The Oath (rated PG-13, in theaters now) is an adaptation of the final chapters of The Book of Mormon infused with the thematic spirit of Braveheart, Gladiator, and The Patriot.
I’m not saying that The Oath has the budget to go for that kind of scale or that filmmaker Darin Scott is the kind of seasoned filmmaker to match those classics.
What I am saying is that it’s beautifully-shot, engagingly-acted, movingly-scored, and emotionally-stirring, with some legitimate action choreography and stunt work to give it muscle to match its heart.
Mainstream critics are already tearing it apart. I agree with some of what they’re saying. The dialogue can be clunky at times and the performances occasionally overcooked.
I do think they downplay the film’s strengths while exaggerating its flaws. To me, The Oath‘s sincerity, earnestness, and overall quality carry it through a few rough patches.
Transparently, I’m too near the source material to be objective. But as someone raised with this story and the values it teaches, I was drawn in.
The Oath carries broad appeal with its themes of integrity, honor, and bravery. The women are strong and capable (see 1 Nephi 17:2). Heroism and villainy are tied to choice, not race (see 1 Nephi 17:35).
Scott has sculpted his physique to reflect an Arnold Friberg Book of Mormon painting, with physical strength an outward representation of spiritual strength. I was dubious about the notion of a fictionalized romance between Moroni and a runaway Lamanite concubine, but Scott and actress Nora Dale have sweet and chaste onscreen chemistry. What’s more, she gives him someone with whom to share (in the film’s best scene) the story of The Book of Mormon.
Billy Zane goes big but never bores. Karina Lombard and Eugene Brave Rock impress. Good, solid storytelling. In theaters today. Don’t miss it.
Rated PG-13 for swordplay violence, discussions of genocide and the horrors of war, mild language, and a tasteful implication that a married couple are sleeping together. Appropriate for older kids and up.
Families and individuals may use this film as a springboard for study and discussion of Mormon Chapters 8 and 9, as well as the entire Book of Moroni.
R. FlynnDecember 29, 2023
I am active LDS. I just saw "The Oath". I was very disappointed. This was NOT a good movie portrayal of Moroni and the Book of Mormon. To me, this was an ego trip of Darin Scott. Scott took way too much artistic license in creating his own version that would feature Darin Scott, Darin Scott, and, oh yeah, some more of Darin Scott. This was a missed opportunity. I very much hope someone else will put their ego aside, and create a Moroni-based story/movie with a focus on Moroni, Mormon, and the events leading up to the plates being deposited in the Hill Cumorah.
Shelby B.December 17, 2023
Not a Mormon, but the themes of tyranny, oppression, slavery and evil were certainly well explored in this movie. Moroni showed the compassion of Christ throughout. What an amazing love story also! Only wish it could have been longer. The Southam family is due much credit for this movie! One of the best movies ever, loved it with the same heart I loved Gladiator and 300. If you can't catch it in the theater, catch it any way you can, it is beautiful, well acted, and a vision I hope will keep going.