Anyone other than the earnestly religious seldom appreciates films about the Christian religion. It is not often that an impressive film comes along that would provoke emotions even in the hardest of hearts. I believe that such a film has presented itself, one titled Testament: of One Fold and One Shepard, starring Joy Rogers and Jeremy Hoop. This movie offered by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints details the experiences of one family during the time of Christ's life and subsequent resurrection.
The plot is not exactly surreptitious. You might even say that some parts of the story are predictable. I am not inclined to disagree with you. However, there is a certain emotional aspect to the film that keeps your attention. The passage that the son follows gives the film its dramatic impact. The true test of his faith comes when he is forced to decide whether his loyalty lies with his employer, or the family that loves him. In the very end, you see the outcome of the path that he chose. It is in the dénouement, following the test of his faith, that the story grabs hold of your heart.
Perhaps my own convictions have influenced my objectivity. However, the case remains that the acting was superb. The story was consistent, and reverent. The sets appear consistent with the times. As compared with other films in the same genre, this film stands out.
What remains so interesting to me about this film is how it came about. The director of the film, Kieth Merrill, was first prompted by the Prophet of the LDS church to make a film called Legacy. It was to be the "crowning glory" of a person's visit to Temple Square. Merrill described the meeting, " 'I envision a great movie screen on
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