God's Army

God's Army is a spiritual drama, directed by Richard Dutcher, that was released in the year 2000. The film stars Matthew A. Brown, Richard Dutcher, Jacque Gray, and a host of other talented actors. The narrative unfolds in Los Angeles and presents an intimate look into the lives of missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The story centers on Elder Allen (Matthew A. Brown), a new missionary from Idaho who has been sent to Los Angeles to serve his two-year mission – an obligated religious duty for young males in the Latter-Day Saints faith. The film introduces viewers to Allen's experiences on his mission, with his entrance into missionary work being portrayed as a significant culture shock given his rural background in contrast to the cosmopolitan, diverse environment of Los Angeles.

Allen is paired with Elder Dalton (Richard Dutcher), a seasoned missionary who is nearing the end of his own two-year duty. Dutcher's charactership is laden with intricate nuances; an independent thinker who strays from the platitudinal norm, and serves as a mentor to Allen, introducing him to the realities of mission work in a fast-paced city. Dutcher echoes the human qualities every mentor possesses - protective, yet challenging Elder Allen to grow.

As the protagonists navigate their way around Los Angeles, they encounter an array of experiences which test their faith, resilience, and commitment to their mission. They interact with various people with diverse philosophies, creating an immersive portrayal of the unique challenges faced by missionaries. The film also delves deeper into the tough theological questions, the personal struggles that come with mission work and adjusting to diverse living conditions and cultures.

Adding depth to the dramatic narrative, there's the subplot where one of their fellow missionaries is coping with a life-threatening illness which leads to profound questions about faith and purpose. It brings out the struggle of patience, the collision of faith with harsh reality and prioritizes the importance of companionship and community during hardships.

The character of Sister Fronk, performed by Jacque Gray, adds a desirably different and essential perspective to the storyline. As a female missionary, Sister Fronk challenges gender norms within the LDS faith and provides an empathic voice amidst the male-dominated narrative.

God’s Army employs a docudrama style, encapsulating raw and authentic moments of the missionary journey. Viewers are revealed to an insider’s view of LDS cultural practices and spiritual customs. Contrary to grandiose cinematic effects, the film’s simplicity is its strength – reflective in its realistic portrayal of the rigors faced by missionaries in a place far removed from their comfort zone.

This film does not exclude viewers who might not be familiar with the LDS faith; it offers a candid and relatable exploration of doubt, faith, resilience, and the human spirit that transcends religious boundaries. Despite being about a particular group of missionaries, the film's themes are universal – it speaks of human struggles and the ability to endure.

In God’s Army, Dutcher as the writer and director, successfully creates a powerful narrative by examining the nuances of ordinary lives attempting something extraordinary. Through this exploration, he provokes thought about the human condition, faith and doubt, and the strength in community and friendship. The actors, especially Brown and Dutcher, personify their roles, bringing both their characters to life and making them real.

In terms of its production quality, God's Army stands out for its well-structured screenplay and its focus on character-driven storytelling. The cinematography aids in presenting Los Angeles in a new light, showcasing not just the landmarks but also the transformative experiences that come with being a stranger in a new city.

God's Army was well received by critics and viewers alike for its candid approach to portraying the mission life. It showcases Dutcher's filmmaking prowess and serves as an important stepping stone in Latter-Day Saint cinema history. The film's strength lies in its genuine handling of faith and humanity and its ability to speak to a broader audience, transcending religious boundaries. It is filled with a variety of emotions, a tapestry woven by deft hands that are sure to leave the viewer pensive, moved, and captivated by its narrative.