Out of Liberty

This is a well-produced, decently acted, and consistent movie. That's not the highest praise, but it's more than most faith-based movies have. It's also nice that it takes a unique look at the story, even if it bends the history (but that's just something that has to happen to make a compelling film). All in all, this is among the best LDS films, though certainly not the best.

What a lawyer... That is unlikely. This guy is a general?! He's a confident man to let them all up at once. And reading a book too. Pull himself together? With what? Iron will and dirty socks for medicine? Good ole urine bucket humor. They should have worked this out before hand instead of looking suspicious taking so long. A nice comfortable log pillow. He doesn't need to tell them to "here, take it". They've got nothing else to do. No water for everyone? I'll give him "don't tell anyone I was here". That's a bold thing to say. They've gotten pretty far. This movie is too slow paced. I don't think that was a particularly amazing oration, but it was heartfelt.

Right, well I was expecting to see a proper western movie here, but instead I was served a movie about a group of imprisoned mormons and the hardships of the people that want to see them brought to justice. Yeah, not really exactly what I had imagined this movie to be. And I managed to endure 40 minutes of the ordeal that is "Out of Liberty" before I was Out of Patience, and simply called it quits. And there is no chance of me returning to finish the rest of this movie. Now, it should be said that the movie does have a good production value to it, and it definitely has the era feel to it, being gritty and somewhat rough. But the movie just failed utterly on its script and storyline. I was far from being entertained by what transpired on the screen, both in terms of what took place and the characters participating in said boring events. I am sure that there is an audience out there for a movie such as this. I just wasn't in that group. Sure, the movie may be set within the confines of what constitutes a western movie, but this was hardly a western movie in the classic (or generic) meaning of the word "western". And the whole aspect of religion that simmered beneath the surface of the movie didn't really do an ounce of helping to win me over either. My rating of "Out of Liberty" is a mere three out of ten stars. This was a massive swing and a miss from director Garrett Batty as in managing to entertain me. I had expected this to be a western movie, not a slow paced and rather mundane prison drama.

AMAZING movie!! It is captivating, intriguing, heart-wrenching....I laughed a few times, cried a few times....very well made. A great western movie, done with highly talented actors. Well made movie on a true event, and also showing the humanity of people in a tough situation. LOVED IT! A definite 5-star must see!

It didn't work for me. It seemed much more like a student film than something you'd see in a commercial theater. Not much charisma or chemistry between the actors and maybe two different sets to distract you from that. Some will probably be interested enough in the story to compensate for its shortcomings but I think for most, this will be a disappointment.

This film smartly tells of the experiences of Joseph Smith and his associates when they were imprisoned in Liberty Jail on false charges. Regardless of how much you know about the history of Joseph Smith or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the pioneer era of the United States in the 1800s, this is an intriguing and powerful movie experience. It's a story of courage, faith, compassion, and perseverance. It also shows how the heart of a person can change for good. Highly recommended.

"Out of Liberty" tells the story of the men incarcerated in Liberty Jail in the 1830s but brilliantly does so from the point of view of the jailer, a good, even idealistic man whose view of the inmates gradually changes. This surprising choice in point of view makes this more than a retelling of a story you may have heard before and highlights important themes that, again, go beyond the ones usually associated with this historical episode. At issue, for instance, are the relation between truth and shifting popular opinion, the blinding effect even of an understandable desire for revenge, and the pressures that test personal integrity. The film's story is familiar to Latter-day Saints (their first leader, Joseph Smith, figures in the story) but deserves to be more widely known. Even most Latter-day Saints know the story only partially and superficially. This film brings to life the characters, with their flaws and complex motives, adds surprising but historically accurate detail, and raises issues of current importance, including our tendency to reduce everyone to a villain or a victim. Given the subject matter, this is a serious film. The harsh conditions of the jail are relieved by some outdoor moments, by the visits (brief but moving) of the inmates' wives, and by a few humorous bits. Though some characters come close to being villains, no one is painted as completely good or bad. We even come away with some understanding of and empathy for the persecutors and a sense of the inmates' flawed humanity. Given the focus on the jailer, background information is supplied subtly and gradually, and our sense of the characters develops in a similar way. Joseph Smith (beautifully portrayed by Brandon Ray Olive) is presented sympathetically but humanly--and the film illuminates elements of his character that may be unfamiliar to many but that are supported by the historical record. Corbin Allred is a delightful Porter Rockwell, and Brock Roberts is an agonized Sidney Rigdon. All the acting is good, but the best performance, not surprisingly, presents the central character: Samuel Tillery, the jailer, played by Jasen Wade as a man of rock solid integrity and real but restrained compassion, but with limited and growing understanding. He reminded me, in some respects, of Gary Cooper. "Out of Liberty" is powerful and thought provoking, with first-rate acting and cinematography. If you're interested in a moving, stimulating, and beautifully crafted film, please see this one!

Really enjoyed watching Out of Liberty. Cast is an amazing group directed by Garret Batty. To me, it's a must see with the family. I'll be watching it again.

This film is based on historic fact. However, it is also one of the finest productions I have ever seen. The photography, directing, acting, and overall cohesiveness keep you glued to the screen. But it is also important for viewers to know that these historic events can happen again if we are not aware of their potentiality. All-around superb film. I cannot praise it highly enough. This is cinematography at its best. This is America and Art superbly blended into one.