satanscreate This film could have been great but let's itself down almost on purpose in most areas. Although the storyline is based on no-fictional events, which is always a good thing but it is let down with really poor effects and bad acting, proper let down which just adds to what could have been a good production.Effects could have been improved with ketchup and someone who is good at plying dead. The fact that you don't see anything in the way of gory details makes the film lack impact. More was needed today shock and inspire people today lead other away from darkness.Ps the fact that the young gentleman evades capture by rubbing the name off his badge instead of throwing it away could only add to the suspicions of others not help him in anyway.

missczechrepublic Before you watch this film you should put some things into perspective - it's a family friendly film about native LDS missionaries escaping a war zone. It's a true story about real people (all Liberians - this is not a story about Americans) and their experience so don't expect it to be a dramatized thriller or action movie. If you're looking for a movie to highlight the terror and horrors of a war in which 200,000 people were murdered and 850,000 fled the country- this isn't it ( one, this isn't what the film is about, two, this film takes place at the start of the war when the terror that was to come was still in its infancy and three, the violence is only hinted at I assume to keep the movie non-graphic). Now that you have some perspective - I liked the movie. The movie is shot in Ghana and are primarily native actors. Great story, great soundtrack, great cinematography, beautiful landscape shots, and very authentic feel overall. I lived in Ghana on a Liberian refugee camp and this movie took me back there in every way. A lot of movies set in Africa either turn the African actors into pseudo Americans or the other extreme of turning them into American stereotypes of Africans. I was so pleased that this film tried to keep true to the people, culture, and overall setting. The characters were all very "normal" and fit pretty well into my experience with Liberians (and Ghanaians). Now some people will hate that and think this movie is boring because the actors and script don't have the typical Hollywood feel, but for me, it was really refreshing that they and their experience weren't over-dramatized. I would recommend this movie if nothing for the insight into what West Africa is like. This includes the characters overall emotional reactions - Americans culturally display emotions, Liberians not so much and the movie was true to that cultural difference. From the clothes to the personalities to the social interaction - again, this movie kept true to the region.What I wish they had done better - there was no back story or any of the characters and as such made it hard to really connect with them. Familiar with the actual story, the movie did feel like it oversimplified things a bit (in reality they went through 50+ checkpoints). It was never really clear why they were leaving until they end when they clarify they hadn't been able to teach for six months. Once the rebels reached Monrovia, their choice was to either to end their missions and go back to their families in Liberia or they could continue their missions in Sierra Leone. I wish that had been explained better because, like other reviewers, it kind of felt in the beginning like they were just ditching out. The movie never really dug into their fears and worries about the situation- from not knowing what was happening to their families to seeing people killed to running out of food. Also the rebel church member was a bit weird without context. Because I'm familiar with the war, I know that, in a country mired in abject poverty, many joined the rebels because they had no other option. It was the only "job" they could get and only option for food and shelter. At the end, it's clear this guy wasn't aligned with the rebel ideals - I think the movie could have been better if they explored a little bit more how torn he was. Finally, there's a few gaps they could have filled in, namely how they ended up at the ferry in the first place and how they dealt with the passport issue. It's a true story and I know they got across, but that's a detail that would have been worth explaining.All in all - if you're LDS you'll probably like this movie. If you're connected in any way to Africa, you'll probably like this movie. If you like stories about real-life events, you'll probably like this movie. If you're looking for an action-packed thriller or movie about the Civil Wars, you probably won't like this movie.

brandon-purdie "Freetown" is a gripping, thrilling, inspiring film. "Freetown" is a beautifully shot film that truly belongs on the big screen. The cinematography by Jeremy Prusso is breath-taking, and it makes you feel as if you are in West Africa watching this true story unfold before your very eyes. All of the powerful "Freetown" cast members gave noteworthy performances, but Henry Adofo, Phillip Adekunle Michael, and Nuong Faalong performances stood out to me in very substantial ways. This film takes you on a journey of courage, faith, and suspense. While, also supplying unexpected laughs. You will laugh, cry, and find yourself on the edge of your seat during "Freetown." Don't miss seeing "Freetown" in-theaters!

Don E. Gardner This afternoon I saw an "advanced screening" of this gripping true story of six black African LDS (Mormon) missionaries' harrowing efforts to get safely out of Monrovia at the beginning of the 1989 Liberian civil war. The soundtrack is fresh and appropriate, the actors are excellent and the African locations give the production a very authentic look and feel. The direction is very tight and kept me on the edge of my seat up to the very end. The action is tense and dramatic, but I agree with other reviewers who have noted that there is just enough humor to give your nerves a rest from time-to-time. Although elements of their missionary purpose and religion play an obvious role in their escape attempt the protagonists do not engage in preachy dialog. In fact, just the opposite. I felt genuine anguish with several of the characters as they confronted their fears and doubts in very dangerous circumstances beyond their control. This is one of the best films (of any kind) that I have seen recently and I strongly recommend it!