This isn't really a documentary revealing the history of freemasonry. It's a lot of interviews with freemasons, and it feels more like a promotional piece. It's overall pretty boring.
11 Reviews
Not really a documentary
mycannonball27 December 2021
Freemason propaganda and recruitment 'doc'
etlatjcje24 July 2020
This is a 90 minute freemason propaganda and recruitment "documentary." It describes and explains freemasonry via interviews with freemasons. It comes off as a somewhat-informative advertisement for freemasonry, similar to what you might see produced for Transcendental Meditation or Scientology.
This is terrible
wpkeany-960-54257818 November 2021
Watching right now and am trying to figure out the point of this. I have no beef with the masons, I was asked to join and even checked out building on 23rd in NYC if I remember. Fantastic building but there was no craftsmanship in this film. This so terribly banal...
Not a documentary
bernhardt-7022031 December 2021
Infomercial for Masonry
davidhoward-014992 February 2022
One of the best documentaries on Freemasonry available
mdwainwrightbozeman5 August 2019
I purchased this film when it first debuted and have shared it widely with both Masons and non-Masons. It was instrumental in helping my now wife better understand what it means to be a Mason, and the role of the Fraternity in my life, particularly as it demystifies Masonry's goals while at the same time treating the Fraternity with a high level of respect and integrity. Many (perhaps most) documentaries on this subject are written, directed, and produced by non-Masons, so their view of Masonry is incomplete and oftentimes sensationalist. Not so with this film. This is a film created by respected brothers, and features interviews with many of Masonry's "best and brightest" discussing their perspective on the Fraternity. Hence, here you will find the story of Masonry "straight from the horse's mouth." Highly recommended.
Dry Mockumentary
pwtatl3 November 2022
It really does appear as a straight up documentary. It is well crafted, too--beautifully shot and edited, wonderful graphics and, well-- brilliantly casted? Johnny Royal himself plays a freemason named Johnny Royal, although his appearance is that of a hard core rocker. Other actors are wonderfully childlike, nerdy and pompous in their roles as freemasons. All I could think of was neighborhood kids having their own "secret society" club--with an endless parade of goofy costumes, hats, accessories--and handshakes! These truly are kids, but absurdly playing "freemason" in adult bodies. As they go up from various degrees, reading endless literature, acquiring plaques, swords, rings, amulets, badges, necklaces, hats, rituals, etc. In an unending search for god, they could actually suffocate in symbolism! Meanwhile, they are deceived into thinking they are going somewhere. It must be really expensive, financially and time wise, to keep up with all the costumes, jewelry, accessories, meetings, chants and ascended, enlightened Mumbo Jumbo. Jesus Christ Himself, the Name above ALL names, actually comes in as #21 degree. Pretty good, eh? I wonder if He thinks this nonsense as funny as I do. So--enjoy! Marvelous, understated performances with a brilliant script. Sort of a restrained "Spinal Tap" satire of men's fraternal organizations. A wonderful work of art with much to learn about how a man can waste his life.
The quintessential documentary on Freemasonry
geoffreyschumann5 August 2019
Johnny Roayl's 33 & Beyond: The Royal Art of Freemasonry pulls the veil aside, allowing everyone without, look within and the same, for those in the craft, a better understanding what only a select few understand.
Freemasonry has an ancient saying, "you get out of it, what you put into it." Most people never really understand the requirements and commitments, unless they too came from a family of Masons. There is so much work, memorization, learning that goes into your Blue Lodge degrees. Every young Mason should watch this film, as it is an eye-opener. I would say, of all the people interviewed here, I know 98% of them personally and their characters. I wish this were thought of and done years before. When some of the more stalwart older Masons, that have long since passed away. That their stories from a different time (most of them were from the greatest generation) could have been captured, in a similar forum.
This documentary is done in a unique fashion of storytelling. The visual actors on the stage are seen, but you never "see" anything spoken as they act out what is being described to you. The interviews are fascinating, as they range from Past Grand Masters of California to Master Masons alike.
As documentaries go, this truly is one of the most beautifully crafted films you'll ever see on the subject. Available in media and streaming. Makes a lovely gift for any Freemason, regardless of their age!
Freemasonry has an ancient saying, "you get out of it, what you put into it." Most people never really understand the requirements and commitments, unless they too came from a family of Masons. There is so much work, memorization, learning that goes into your Blue Lodge degrees. Every young Mason should watch this film, as it is an eye-opener. I would say, of all the people interviewed here, I know 98% of them personally and their characters. I wish this were thought of and done years before. When some of the more stalwart older Masons, that have long since passed away. That their stories from a different time (most of them were from the greatest generation) could have been captured, in a similar forum.
This documentary is done in a unique fashion of storytelling. The visual actors on the stage are seen, but you never "see" anything spoken as they act out what is being described to you. The interviews are fascinating, as they range from Past Grand Masters of California to Master Masons alike.
As documentaries go, this truly is one of the most beautifully crafted films you'll ever see on the subject. Available in media and streaming. Makes a lovely gift for any Freemason, regardless of their age!
A must have
dgrahamusmc5 August 2019
Outstanding Freemason Documentary
Carlos-Alvarez9322 August 2020
Excellent!
aaalchemist4 August 2019
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