80 · 6/10 · 2 May 2016]

First, I'm not a Mormon. I'm not from Africa.

I watched this film the other night and while it's not great, it's also not as terrible as some of the bigots on here claim. Yes, this is a religious film, which is why some people hate it.

But the film shows the struggles of people during a time of civil war and uncertainty. The acting isn't bad--it's not great, but it isn't bad. I felt the tension was well done, and the story is one that any human being can identify with.

Freetown is especially relevant today as many parts of Africa are in conflict. Everyone's worried about what ISIS is going to do, but they don't realize that Boko Haram has been wiping out Christians and Muslims alike and there's hardly a peep in Western media.

GOD WILL PROVIDE

[nogodnomasters · 6/10 · 1 May 2019]

In 1989 Black Mormons try to leave Liberia, engaged in a civil war. John Gaye (Phillip Adekunle Michael) is of the Krahn tribe being exterminated by the rebels. In a gut retching moment, he scratches out his name on his "Elder Gaye" name tag. The film was rather boring apart from the fact I have seen my first Black Mormon either in real life or on the screen. The civil war provided a background as a group of 6 crammed into a clown car drive through checkpoints preaching the word of God all while wearing white shirts and ties; white shirts that never wrinkle, have sweat stains, or get grass stains, even when you sleep on the grass. Do you have to be Mormon to get one of those? And do they come in different colors?

Inspiring, perhaps. But it was not a great action film and is on par with a made for TV "Lifetime" production.

Note to self: When attempting to sneak around at night, don't wear a white shirt.

2 hours of following a red car and praying to God to get them out of the mud...

[kvesselinov · 2/10 · 20 August 2015]

I really don't see anything positive to say about this... It's boring all the way through, and if you try hard enough you can manage to miss half of the plot holes (at the end, how did they got out of the country without passports?). And the thing about "inspiring", well, it's not really "inspiring" to flee a country when you could have helped its inhabitants (or is religion only about words and not about what you do?). Sadly, this film insisted on the religion without really showing the life of Liberians during the civil war, and, at the end, this film is just a piece of religious propaganda. Still there were some decent landscapes, but nothing much to justify the time lost watching this film.

The Worse Movie of all Time!

[ejene-nelson · 1/10 · 20 August 2015]

I downloaded this stupid "Khran" movie because i was deceived by the IMDb ratings. After spending 45 minutes watching this, I was speechless. How in the world can an individual who calls himself a producer make a movie like this? I have seen some awful movies but this movie is in another category of "Awful" all by itself.

A pieces of advise to anyone who is considering watching this, you're better off spending 2 hours standing by the highway and counting all the cars you can see than to sit down and spend money buying this or using data that can be used for something useful to download this movie.

The most awful movie i have ever seen. Ever!

Dreary and boring

[graham_watkins · 2/10 · 21 August 2015]

I started watching this film with a bottle of wine and some pizza. I wasn't expecting a chick flick but I was expecting something entertaining. By the time I'd finished the pizza I had forgotten the film was playing so I tried again but this time the dog distracted me. It was an impossible film to concentrate on as the characters were shallow and the plot was almost non-existent, or maybe it was so slow its progress could be measured in glacier time. Other than the mud I can't remember much other that some God bothering. It really is a terrible and boring film. Do yourself a favour and stick pins in your eyes instead.

Non-dramatization of real people and a real life event

[missczechrepublic · 7/10 · 22 August 2015]

Before you watch this film you should put some things into perspective - it's a family friendly film about native LDS missionaries escaping a war zone. It's a true story about real people (all Liberians - this is not a story about Americans) and their experience so don't expect it to be a dramatized thriller or action movie. If you're looking for a movie to highlight the terror and horrors of a war in which 200,000 people were murdered and 850,000 fled the country- this isn't it ( one, this isn't what the film is about, two, this film takes place at the start of the war when the terror that was to come was still in its infancy and three, the violence is only hinted at I assume to keep the movie non-graphic).

Now that you have some perspective - I liked the movie. The movie is shot in Ghana and are primarily native actors. Great story, great soundtrack, great cinematography, beautiful landscape shots, and very authentic feel overall. I lived in Ghana on a Liberian refugee camp and this movie took me back there in every way. A lot of movies set in Africa either turn the African actors into pseudo Americans or the other extreme of turning them into American stereotypes of Africans. I was so pleased that this film tried to keep true to the people, culture, and overall setting. The characters were all very "normal" and fit pretty well into my experience with Liberians (and Ghanaians). Now some people will hate that and think this movie is boring because the actors and script don't have the typical Hollywood feel, but for me, it was really refreshing that they and their experience weren't over-dramatized. I would recommend this movie if nothing for the insight into what West Africa is like. This includes the characters overall emotional reactions - Americans culturally display emotions, Liberians not so much and the movie was true to that cultural difference. From the clothes to the personalities to the social interaction - again, this movie kept true to the region.

What I wish they had done better - there was no back story or any of the characters and as such made it hard to really connect with them. Familiar with the actual story, the movie did feel like it oversimplified things a bit (in reality they went through 50+ checkpoints). It was never really clear why they were leaving until they end when they clarify they hadn't been able to teach for six months. Once the rebels reached Monrovia, their choice was to either to end their missions and go back to their families in Liberia or they could continue their missions in Sierra Leone. I wish that had been explained better because, like other reviewers, it kind of felt in the beginning like they were just ditching out. The movie never really dug into their fears and worries about the situation- from not knowing what was happening to their families to seeing people killed to running out of food. Also the rebel church member was a bit weird without context. Because I'm familiar with the war, I know that, in a country mired in abject poverty, many joined the rebels because they had no other option. It was the only "job" they could get and only option for food and shelter. At the end, it's clear this guy wasn't aligned with the rebel ideals - I think the movie could have been better if they explored a little bit more how torn he was. Finally, there's a few gaps they could have filled in, namely how they ended up at the ferry in the first place and how they dealt with the passport issue. It's a true story and I know they got across, but that's a detail that would have been worth explaining.

All in all - if you're LDS you'll probably like this movie. If you're connected in any way to Africa, you'll probably like this movie. If you like stories about real-life events, you'll probably like this movie. If you're looking for an action-packed thriller or movie about the Civil Wars, you probably won't like this movie.

"FREETOWN" is a must-see film!

[Leon-Kelly · 10 April 2015]

"Freetown" is a gripping, thrilling, inspiring film. "Freetown" is a beautifully shot film that truly belongs on the big screen. The cinematography by Jeremy Prusso is breath-taking, and it makes you feel as if you are in West Africa watching this true story unfold before your very eyes. All of the powerful "Freetown" cast members gave noteworthy performances, but Henry Adofo, Phillip Adekunle Michael, and Nuong Faalong performances stood out to me in very substantial ways. This film takes you on a journey of courage, faith, and suspense. While, also supplying unexpected laughs. You will laugh, cry, and find yourself on the edge of your seat during "Freetown."

Don't miss seeing "Freetown" in-theaters!

Quite dull

[Quotius · 3/10 · 23 August 2015]

Firstly the film put me to sleep, not a good start. I woke up the next day and tried to watch the rest. There's a few scenes in the film which offer suspense and the aspects of the Liberian civil war we see are quite dramatic, however this is not an action film. There are some scenes of action which are necessary to drive the plot and provide the reasons by which a small group of men must flee. However these are widely dispersed and the predominant point of the film is to deliver some fairly tedious messages of faith.

It may have done better if it were possible to understand how Khran can be identified as they're hunted. It may have been better if it'd explained why the missionaries hadn't just taken off their shirts and ties and blended in.

An unexciting story on the whole, combined with some awful acting. I hope that some of the money that this film might make has gone to enrich the lives of those without much. If it wasn't for the exceptional camera work and fascinating views of Liberia I'd have rated this a two.

Quite Boring Really

[fenghuang-29828 · 2/10 · 16 September 2015]

I started watching this movie without checking out any reviews and i think that was mistake number 1 because it's quite boring really. I thought I was the only one who felt some type of way about this film. I kept thinking, why can't this Elder Gaye just remove his name tag and tie, fold his shirt and probably not blend in but raise half the suspicion? That's how far into the film i've got. It's been two days... I cannot continue. I have tried, trust me. The potential that the story of Freetown has is huge. There is definitely a story here but, it's not told well. The producers could have found better actors, better script writers, better everything really. It is, as other reviewers have said, a total waste of time.

I Don't Care What Anyone Says; I Love It

[swztnpwag · 10/10 · 5 June 2016]

I'm a Mormon, and that definitely contributes to my love of this film, but is hardly the only factor (Mormon films that I don't particularly like include "The Singles' Ward", "Church Ball", "Passage to Zarahemla", and "The Book of Mormon Movie"). I was not told to watch this by my church leaders, as some have cynically suggested - it is an independent film and the LDS Church had no involvement or stance on it at all. I watched a free special premiere screening and enjoyed it so much that I watched it twice more to support the filmmakers.

The film doesn't showcase much of the scope or background of the Liberian Civil War, but instead focuses on the experience of a handful of people trying to escape from it. Although these people are Mormons, and the film is targeted primarily at Mormons, the film's faith-affirming message is broad enough to appeal to believers of all stripes. More skeptical or atheistic people probably won't find it as appealing, which may partially explain why it was nominated for nine or ten Ghana Movie Awards but received many lukewarm or negative reviews in the U.S. Despite the missionaries' highly visible name tags, the film says little about specifically Mormon doctrine or practice, but preaches a generic message of hope and faith through adversity.

I found it to have a good mix of tension and humor that held my interest throughout. Some people say it's boring, and we'll just have to agree to disagree. Some have complained that graphic violence isn't actually shown on screen; I think this is a tasteful "less is more" approach that most modern filmmakers have sadly abandoned altogether in favor of shock value. I felt that the humor was used sparingly and wisely; it's not a hilarious movie by any means, but has some smile-worthy moments to reduce the tension. We don't learn much about the individual missionaries' backstories or motivations but their interactions with each other bring them to life as real, young, sometimes naive but goodhearted people. And of course the soundtrack, particularly the opening sequence and the recurring vocals, is phenomenal.

This was filmed in West Africa with almost exclusively West African actors - specifically Ghana, since the Ebola epidemic prevented them from filming on location. This is a unique and good move both for LDS and American films as a whole. It is, of course, based on a true story - which placed a lot of constraints on what liberties could be taken with the plot that some have derided - but it's one of those rare times when a film adaptation of necessity becomes *less* incredible than the reality. In the film, there are only seven people in the car, so as to fit the camera; in reality there were nine. In the film, they need to pass through three rebel checkpoints; in reality there were about fifty.

If you're not Mormon, I can't promise you'll enjoy this movie as much as I do, but if you're not anti-religious messages I encourage you to give it a shot.

Bloody awful!

[satanscreate · 1/10 · 24 September 2015]

This film could have been great but let's itself down almost on purpose in most areas. Although the storyline is based on no-fictional events, which is always a good thing but it is let down with really poor effects and bad acting, proper let down which just adds to what could have been a good production.

Effects could have been improved with ketchup and someone who is good at plying dead. The fact that you don't see anything in the way of gory details makes the film lack impact. More was needed today shock and inspire people today lead other away from darkness.

Ps the fact that the young gentleman evades capture by rubbing the name off his badge instead of throwing it away could only add to the suspicions of others not help him in anyway.

Hallelujah movie

[dentistbasharabouelenein · 3/10 · 22 August 2015]

It was very boring and waste of time,it's true story about group of missionaries trying to survive the civil war in Liberia. It could be better if it was produced as documentary short movie or something for TV. but like this with those actors that I guess they never played any role before and they collect them by announcement " hey who wanna act?" and accepted them only because their color and they look like Liberians the screenplay,direction and every thing was bad,the true events was good and could be done better than that with better writer,director and some good actors but they totally ruined it. it's also Hallelujah movie, every single idea came to anyone of them will consider it a miracle and bless from god and so on. so finally it was boring and you can sleep in the middle of the movie and wake up to complete and it's gonna work

Beware! Mormon Propaganda Film Via West Africa.

[redrobin62-321-207311 · 1/10 · 9 September 2018]

I'd read about "Freetown" somewhere, not sure if it was IMDb, but it was supposed to be a gut-wrenching, heartfelt, inspiring survival film about people fleeing rebels in war-torn Liberia. I was fooled.

This movie was nothing more than a 90 minute commercial for the Church of Jesus Christ the Latter Day Saints, typically known as the Mormons. As it turned out, the "heroes" were nothing more than ball=less wonders who were only after saving their own skins than helping out their fellow man. Typical religious crap.

This movie wasn't worth the celluloid it was printed on. An absolute miss. If you want to see a good movie about life in conflicted Africa, check out "Touki Bouki" or "War Witch."

Gripping telling of a true story

[dgardnercio · 9/10 · 8 April 2015]

This afternoon I saw an "advanced screening" of this gripping true story of six black African LDS (Mormon) missionaries' harrowing efforts to get safely out of Monrovia at the beginning of the 1989 Liberian civil war. The soundtrack is fresh and appropriate, the actors are excellent and the African locations give the production a very authentic look and feel. The direction is very tight and kept me on the edge of my seat up to the very end. The action is tense and dramatic, but I agree with other reviewers who have noted that there is just enough humor to give your nerves a rest from time-to-time. Although elements of their missionary purpose and religion play an obvious role in their escape attempt the protagonists do not engage in preachy dialog. In fact, just the opposite. I felt genuine anguish with several of the characters as they confronted their fears and doubts in very dangerous circumstances beyond their control. This is one of the best films (of any kind) that I have seen recently and I strongly recommend it!

"FREETOWN" A must watch!!!

[jinnkaro · 10/10 · 20 August 2015]

First of all, I'm not a Mormon.Secondly i do not know if i'm any religious. and Third, I LOVED this movie!! Now if you are the "action packed, Science fiction" kind of guy, this might not be you movie. I have watched tones of low budget movies but "FREETOWN" has completely blown me away. The camera work was intelligent. The high shots were on point and the scripting, music and performances all work together to make this motion picture come alive. It's the first time i've heard of this director but i am so gonna look for some other movies he has done because he's work is a beauty. "FREETOWN" is not your typical religious make believe movie, in fact you hardly hear anyone preach. It's just a simple story of courage where there should be none. The first few minutes into the movie it might not immediately get into you, but just give it time, you won't be disappointed. Other than that, you will find this low budget movie to be really interesting.

A beautiful film

[sprucefarm · 8/10 · 19 August 2015]

You don't have to be Mormon or live in Salt Lake City or anywhere in Utah to enjoy this beautifully made film. The other great thing is it's based on reality. The music is breathtaking also. You just have to be thankful for people who are living their faith in the face of great adversity and can still manage to smile and show great friendship to one another. It's nice when a movie slows down a bit in spots to ponder the complexities of the situation. In doing that, this film emphasizes the drama, emotion, and difficulties these people lived through every day and the formidable decisions they and their loved ones had to make in order to survive. It's not a stuffy or prolonged movie at all, it was comical as well as full of depth. We actually couldn't stop watching it and didn't want to pause it when our phone rang. The rich music and singing made you feel you were actually in Africa. It really lent itself to the cultural beauty of the people and the area. We gave it 8 stars because movies like this are what we need to see coming from the film industry right now. We could all use more faith....faith in God, our families, friends and each other.

Powerful & Exceptionally Well Made

[blue-7 · 10/10 · 5 August 2015]

FREETOWN is not only a powerful and exciting true story of faith but it is also an exceptionally well made independent film. It is a film that is even better upon a second viewing as you come to know the individual people in the story better. Without well known actors it is difficult to keep the seven missionaries strait as they are trying to escape the rebel fighting to the safety of Freetown on the first viewing. The second time through they come alive. A helpful hint for viewers of this film on either Blu-ray or DVD would be to activate the sub-titles. While spoken in English the accents can be hard to follow at times and the sub-titles help greatly. The cast is outstanding down to the smallest part and the cinematography in Africa is often stunning. Incredible use of high shots done with a drone make the film look far richer than its small budget would normally provide for. Many of these are stunning and all had a dramatic life to the film. This is an independent film that looks every bit as good as anything a Hollywood studio would turn out. The direction, scripting, music and performances all work together to provide a experience that is uplifting and unforgettable. Garrett Batty, the director of "The Saratov Approach", is a talent to watch. Highly recommended.

Excellent and suspenseful!

[i-talk-way-too-much · 10/10 · 12 March 2017]

The story of these brave missionaries is quite inspiring. To be hunted in your own land is something most will fortunately never have to face. You cannot watch this film without feeling your heart break for the tremendous difficulties the people of Liberia had to face during their civil war. Sadly, such hatred, violence, and oppression is still is found in many places around the globe.

As I watched this film I kept thinking how grateful I should be for living in a country free from civil war and oppression. We in America should realize how incredibly blessed we are and how much we have to be thankful for that we can go where we want, when we want, without our very lives being threatened.

Gritty & suspenseful right up to the end

[graham-harvey · 9/10 · 16 April 2021]

I found other reviews here very revealing about the minds & intellect of others. This is not an action movie made up to shock & impress with sfx. This is based on the true story of LDS missionaries & their effort to escape Liberia at the beginning of the civil war & get to Sierra Leone. The conversations were real, as were the fears & worries & concerns of the missionaries. Would they get to safety or would they be shot & killed? There is very little gore in this film which actually disappointed some viewers! Instead we are presented with a story of missionaries traveling on the old run down roads watching out for pot holes & rebels all the way. If you want to experience the fear & trauma that has plagued so many people in different places with a sense of the poverty & challenges, then this is the film for you. A moving triumph of the connection between humanity & compassion & dealing with real life.

Fantastic

[mandyvs-87214 · 9/10 · 6 July 2021]

I really enjoyed this movie. It's a well-told story and beautifully put together and worth a watch.

A moving true story. Excellent acting. Well produced.

[fancyfootworkers · 21 January 2019]

Two different cultures are being reflected in the reviews. I loved this movie. But then I also love things of good rapport. It often takes a lover of beauty to recognize and appreciate Beauty.