10 Reasons to See “Freetown”

A few weeks ago, my family and I had the privilege of seeing a sneak preview of the new movie Freetown. I waited until the movie was released to tell you what I thought – It was released on April 8th, and might possibly be showing at a theater near you.

I compiled a list of ten reasons you should see that movie, and a second list of 5 things you should know before you go.

(This is not a movie review – there are plenty of those out there – and because the movie is “LDS” there will be lots of haters in the ranks of the reviewers, so take the Rotten Tomatoes score with a grain of salt.)

10 Reasons to See “Freetown”

1) Freetown is based on the true story of a group of missionaries trying to escape from Liberia during the civil war in 1990.  Freetown is the name of the city in Sierra Leone that they are trying to get to, despite roadblocks, crazed rebels, and harsh conditions.

At the preview screening, one of the actual missionaries spoke to us and shared his thoughts about his experience. It was enlightening and sobering.

2) It captures the “feel” of Africa. I’ve spent time in Africa, and it is a big place, so I don’t presume to know Liberia or Ghana (where it was filmed.) I do know that watching this movie took my back in a big way. It felt so real, so authentic. The streets, the people, the struggles they faced – memories came flooding back.

3) It reminds us that we are a part of a worldwide church. Seeing Liberian people serving in the church, learning, teaching and living the gospel was a good reminder that there is much more to the church than the USA. Remember, half the church’s population now resides OUTSIDE of the US, and it is growing like crazy in Africa.

4) Along that same line, it reminds us that all missionaries are not white teenagers form Tremonton, Utah. None of these missionaries were American. A good reminder that young mean and women from all over the world have accepted the charge to serve missions. (Not that there is anything wrong with white missionaries from Tremonton.)

5) It was directed by Garrett Batty, the man who recently brought us The Saratov Approach. I love his exciting movies based on real stories about real people. Cinematography and score are both gorgeous.

6) Simple economics: If we see it, they’ll make more. Unless movies like this receive our financial support, we ail be stuck with low budget, low quality LDS films that shouldn’t really be made at all. I want people like Garrett Batty and the producer, Adam Abel, to have the financial resources to keep making the movies like this and Saratov.

7) The movie is a mix of faith, suspense, humor, and war. Not easy to do, but they pulled it off. It was intense, but not gory. It was funny, but not disrespectful. I feel that the truths of the gospel were well cared for in this movie. Nothing struck me as false doctrine or making light of sacred things. Props to Brother Batty.

8) It is a good movie – even if you are not LDS. Had the missionaries been from some other faith, the story would have been just as riveting. My family and I all liked it. My daughter liked it better than Saratov because it was less “claustrophobic.” (And she had been to Africa) One son called it a toss-up, one liked it better than Saratov, and my wife liked Saratov better. I am torn – they are so different, it is hard to compare. Let’s just say that I liked it a lot, and am very glad I went. I give it my full recommendation – you should go see it.

9) This quote is work at least half of the price of your ticket:

“Revelation doesn’t come when we hide in the shadows or are sitting on the ground asking for it. It doesn’t come that way, it comes when we are working.”

10) It was inspiring. Even in the midst of their struggles, these missionaries could not contain their joy in the gospel, and felt compelled to share it whenever they could. We could all use a little bit more of that excitement in our faith.

5 Tips Before You Go

1) Try and see it today. Opening weekend box office is important to independent movies – it determines how wide it will be released to other areas.

2) Don’t take little kids. It is too serious, and violent – even though they do a good job of keeping gruesome stuff off camera. It would also be boring for kids.

3) Don’t go with someone who can’t shut up during a movie. Due to the strong, authentic accents of the lead characters, you might have to pay close attention to understand all of the dialogue.

4) Look at a map and get an idea of where they are (Monrovia, Liberia) and where they are going (Freetown, Sierra Leone) to help you better understand the geography of the story.

5) Take a friend of another faith. What easier way to be missionaries that go to the movies!

Here is the trailer: