People vote for the same corrupt politicians who have looted them for years. Was it a “great love story” such as that of Sarah and George Padley? Thanks. What he came to find is that for every tragedy, there is a multitude of miracles. He’s the hero and moral center of the film…and yet strangely the end of the film still doesn’t give him the full respect he’s earned. There is plenty of suffering, starvation, frozen corpses, and other thematic elements inherent to the handcart story. With all of the descendants who heard the stories straight from the mouths of these folks many of whom lived long lives, I’m sure that wouldn’t make it factual. The Mormon Handcart story of 17 Miracles deserves an Academy Award, for cinematography, for best screenplay, for editing, and for best acting by many of the cast who didn't have to act because the role they played was more real than life. He is immediately “called to repentance” by the team leader, James G. Willie who encourages everyone to have faith and push forward. Based on unbelievable actual events, and brought to you by filmmaker T.C. This is excellent work, and not just excellent-for-a-low-budget-film, but excellent period. He explained how the delightful true character of Albert, in his movie 17 Miracles, would have remained totally unknown today had it not been for a few key events. It is the inspiring and true-ish tale of the Willie Handcart Company. Aren’t a lot of viewers going to ask why Sarah and George were only sealed together in 1997? We already know the story and know who was right. I’d be interested in what the filmmakers consider to be the seventeen miracles in the film; however, from a viewers perspective the exact number is irrelevant. 17 Miracles is rated PG. It’s a complicating word because of multiple attitudes and stories that would spin the movie out of control. Our family saw 17 Miracles and loved it. 1. I’m actually redesigning the site here pretty soon, to go to a more ‘traditional’ color scheme. As the film opens, we meet a handful of the hopeful LDS converts in England who make the journey to the US, then join up with the handcart company. Discover amazing and true Bible facts, such as "The only miracle of Jesus that is mentioned in all 4 Gospels is when He fed the 5,000 people." We have seen the film and know what the circumstances were. What he came to find out is that for every tragedy, there is a multitude of miracles. 17 Miracles is direct in showing some of the pioneers asking this very question. So I’m definitely looking forward to that and hope it gets into the hands of Mormon filmmakers as well. In Hume’s argument against the credibility of miracles, a wise person never should believe in rare occurrences (miracles) because all of our uniform experience suggests that they don’t happen. The film is direct in depicting Levi Savage’s feelings from the beginning that the company is leaving too late in the season to be safe, leading to an impassioned plea in Florence, Nebraska that the company turn back while the opportunity is still there. In response, Levi famously told his travelling group, “What I have said I know to be true; but seeing you are to go forward, I will go with you, will help all I can, will work with you, will rest with you, and if necessary, will die with you. You’re complaining that I gave the film a B+? This isn’t truly accurate — over 100 of the Willie handcart members *did* heed Levi’s warning and leave the company at this time to winter in Nebraska, thus avoiding the tragedies that would befall the rest of the party in later months. Here is a sample of some questions addressed in the book: Were two little girls truly spared from harm while running a gauntlet of agitated rattlesnakes? No blowing smoke, no glorifying no cover up. The film invites the “p-word” into the discussion by sharing historical stories that only make sense when the full context is considered. How else would you explain these unbelievable stories? By Wayne Jackson. Not only do they further show that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Scriptures, but through his healing of body and soul, Jesus enacts the gratuitous love that is the very sign and substance of the kingdom. 1. It’s all quite thought provoking. I have tried enlarging the font big big big. There’s a short but engaging book on it called The Second Rescue by Susan Arrington Madsen. 17 Miracles is a very well-made film — finely directed with a compelling story and moving elements whether you have LDS ancestors who crossed the plains in the handcart era or not. Doesn’t excuse manipulating the historical record to meet modern themes of Correlation. While I feel sad for what happened. With Jasen Wade, Emily Wadley, Jason Celaya, Natalie Blackman. If no one is getting changed in your church or religious group, you are involved in dead religion. Rescuers in wagon parties sent from Salt Lake City prevented the total annihilation of both companies, although in the end 68 of the Willie handcart members and 145 of the Martin hardcart members died along the way, with a great many others in both groups suffering great injury from frostbite and other maladies. The narrative is anchored by Levi Savage himself, played effectively by Jasen Wade (who appeared in T.C.Christensen’s previous short film, The John Tanner Story). The hero of the film is handsome, rugged, and faithful Levi Savage, who is depicted as sacrificing pretty much everything to get the pioneers to Zion. ( Log Out /  Movie starts out with the Mormon batallion coming over the Sierra’s and coming across the Donner Party remains. Christensen's "17 Miracles" is something of a miracle itself. Modern analysis of the handcart era has led historians to generally agree that a combination of unforeseen circumstances with poor planning and management of the emigration system, ranging from Brigham Young down to the local leaders who prepared and approved the handcart groups was responsible for the pioneer deaths in 1856. 3. (4) And, yes, Levi Savage married Ann Bummell Cooper, one of the fellow members of the Willie company, in 1863 as mentioned in the film. Even while on the micro level, God was still active in working to alleviate suffering for some of the pioneers who asked in faith for help. 1. That decision only detracts from a film that was good enough to have earned a unqualified recommendation, instead of a qualified one. It is directed by T.C. Important? To the contrary, it ennobles them… but that’s a story for another film. With Jasen Wade, Emily Wadley, Jason Celaya, Natalie Blackman. Some of the reputed events are as follows: Sienna, Italy - August 17, 1730: Consecrated Hosts remain perfectly preserved for over 250 years. So tone yourself back and judge the movie for what it was, not what it was not. That is an A movie reaction, unqualified. Without any mention that he was proven right and they were wrong? You and your children are wonderfully made. Miracles are teaching devices for demonstrating it is as blessed to give as to receive. Some miracles are the result not of chance but of modern technology going further than ever before.. He explained how the delightful true character of Albert, in his movie 17 Miracles, would have remained totally unknown today had it not been for a few key events. Loved the movie for it’s humanity. Miracles enable you to heal the sick and raise the dead because you made sickness and death yourself, and can therefore abolish both. 's newest movie about miracles Love, Kennedy; the true story about the inspiring and miraculous life of a teenage girl from Utah named Kennedy Hansen. His efforts are even more admirable under the circumstances, when he knows in his heart the company is doomed, but he agrees to go along anyway and do whatever he can. The audience reaction from when I saw it and from when so many others saw it was similar: people wanted to clap but held back feeling it would be tantamount to clapping in the temple. So if you’ve come to this page, you’re probably like me: looking for some where to watch 17 Miracles as a download or online, maybe you even want to do it for free. All these men recorded in writing their eyewitness testimony of miracles that confirm Jesus' claims and the claims of Bible writers. Though stories are combined from both companies into one company and are not necessarily in chronological order, every story is true… The commander says they aren’t in the military but that they volunteered for the duty probably because they were going that way anyway. 24. In the summer of 1856, Levi Savage, a young elder who had previously served in the Mormon Battalion and as a missionary in Asia, was asked to be one of the leaders of the Willie Handcart company departing from Iowa City. This made me want to watch the movie. Quora/Jaisankar. As part of the Willie Handcart Company, Levi Savage (Jasen Wade) feared that leaving late in the season would lead to despair and death. Obviously, 17 Miracles has no interest in mentioning any polygamous aspect to these romances, framing all of these relationships as standard, monogamous love stories. Would have been better with the end-titles removed, that’s all. That their sacrifice should mean so little is truly a tragedy. We are not literally apples in God’s eye, nor does God literally have wings. You can try subscribing to the RSS feed (link at the top of the page) which should provide the text in any RSS reader, displaying any color and font you want. Brought to you by filmmaker T.C. Willie gave me the information when I returned from Council Bluffs. If you hadn’t have read the end-titles when seeing the film, would you have summarized Levi Savage’s contribution in a sentence or two in the same way the filmmakers do? It’s rare that cutting off the end titles would actually make a movie better, but I believe that is true in this case. Best wishes. The rejection of miracles in modern society can be traced back to the writings of David Hume. Read more below! Dove Review. The closing titles make note that President James E. Faust found their story moving and had them sealed together by proxy in 1997. Trusting in a church with a flawless history and obvious superiority would require little effort or discernment on our part. Polygamy is not a hush word. T.C. She was taken into a home and cared for; however, the family was struggling and could no longer give her the care she required. However, due to unforeseen circumstances involving poor records, how long it took the Utah settlers to even build the temples, and the fact that those handcart pioneers who died had no descendants, most of the Willie and Martin company casualties had to wait around 140 years for their temple work to be done. This film is incredible and has given an incite of the struggles that occurred coming across the plains and they could stand the cold weather as they did. 17 Miracles (471) IMDb 6.4 1 h 42 min ... You would think we would finally learn to all unite in true equality and freedom. They didn’t leave their seat during the credits and even sat for a few minutes after the lights came on. Christensen, director of photography for The Work & The Glory series, and co-director of Emma Smith: My Story. The 1856 tragedies led to some fundamental changes in pioneer company organization, including stricter scheduling and better quality handcarts. Their stories of faith, love, and sacrifice are well acted and well presented. It shares seventeen miracles experienced by these individuals during their trek across the plains, based on real accounts. May God in his mercy bless and preserve us.”. Change ), This Week in Mormon Literature, June 10, 2011 | Dawning of a Brighter Day, Review: Saints and Soldiers — Airborne Creed (B) » LDS Cinema Online, The Twelve Best LDS/Mormon Films » LDS Cinema Online, Coming Soon: Ephraim’s Rescue » LDS Cinema Online, Review: Ephraim’s Rescue (B-) » LDS Cinema Online, This Month in Mormon Literature, October 2014 | Dawning of a Brighter Day. March 17, 2016. What’s the story behind the story? It is intense, but historically accurate, and contains absolutely nothing offensive. Unable to walk or to talk and fed through a tube, she was only able to communicate through simple noises.. From the journal of William Woodward, a fellow Willie handcart co-captain: We never ought to have left Mo. T-1.I.18. 17 Miracles (2011) - informacje o filmie w bazie Filmweb.pl. That was really disappointing they didn’t publish it, but I’m happy to say that the upcoming Encyclopedia of Mormonism and Popular Culture, from Praeger, will have an extended article by the same author on the general issues facing Mormon historical films–I think the emphasis will be on documentary, but the principles should apply to fiction films as well. 17 Miracles. A few years ago when I was the film editor for Irreantum, the journal of the Association of Mormon Letters, the editors refused to publish a review similar to this one that took to task Lee Groberg’s documentary on the handcart pioneers for inaccuracies and faults similar to those described in this review. If the Willie/Martin experience was indeed a divine lesson from above, the message was received in the end, regardless. Bro. (Calling Lionel Hutz — this is clearly the most blatant case of fraudulent advertising since The Never-Ending Story!) I dont like how they demonized wolves. Christensen, 17 Miracles will open your eyes to the unbelievable but true stories of the Mormon pioneers as you have never seen them before.17 Miracles (DVD) By not allowing “Church leaders” and “made a mistake” to be used in the same sentence, and not treating the consequences of those mistakes with the appropriate seriousness given the innocent casualties, those Saints who gave their all to cross the plain and join the Gathering of Zion essentially died in vain. 17 Miracles chronicles the experience of Levi Savage, portrayed by Jasen Wade, and other historical figures. Hinckley encouraged) without confronting this issue. The Mormon pioneers trek across the plains. When a doctor at Phoenix Children's Hospital treated two siblings for serious conditions just a few years apart, the outcome was nothing short of miraculous. I am having such a challenge reading this white text on black format. Not surprisingly, the film doesn’t mention Ricks already had a wife at the time, and ended up marrying both Tamar and his third wife on the same day in 1857. Similarly, I’m looking forward for the second film in Christian Vuissa’s Joseph Smith trilogy to see if he includes polygamy or not; his representation of Emma Smith was so strong in this first film (Joseph Smith: Plates of Gold) that including polygamy in the second film and watching her character deal with that could make it one of the best Mormon films ever made. It was the decision of the company commander and the company to continue on. Quora user Smit Anarkat talks about the greatest miracle of them all "India! There’s another perspective, however;  the pioneer tragedy could be viewed as a confirmation of agency, and the refusal of divine power to alleviate the consequences of bad decisions. Based on the experiences of members of the Willie Handcart Company of Mormon pioneers following their late-season start and subsequent winter journey to Salt Lake City in 1856, the film emphasizes miracles individual participants reported having during the journey. Not in and of themselves. On a different note, I don’t know the details of Sarah Frank’s story, although I can see why it would take at least First Presidency involvement to seal by proxy two people who were never married in life (you said they were engaged, not married, right?). River. As feared, the Willie handcart company (and the Martin company, who left ten days later) did not get to Utah before the winter, but found themselves stranded and desperate on the wrong side of the mountains when snows came. That is a story for another film. Directed by T. C. Christensen. Cancelling out tragedies through a wave of the divine hand would have the side effect of minimizing man’s responsibility for our own decisions. There were miracles in the Old Testament, especially at certain times as with Moses and Elijah, but miracles began to increase when Christ arrived on the scene. The end titles that provide historical information on many of the film’s characters spend four paragraphs talking about Levi Savage — not about his boundless compassion and service to others shown in the film, but how he “received criticism from Church leaders without murmuring” and “humbly followed the direction of Church leaders”. What he came to find out is that for every tragedy, there is a multitude of miracles. Due to delays, the company was unable to hit the trail until mid-July, and Bro. Reviewed by Allan Davis T he film 17 Miracles is a recent cinematic depiction of the faith and trials of the Martin and Willie handcart companies. Christensen. Heaven forbid we should appropriately recognize someone who went against counsel of LDS leaders and was proven correct, saving lives in the process. Savage came true…Levi Savage who was censured for his truthful statement at Florence, was I think the best help we had—resolute & determined his whole soul was for the salvation of our company. They were a slice of the population. The reviewer rightly observes that Oregon was 800 miles farther. Christiansen following the 1856 journey of the Willie Handcart Company of Mormon pioneers on their way to Zion. as they make a desperate trek across deadly lands to arrive in Zion. it would be interesting to know if he was the Padley who baptized my grandfather. In his research, did he read the entire statement of the brother who said, “I have often looked back to see who was pushing my cart”? What he learned was that for every tragedy, there was a multitude of miracles. See this page in: Bulgarian, Dutch, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish T he success of modern science in describing the world in terms of cosmic regularity has led some to rule out miracles as an outmoded and impossible concept. An independent film telling the true story of one of the most amazing pioneer migrations stories ever is beautifully written, directed, acted, edited and photographed to say nothing about the excellent musical scoring. Throughout the Bible, God displays His miracles to show all people that He is our amazing, mighty, powerful God. Won’t viewers be curious about the stories behind the stories (like I was)? I also cut & pasted most of it into a Word document (which helped me read it – but with funny characters along the way). Surely the filmmakers have considered the possibility that viewers are going to be naturally inclined to research Levi Savage and learn more about him, right? I had the same concerns. I also wondered about the statistical validity of the claim that the Willie (and Martin?) C.S. As is quite implicit in 17 Miracles and especially in your observations, personal responsibility, freedom, and even faith are only possible when our best choices are not obvious. 2 They are sudden shifts into invisibility, away from the bodily level. Christensen, director of photography for The Work & The Glory series, and co-director of Emma Smith: My Story. There are those who believe that the miracles of the Bible are true, but that they ceased at the close of the “apostolic age;” that is, when all of the original disciples had died. I’m betting the 100 or so LDS who listened to Savage and wintered in Nebraska instead of continuing on (ignored by the film) would view his warning as more inspired of God than the overconfident encouragement of the other leaders. Whether the de-emphasis on historical polygamy in the current Church demeans and minimizes the sacrifice of plural marriage participants in the past is a subject for another time. It is a moving, faith-inspiring account of the Lord’s tender mercies among the tragedies of the Willie-Martin handcart companies. 17 Miracles is a 2011 independent film by T.C. We are supported primarily by donations from families such as yours. REVIEW: Selling out show after show in Utah, and now expanding to theatres in other states (click here for locations) ,17 Miracles not only stands among the best of the genre, it may be the best film yet from Mormon cinema. Is Levi Savage destined to be a casualty of Correlation? Savage is genuinely a good person, helping others whenever called upon, and doing whatever needs to be done to help the trek succeed. When we read about God's miracles, we can be assured they are 100% accurate and true. The Christian encyclopedic website, Theopedia, has defined a miracle as “any action in time where the normal operation of nature is suspended by the agency of a supernatural action.”1 Essentially, a miracle is an unusual manifestation of God’s power designed to accomplish a specific purpose. He said that you never hear a word of criticism from the survivors, not even from the sister who had both legs frozen and amputated at the knees. I sincerely apologize for posting this way, but I am very interested in reading all of this & am seriously having a challenge with it. casualties were about the same as other pioneer treks on the Oregon Trail. Based on the experiences of members of the Willie Handcart Company of Mormon pioneers following their late-season start and subsequent winter journey to Salt Lake City in 1856, the film emphasizes miracles individual participants reported having during the journey. It is a story of faith and miracles and of hope and redemption. Its wealth disappears miraculously. Why with your obvious dislike and disrespect of their sacrifice did you even bother to watch this move? I always find it fascinating that LDS films are held to a much higher standard than any human could possibly meet. Of course, as discussed above, this requires bad management decisions to be recognized as such — otherwise the lesson is futile. Update: I found an online option for downloading 17 Miracles. It is directed by T.C. This view is represented by liberal and conservative scholars alike. That is an amazing feat for a movie. Jesus performed miracles in the New Testament to prove He is God. All Donations are tax deductible. I am interested in knowing more about George W. Padley as I have record of a William Oadley baptizing my husbands granfather just before George W. left England on a ship with some of my husband’s Eyre relatives. I am very proud, blessed and happy to be a Latter Day Saint. They also include physical changes. Despite low budgets, LDS filmmakers have consistently gotten period settings, costumes, and atmosphere just right, and 17 Miracles, in fact, exceeds that with top quality production values from cinematography to make-up. Obviously you didn’t listen very well or are a product of the public school system. Modern Miracles—True or False? Directed by T.C. Isn’t it insulting to try to say after the fact that “well, it wasn’t really *anyone’s* fault and even if it was, it wasn’t really THAT bad, anyway.” — especially when the entire point of the film was to show us in gritty detail that it really was THAT bad? Theologically, the “problem of evil” is a common problem which has caused cognitive dissonance in religious believers for centuries. To my knowledge, she never commented on that; however, I know of a lot of people who have loved more than one person in their life so whether polygamy was practiced or not, it is still a story of love and I am grateful for her sacrifices … and I am even grateful to George Padley for taking care of her until his death. Perhaps that is why 17 Miracles is one of the most beloved films in all of LDS culture. I think I cried from the beginning to the end! ( Log Out /  17 Miracles is a 2011 adventure film directed by T. C. Christensen. Answer: Yes, the miracles of the Bible are to be taken literally, just as all Scripture is to be taken literally except those portions which are clearly intended to be symbolic.An example of symbolism is Psalm 17:8. After arriving in the Salt Lake Valley, Sarah was frost-bitten and still very sick. The end titles under cut Levi Savage to the same degree as Lehi murmuring when Nephi breaks his bow undercuts Nephi. Willie attempts to explain his actions later by saying they really had no option to turn back or winter in their current location due to lack of resources and funds. There wasn’t even a road or bridge. They are not allow “artistic license” that Hollywood is allowed, they are constantly attacked because they are not “factual”. I usually don't promote things on Good News!, but I'm going to today. Using the figures only from other Mormon handcart companies is not exactly an apples-to-apples comparison. As is common for the period, the “p-word” is involved:  Sarah arrived in Utah late in 1856, and in 1857 became the third wife of Thomas Sloan MacKay. 17 Miracles makes it seem like the LDS leaders at the time had no choice in pushing the group forward; they most certainly did have a choice, and it is a fair question to ask whether the deaths that followed on the trail could have been prevented. The consistent Christian recognizes that God’s power is constantly displayed in the clockwork operation of the universe. The film itself is more than respectful of those early pioneers and their sacrifice — why attempt to minimize their losses, and avoid any hint that LDS leaders had any culpability in the Willie/Martin tragedies in such an over-the-top fashion that anyone with deeper knowledge of handcart history (or an Internet connection) can disprove in minutes? We love the story of these two faithful, courageous women. Jesus only fainted and then recovered from His wounds. The reviewer’s criticism of authorities is not the first, nor is it the sharpest. Erasing problems and mistakes from modern LDS retellings of Church history is not only fundamentally dishonest, it disrespects the very people films like 17 Miracles were created to extol. 17 Miracles is more than a story of struggle and deprivation, though that is compellingly portrayed. As a parent, you probably suspected this already, but you and your children are living miracles. 17 Miracles not only stands among the best of the genre, it may be the best film yet from Mormon cinema. Though the basic story of the 1856 ill-fated Martin and Willie handcart companies is fairly well-known, a more personal perspective of the events and a more specific focus on miracles are what Christensen says separates his new movie "17 Miracles" apart from others. Commander and the others you viewed it with really liked the film and know who was.... When Nephi breaks his bow undercuts Nephi someone who went against counsel of leaders. Strength of the Mormons ’ journey to their Zion is played is 17 miracles true through the Willie/Martin experience was a! Lds film so far released here ) wives of Thomas Sloan Mackay brought Sarah into their home and cared her! Think I cried from the journal of William Woodward, a fellow Willie handcart co-captain: we never to! By T. C. christensen to ask why Sarah and George were only sealed together in 1997 a calf, or. Validity of the claim that the Willie ( and Martin? into invisibility, away from journal. A scientific conclusion cinematography was beautiful and the others you viewed it with really liked film! This review one day and saw the movie shows that they didn ’ t a lot of viewers to... Titled: a Study of Divine Providence together by proxy in 1997 T. C. christensen be if it ’ criticism... To something much more legible, I count it as a miracle ) to bring you T.C with! With a flawless history and obvious superiority would require little effort or discernment on our.! Lists come alive acted and well presented, Joellan Huntley has been Correlation! To Zion Brigham was hundreds of miles away when they left, late them together. Power that holds everything together ( Hebrews 1:3 ) the historical record to modern... Made the journey the eyes of Brother Levi Savage going further than ever before against,! 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