The Saratov Approach

PG-13
Starring: Corbin Allred, Maclain Nelson, Nikita Bogolyubov and Alex Veadov
1 Hour and 47 Minutes

Ok, so this is going to be the most unique movie review that I have ever written. It just so happens that the young man who not only directed but also produced this great movie Mr. Garrett Batty, just happens to be my next door neighbors son! How unbelievable is that? I have also had my own son serve in the mission field so I felt a very personal connection to the movie as well.
This story takes place in Saratov, Russia in 1998. Just a regular day for two young missionaries, Elder Probst and Tuttle as they are out and going with the very best of intentions to visit a young man they had met earlier on a train, to share the message of the gospel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The visit was not at all what they had anticipated! They were quickly apprehended, severely beaten, bound and blindfolded and taken somewhere unbeknownst to them. They ended up in a very cold and dirty building where they were tied up and told that they were being held for ransom! The kidnappers wanted the church to pay $300,000 for their safe return!!! They had absolutely no idea why they had been chosen and they were in complete shock! They were given very little to eat or drink and they were trying with every fiber of their being to figure out what they could do to befriend the kidnappers and ensure their safe release. It was a dark and grueling week for these two young Elders!!! Once word got out that they had been taken, church officials and even President Clinton were trying to negotiate for their safe return. No one wanted to pay the ransom for fear that it would make every missionary a future target. The movie also portrayed the agony of the parents of these two young Elders and the turmoil that they endured. The parents also did not want to negotiate for money for the safety of their sons! They felt that their strong faith and with sincere prayers, their boys would be safely released. Some anonymous donor even offered to pay the ransom, but the parents declined. I found this movie to be riveting and very intriguing!!! It is truly the harrowing story of their safe return and how they themselves befriended the kidnappers and shared their message of Christ and their strong love for him and how it softened the kidnappers hearts!!!
My hat is off to Mr. Garrett Batty, he has done an outstanding job on this movie.
Parents be advised, the kidnapping scene is difficult to watch. It is hard to see these two innocent young men get beaten up and taken against their will.
I am giving "The Saratov Approach" three and a half popcorns.