The Oath

Okay, first of all this has more of the feel of a short film so don't expect an epic like Braveheart. This is a period film based in the Americas prior to it's discovery by the Vikings or Christopher Columbus. The Book of Mormon - Another Testament of Jesus Christ is listed as one of the most influential books ever published in America. It is the first attempt at a serious film by a promising new Director so do not expect this to be like most modern films or television programs, which seem to always hit every checkmark and of course, it doesn't feel super slick "Hollywood blockbuster" yet all to often lacking any real passion or feeling. This an independent film and it feels like it, which is a good thing--as it maintains passion with a gritty, and natural feel. Of course, if you can you can get over not getting overloaded with the typical fare and just sit back, relax and, of course even better if you have read the Book of Mormon you'll more fully appreciate the cultures and people and included therein--or even if you haven't just use your imagination of what it may have been like to live another time and place, and enjoy this as one artist's passionately and creatively-crafted interpretation of a very brief moment, again it feels more like a short film which I personally enjoyed even more the second and third time watching it. Personally, I love all genres and types of film and series this one is an underrated treat that deserves a little patience and appreciation for what it is a sweet story of love, survival and sacrifice. Again, not an epic film and a unique perhaps acquired taste of what an artist with a passion can create with nothing but a love of the subject matter and characters can accomplish without big money or funding. Definitely looking forward to seeing more from this filmmaker in the future!

I think it was deceptive to not let the audience know it was about the book of Mormon. Poorly executed, low budget fare.

Donated to this movie production and couldnt be more disappointed. What a wasted opportunity. Seriously. Does anyone have the courage to tell Darin this was an epic fail? He wont even break even when this is all said and done.

I want to tell you about my reaction to the movie. I'm embarrassed to say I wasn't expecting it to be as polished or professional as a typical Hollywood blockbuster. This week is not only the Christmas-New Year week, it is also my birthday (December 26) and my wife's birthday (today, December 29). So, I took the day of work to celebrate. Last night Minda & I went to see "Boys in the Boat" and found it to be a wonderful movie, though very formulaic. I'd enthusiastically recommend it to anyone—expecially to families or other groups who want to learn to achieve greater success by working harmoniously and seamlessly. But, like I said, we chose to go see The Oath not because we expected to see a great film, but more because we like to support "Mormon art", excuse the expression. Boy was I wrong. There is nothing formulaic about The Oath and yet it presents a coherent, powerful, and beautifully told story. It is obvious that anyone who could have written the screenplay and directed this movie knows The Book of Mormon very well, loves The Book of Mormon, and has a fervent conviction of the veracity of that ancient work. Since I first read The Book of Mormon at age 15 (and at least once a year on the average since that time (I'm now 71) I've often pondered what life might have been like for Moroni after his father and all his kinsfolk had died (or deserted to join the Lamanites). Surely Moroni was hunted and no doubt had a price on his head. Anyone who's read Moroni's account realizes he was noble, bold, physically fit, of a keen intellect, and had a tender heart. Your movie portrays Moroni masterfully. It also posits a truly plausible tale of what Moroni's later life might have been like.The story moves along quickly and though it has all the compelling elements of a top-notch action movie it is more believable than any action movie I've ever seen. I wouldn't be surprised if your tale turns out to be what actually happened to Moroni. Maybe. Maybe not. But if nothing else, it is definitely a very realistic and believable touchstone of Latter-day Saint culture. You were wonderfully imaginative in deciding to make this movie. I'm sure you (and others) prayed diligently for inspiration and guidance once you determined to go ahead and actually embark on the work. Your prayers were heard. I am often a critic of what I call an "ego-trip movies" where the main star is also the writer and director. Such movies are almost always dismal failures...hokie to the extreme. Take WaterWorld and Yentl, for example. I don't see any ego getting in the way of The Oath, however. I think only a bold, creative, and humble soul could have had the vision and drive to accomplish such a magnificent work as your film, The Oath. You were exactly the right age and had the right physique and the right look as well as the right mannerisms to pull off your portrayal of Moroni. Your background (such as your role in Ephraim's Rescue) and working with top professionals obviously helped you prepare and helped you get the connections needed to be successful. When the man (I forgot his name) who gave Handel the Bible verses that formed the libreto for Handel's "Messiah" witnessed the completed production, he told George Frederick Handel that he "made very good entertainment out of it". Handel responded that he'd be very disappointed "if I only entertained them. I intended to make them better." Congratulations on making a film that makes us want to be better—while entertaining us profoundly. Congratulations on a gargantuan work of art so well done!

Love it. True to the story. A lot of the movie is made up to help the story along but that's not a bad thing.

Amazing movie... Loved it

The story is fictional and very creative. The music and message are powerful, and the acting is believable and well done. This is an unconventional movie, and of much higher quality morally than most of what is out there. We saw it twice! :)

I wanted to like this film so bad. I even donated to the cause. It was slow, boring and anticlimactic. It felt like it was trying too hard. Marriage was portrayed as a cheap thing that anyone can do just by speaking words to each other. Disappointed. Why does this whole thing now remind me of “the emperor’s new clothes?” It seems like nobody close to Darin wants to be brave and tell him the truth about this film. It seems like everyone is afraid to criticize it because the perceived wisdom is that just because Darin is a good guy, no one should offer any rebuttal.

I really enjoyed this movie! A Great storyline to fill in the gaps of history. It told a story of Love, dedication, sacrifice, and devotion in something bigger than self. I will watch it again to see what I missed the first time.

I have been waiting for this movie for so long and I was curious to see if it could live up to the expectations. I was pleasantly surprised and loved everything about it. Powerful book and powerful message. I thought the Oath was way better than the SHIFT which we ere also excited to see but was not that great. The Oath was GREAT!