Nephi and the Brass Plates

Nephi and the Brass Plates is a unique animated movie from 1987 that centers around epic characters from the Book of Mormon. It strikes a beautiful blend of faith, spirituality, courage, and ancient history. The film is directed by Richard Rich and features the voices of notable stars such as Geoffrey Bennett, Walter Boyden, Kim Blackett, and William M. Bisson. At its core, the story delves into the Book of Mormon story of Nephi and his brothers who embark on a perilous journey to secure the Brass Plates from the wicked Laban.

The film's narrative revolves around the mission that Lehi, a prophet, assigns to his sons, Laman, Lemuel, Sam, and Nephi. As the prophet experiences a divine vision, he instructs his sons to return to Jerusalem from the wilderness to retrieve the Brass Plates. The Brass Plates contain records, lineages, and messages crucial to the history and doctrines of their faith.

Geoffrey Bennett provides the voice for the character Nephi, who is portrayed as a faithful and dutiful son, willing to undertake the seemingly impossible task. Unlike his elder brothers Laman and Lemuel, voiced by Walter Boyden and William M. Bisson, Nephi has an unwavering faith in God's will and plans. The brothers, while skeptical and reluctant, eventually embark on the perilous journey, inching towards the dangerous territory of Laban.

The animation quality of the film is commendable considering its production timeframe in the late 80s. This film weaves a beautiful, compelling, and age-appropriate narrative, making it suitable for family watching, particularly within households honoring the LDS (Mormon) faith. However, wider audiences can easily appreciate the values of faith, courage, obedience, and divine intervention presented in the film.

One of the focal points of Nephi and the Brass Plates is the characterization of each of Lehi's sons. The demeanors and attitudes of Laman, Lemuel, Sam, and Nephi lend depth to the narrative and keep the viewers engaged. The way their personalities clash and harmonize throughout the journey will feel relatable to many audiences, as it reflects the typical familial dynamics in real life.

Geoffrey Bennett's voicing for Nephi significantly brings the character to life, making Nephi's incredible faith and courage palpable to the viewers. Equally, Boyden and Bisson's performances as Laman and Lemuel focus on reflecting the characters' doubts and disobedience, making for a compelling contrast between the brothers.

Problems arise, plans fail, and life-threatening danger looms. However, the bravery, faith, and determination of Nephi serve as the beacon of hope amid these adversities. The narrative underscores the idea of divine assistance accompanying those who follow the path of faith and righteousness.

Kim Blackett, lends her voice to the character of Zoram, a servant of Laban. Her performance as the flustered and ultimately faithful character adds layers to the narrative. The plot's mystery and tension heighten as Nephi must convince Zoram to flee Jerusalem with him and his brothers, persuading him of their divine mission.

The climax of the movie comes in the form of the interaction with Laban, who possesses the Brass Plates and refuses to part with them. This conflict propels the story forwards and sets the stage for the resolutions that follow. Nephi and his brothers must navigate this challenge, with the fate of their mission hanging in the balance.

In the mix of this adventurous journey, Nephi and the Brass Plates explores divine interventions, wrestles with ethics, and extrapolates the concept of implicit faith. The animated sequences, while simple in style considering recent technological advancements, manage to successfully set the ancient context, capture the emotional nuances of characters, and portray the action-filled narrative effectively.

In conclusion, Nephi and the Brass Plates is an inspirational animated movie that retells a pivotal adventure from the Book of Mormon. An engaging narrative, enriched by noteworthy voice performances and a sense of authentic ancient history, make this movie an intriguing watch for a broad demographic. Its message of faith, perseverance, and obedience transcends religious barriers, making it a universal tale of hope and courage.