I Am Elizabeth Smart

Really good

First off, let me say that I've read some of the critical reviews, many of which were displeased by Elizabeth's intermittent narration, as if it took away from the "entertainment value" of her retelling of HER life. These criticisms struck me as sad. Elizabeth herself says that if you don't have any experience with brokenness, part of her story will be hard, if not impossible, to understand. And, as testament to her character, she also says that if you don't have any experience with brokenness, she hopes you never understand her story. Wow.I LIKED Elizabeth's intermittent narration. It kept this from being exploitative, which some stories that include kidnapping and rape can be. Furthermore, since our society has become so "pornified" and exposure to rape porn is rampant, many people are being conditioned to eroticize rape and so, if this is the unspoken reason why some of these detractors were displeased at the stoppage of rape scenes because they were hoping to "see more", I hope they are NEVER pleased.I LIKED how Elizabeth interrupted the first rape scene with her narration, and said "Don't you want this to STOP? I know I did". And I surely did. Anyone who wanted it to continue just wanted some rape-y titillation and had no interest in Elizabeth's story, her as a person, or what effect this has had upon her.I LIKED how Elizabeth already was preemptively addressing criticism that had been thrown her way prior to this movie, like the "how come you didn't run?" type of misinformed, if not ill-intended, criticism. MANY SHELTERED PEOPLE with no experience such as this seek to create even more distance from this evil with statements like how they "would have run", how they "would have gotten away". More likely, people such as these would have just ended up dead. Unlike Elizabeth.Thank you, Elizabeth: for living, for your survival instinct, for your gratitude, for sharing, and for your courage.

This film did a great job of filling the gaps in the bizarre explanation Smart, herself, has given in regard to her failed attempts of escape. The film captured her side of the story and how things affected her. Her commentary was unnecessary and the fact that she smiled, smirked and laughed most of the time confused me as an audience member. It brought me back to why? Why did she not attempt to leave with the multiple opportunities she had. Overall 3 stars for this lifetime movie.

I liked this movie because it kept my attention through the whole thing AND it is one of those that shows that no matter what happens we can get through it(amazingly). Let me tell you that the end scene will get you crying.

Terrible event! There’s nothing good you can say about this except that Elizabeth was obviously a very brave and intelligent young lady that survived an awful ordeal! I’m amazed and very impressed with her strength of character and so happy that she survived something that all too many of our missing children do not. The documentary has an important message, probably several! Family is so important in young peoples lives. I’m convinced her strength, while all to her credit, comes from her upbringing. I think that will be obvious to anyone watching this. The film was well done and was put together in a very tactful way considering the material! But I want to be clear, the Five Stars are all hers!!

Great to have some interviews from Elizabeth about her personal experience. She is a strong woman. I only hope she sees herself out of the Mormon church; however, I fully support people healing in whatever way they need to. That church is sexist, its founder was a polygamist, and that influenced her kidnapper. Obviously that's not the way faith should work, and that's not how good Mormons act. The LDS church is full of amazing people. But anytime you start telling people that God speaks to us and we can do whatever we want as long as he said so, you're paving the way for crazies, justified behavior, and all of it. I hope she is healing; she's an amazing activist.The acting wasn't the best, but was actually pretty good! They were tasteful in their portrayal of events. It was so hurtful to watch and I agree with ES when she says "no one wants to see that." It's hard to imagine what she went through and it breaks my heart. I was weeping at the end.

Well done! I have the book and was impressed at the character study involved in this film. Including a knowledge of social disorders and the insidious affects of ritual abuse (her captors seemed to laugh at the most inappropriate times!) Elizabeth personally tells you her story. Some Blair Witch cinematography helps you feel the world closing in as she's forced to leave home and then each hope of returning fail. Ouch. There was nothing distracting about the movie to me. It seems sensitively and expertly produced working closely with the characters and landscapes involved. Brilliant screenwriting that distills complex scenes in poignant simplicity! The movie has something of value to say, especially if a child found themselves in a similar situation. We don't have to be damaged or shattered or dead. Elizabeth found ways to count her blessings again and it seemed to pan out in increasingly good fortune. From rain to rescue. So journal your list of favorite things today! Whether it be memories linked to a safety pin, a cup of water or a reunion! Tho the film is a difficult 'tell all' everyone in the family can watch this. I recommend the dialog that ensues.

Elizebeth talking in between the film was irritating

It arrived within time frames and in good order

Good movie about a hard subject. Follows the book well.

found it very moving story