. My Great Great Grandmother was in the Willey Handcart Company; I have her journal and the movie was true to her telling. I love it more each time I see it. Blind trust in god is one thing, throwing your life away because the church leaders vanity is at risk is another. The courage and well being of the dwarf and the fact that he made it as far as he did. It is recorded that his hands looked liked the hands of a bird. He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. 5. I remember a story about a group of Saints in Salt Lake talking about the handcart company a few years after that trek. Who touched me? Jesus asked. They were all filled with awe and praised God. The acting was good, especially the roll of Levi Savage portrayed by Jason Wade. 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. 21 The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. Be clean! Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed. For everyone else, this is an inspirational film that pushes a strong Mormon belief system, and if you still want to watch it after hearing that, then go for it. 33. Why couldn't they have killed some of the wolves stalking them & used them for food. 26. Christensens otherwise excellent film suffers from an imperfect attempt to integrate the traditional idea of a pioneer story with an alternative way of telling pioneer stories. Jesus cured a deaf and mute man (Mark 7:31-37). Jesus performed plenty of miracles. Their example of faith in Jesus Christ is so inspirational. Movies such as this instills a great respect to our pioneers depicted on this film. Now the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened the mans eyes was the Sabbath. I was bored with the dialog and predictability, but there are a few positive moments in the film that help to buoy it up. Christensen's movie focuses on 17 of the many miracles experienced by families in the two handcart companies, some of which aren't widely known. Jesus turns water into wine (Jn 2:1-12). He is currently a second-year PhD student at the University of Maryland in theatre and performance studies. Eberhard plays the role of Albert, a boy with physical disabilities. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake so that the waves swept over the boat. This miracle revealed Jesus' glory and power over creation. A pioneer story means something different than describing a trek across the plains. This handsome young actor could be the new Robert Redford. 17 Miracles is a partially historical account of the Willie Handcart Companys torturous journey, pulling handcarts through treacherous territory on their trek to Great Salt Lake City in 1857. The problem lies in the films incongruence. Mormon cultures hallowed treatment of the trek has appeared in oral histories, pageant depictions, and trek reenactments, and writer and director T.C. Christensens treatment of the subject material is an excellent addition to a robust tradition that remembers a significant moment in our cultural past. For this I am truly grateful, and forever faithful. Thank you very much for your comment. It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light. After he had said this, he went on to tell them, Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up. His disciples replied, Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better. Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep. Twitter: tbtoone, Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. I am constantly researching a great number of things, I kinda drive myself crazy with it sometimes! He has seizures and is suffering greatly. I am not Mormon myself but it seems he took some cheap shots at them. Christensen's "17 Miracles" is something of a miracle itself. Good to read what happened afterwards in the credits. Christensen depicts rich characters seeking Zion. Then he said to it, May you never bear fruit again! Immediately the tree withered. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. These subtle changes do not detract from the story's compelling elements. The sympathetic portrayal of Willie is interesting; he could have easily been depicted as overzealous. However, this tense forest looks like most other Christensen depictions of nature: bright and alive. Were going to drown! He replied, You of little faith, why are you so afraid? Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. Jesus' mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! Find out today Proof God exists Scientific proof of God God's love The love of God is the reason why you are alive God loves you! Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Where are the other nine? "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made" in Psalm 139, Be Still and Know That I am God in Psalm 46:10, "No Weapon Formed Against Me Shall Prosper" - Isaiah 54:17, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live. Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples. Jesus cured the paralytic (Matthew 9:1-8). In their fright, the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, Why do you look for the living among the dead? He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. These progenitors laid a foundation of faith for offspring that are still basking in the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ due to what they endured. A miracle of God is an extraordinary or unnatural event that reveals or confirms a specific message through a mighty work. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue leader said to the people, There are six days for work. Family and friends gathered for a group burial on the trail. (Mormons). I'm not sure if anyone read any of the replies to the comments in my last post but Richard and I DID go and see the film, "The Lo Stone Mountain is about a thirty minute drive from us. While the film does an excellent job balancing the portrayal of miracles with the reality of death, the narrative seems to uphold the tradition that no one who survived murmured about the personal price of reaching Zion. Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. 20. Once again, something I saw years ago and have never forgotten it. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. Jesus opened the eyes of two blind men (Matthew 20:30-34). While pioneer stories mention struggles, they relate the struggles with optimistic and hope-inspiring tones. Baal was worshiped as the god of life and blessing. It is difficult to experience anxiety while all other visual cues indicate sublimity. The people were amazed and . Jointly published by the Deseret News and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, its content supports the doctrines, principles and practices of the Church. And a large crowd from the town was with her. 3. Johns disciples told him about all these things. The apostles were performing many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. If you are looking for a churchy film to watch on a Sunday evening, or at a church event, don't bother with this one. Have you come to destroy us? Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: See that you dont tell this to anyone. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, Woman, you are set free from your infirmity. Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God. Christensen films a scene in his new movie, 17 Miracles., Pioneers cross the Sweetwater River in 17 Miracles.. I recommend it for everybody, member or non-member. And he was also the great storm god. We are supported primarily by donations from families such as yours. There are many stories and events that happened in Mormon history that make me wonder if I would have made it through those trials. "I wanted to tell more private stories and get to know these people that ended up having, in most cases we deal with, this great miracle that happened in their family.". Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. Some lower law was in each case superseded by the action of a higher. As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. I just finished reading The 19th Wife and leaned a lot about the Mormons that I hadn't known. Afterward, Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. Some of the strong may get through in case of bad weather, but the bones of the weak and old will strew the way. So his disciples came to him and urged him, Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us. He answered, I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel. The woman came and knelt before him. "It is my hope that this book will fill in a few of the gaps, answer some questions, raise a few more and invite greater admiration for the wonderful handcart pioneers I have come to know and love," Christensen wrote. Neither technique is necessarily superior; they are simply different modes of writing history. He often falls into the fire or into the water. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary, and her sister Martha. Jesus opened the eyes of a blind man (Mark 8:22-26). While individuals are mentioned, they are not at the heart of pioneer stories narrative structure; God and faith are. Jesus opened the eyes of a man born blind (John 9:1-38). Pick an old classic, or just read a book. Tradition and culture shape how we arrange the content of the stories and why we tell the stories. One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. I was blind but now I see! Then they asked him, What did he do to you? Nearly 1,000 pioneers made up the Martin and Willie companies that crossed the plains late in the season of 1856 and encountered harsh winter weather in Wyoming, delaying their journey to the Salt Lake Valley. Jesus loosened the tongue of a man who could not speak (Matthew 9:32-33). Bring them here to me, he said. I must admit I cried like a baby, maybe it's just because I'm a member of the church of Jesus Christ of latter day-saints, anyways, to my view they 're good actors and they were able to interpret these true stories full of miracles, not only seventeen, and that is totally inspiring. So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. (BYU stands for Brigham Young University.). "Brothers and sisters, wait until spring to make this journey. Leaves paint forests with sumptuous greens, and blue skies are matched only by the crystalline rivers. Hey! The movie in my opinion tries not to be over-dramatic and in some ways under-plays the suffering of the pioneers when you consider the temperature, with wind-chill factor would have approached minus 50 degrees. 11:4-5; John 2:11; 10:25; 20:30-31). Jesus' miracles included raising people from the dead, feeding crowds, controlling nature, casting out evil spirits, and healing the infirmed, among other things. Brother Christian asked the class members at BYU Education Week. An old man stood up and told them that they should be quiet because they didn't know what they were talking about. The second great haul of fishes (John 21:1-14). 31. 1. And after that they can think back on that and know they are not alone.". The incongruence reveals a conflict in two modes of historical performance, rendering an otherwise brilliant piece of Mormon cinema somewhat fractured. 15. I don't agree with them taking off too late in the summer. Jesus restored a withered hand (Matthew 12:10-13). But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them. Instead, he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As the writer, producer and director of the popular film, Christensen offers a literary version of the director's commentary in 122-page book. Excel Entertainment and Remember Films, 2011. Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we dont know. My hour has not yet come. His mother said to the servants, Do whatever he tells you. Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. The cinematographys effect on tone represents one area where two different narrative impulses seem to clash. During one return home, while milking a cow, Brother Moyle was kicked in the leg, which had to be amputated just below the knee. Most viewers will be overwhelmed at the number of ordeals and miracles that are shown. Those people had a whole lot of faith to make a journey like that. We believe that Jehovah is God and that He is the Son of God which is to say that he has a Father; the same Father who said, when Christ was baptized, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased". These were mostly poor immigrants from the British Isles and Scandinavia who arrived late in the season and had no recourse but to continue on to Utah even though there was the potential for bad weather. Thus '17 Miracles' is not a documentary but rather an inspiring story based on true experiences.". Men of the handcart companies carry other members across the Sweetwater River in director T.C. The acting was amazing, each actor fitting with the character they portrayed like fingers to the metaphorical glove. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now. What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. The first two-thirds of 17 Miracles is framed by following the narrative and characterization of those in the pioneer party, though some alterations to historical accuracy did occur for the cinematic adaptation to work. This schedule was repeated for almost 20 years. With the threat of winter starvation, illness, wolves, freezing river crossings, and death following them throughout their journey, Levi and others also witness the occurrences of divine miracles that enable them to complete their journey and arrive in Salt Lake City. But many had questions about what was historically accurate and what was artistically altered. Lord, have mercy on my son, he said. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. I really, really enjoyed this movie. The pure and deep abiding love and sacrifice that one can feel for another is present here in this story. 17. He said, Young man, I say to you, get up! The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. You leave with a lasting impression of these amazing pioneers. There are many miraculous works of Christ recorded in the Bible, as He continues to help mankind in heavenly ways today! The Willie Handcart Company treks across America to the Salt Lake Valley, experiencing many trials and deaths, as well as 17 miracles.The Willie Handcart Company treks across America to the Salt Lake Valley, experiencing many trials and deaths, as well as 17 miracles.The Willie Handcart Company treks across America to the Salt Lake Valley, experiencing many trials and deaths, as well as 17 miracles. 2022 Giving Company Accessibility Statement Privacy Policy. GOD Experience God! Jesus healed an invalid man at the pool called Bethesda (John 5:1-9). The Miracles in the Life of Elijah The Lord did mighty miracles in the life of His prophet: 1) The prophet caused the rain to cease for three and a half years (1 Kings 17:1). Filmmaker T.C. Each story is touching, but the film gives no characterization to these pioneers. After being called to Utah, a party of over 500 English Mormons experience life-saving miracles This film is diabolical. The girl is not dead but asleep. But they laughed at him. Levi Savage tried to persuade the leaders to wait until spring to make the journey. On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, This is a remote place, and its already getting late. Savage's experiences, recorded in his journal, are used to weave the other stories together. This movie was very well put together. At present time it is only being shown in the Intermountain West. 1. the two girls going through the field with the rattle snakes. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. He put mud on my eyes, the man replied, and I washed, and now I see. Some of the Pharisees said, This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath. But others asked, How can a sinner perform such signs? So they were divided. The source of miracles is always a divine, spiritual, supernatural, sacred, or numinous power that may be conceived in personal form (e.g., God, gods, spirits) or impersonal form (e.g., mana or magic). Christensen spoke Thursday, Aug. 18, and Friday, Aug. 19, to a full house about his experiences of bringing our pioneer ancestors to life, particularly in the short film "Only a Stonecutter" and his new movie "17 Miracles.". Here Comes The Son (Sun)- A Joyful Wedding! "This miracle does not get them out but it allows them to know that the Lord is with them," Brother Christensen said. There is one final struggle between narrative styles I would like to consider: the struggle between faith and disagreement. I, similar to other men out there, thought I was immune to crying in movies others would find sad, but I found myself silently tearing as I witnessed the tragic events that played out before me. The directing is first class. A rescue party with food and supplies saved the majority of the destitute pioneers. Jesus said to them, Come and have breakfast. None of the disciples dared ask him, Who are you? They knew it was the Lord. It was released in 2011 by Excel Entertainment Group. Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. In 17Miracles, Christensen imbues both nature and the pioneers with an increased measure of abundant life. Makes me examine what the word Faith really means. Brother Christensen also spoke of his new movie "17 Miracles," which follows the story of Levi Savage and his journey with the Willie Handcart Company. 1. "I had a teacher once ask me, 'Where can you personally heal by doing this character?' Instead, it taught me the opposite about faith than we are taught about on Sundays. When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. Otherwise, there are much better films to see out in the world. It was released in 2011 by Excel Entertainment Group. Jesus fed at least four thousand people (Matthew 15:32-39). I would say that not too many Mormons would like that book, that is my guess anyway. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region. Life is always more complex than can be depicted in two hours. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus knees and said, Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man! For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simons partners. this movie is for those strongly religious faithfuls, not for atheist non-believers (i, for one) who never believes god almighty was not a make-belief invention and imagination made by those self-serving and self-righteous rich and powerful persons or parties to subordinate those born poor and lowly. 23. Brother Christensen showed several clips and talked about the miracles that the Lord provided. Most Christians know that Jesus accomplished many miracles but may be surprised to learn of some they didn't know before. Produced for less than $1 million dollars it achieves what no amount of budget can necessarily buy: a spiritual honesty that pays tribute to the people who followed their faith using wooden handcarts to carry their meager supplies as they attempted to journey to the Salt Lake City valley. Without a doubt, the visual aspects of the film are aesthetically breathtaking. All of the events have come from actual events recorded in the pioneers journals, including the amazing young men who unselfishly carried the weak members of the party across the ice cold waters of a river all day. "The Lord is in their lives. Pioneer stories tend to be structured as vignettes rather than biographies; in any pioneer story, whom the miracle happens to is less important than the universality of God interceding on behalf of the faithful. Why weren't they given manna? This one takes the biscuit. Another area where competing storytelling hinders the films brilliance lies in characterization. "17 Miracles" is really a miracle. The disciples went and woke him, saying, Lord, save us! Drunk husband threatens wife and kids with liquor bottle. The trip could have been planned differently so the men could work. Levi Savage seemed to be the only sensible one in the group that knew what they would be facing. Christensen knows what audiences are thinking. Thus the vignette structure better fits the model for conveying that history. 9. How did the fig tree wither so quickly? they asked. He has done everything well, they said. The Willie Handcart Company treks across America to the Salt Lake Valley, experiencing many trials and deaths, as well as 17 miracles. The most interesting part of this movie is My Great Grandmother experienced one of the miracles, A decent LDS (Mormon) film about pioneers, Copyright 2019 Living Scriptures Inc. |. Even the miracle of Jesus' birth was a miracle. When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. You will regret it less. It is interesting how watching or reading one thing can lead to another isn't it! After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. Jesus changed water into wine ( John 2:1-11 ). I wanted that in my life.". Pleasewake up and smell the reality. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. How much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Even though this was a terrible tragedy, the image of the pioneers pulling a handcart is a powerful symbol of faithfor the Church of the Latter Day Saints. If I watched on I can imagine they would have parted a sea and fed the 5000. The pioneers had very little clothing. Is this the one you say was born blind? Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. The main character ties it together- but the others are all hit and miss. Jesus cured the nobleman's son (John 4:46-47). I feel Brigham Young was also to blame for this travesty because it was his idea to bring people to the Utah territory with hand carts. Disappointed. Though this is an incomplete list according to John 21:25:"Jesus did many other things as well. According to the movies title it is pretty obvious the movie is based off the christian faith. While all of the acting is outstanding special mention should be made of Jason Wade who plays Levi Savage. Wolves haunt the company, but they primarily serve as a reminder of mankinds darker capacity to turn on themselves. What do you want me to do for you? he asked. Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. But the more he read the script, the more fascinated he became with the handcart pioneers. This movie is so well done. One morning he was preparing his pack to leave the house and his wife asked him where he was going. I dont know, he said. Excellent film of a true story. He reached out his hand and touched the man. 24. Lord, they answered, we want our sight. Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. Compared to everyday life, the sun shines brighter in Christensens world. The first threecompanies made it with few problems but the last two, the Willie Handcart and the Martin Handcart companies were late leaving and suffered during a severe winter which started in October. beautifully shot with not bad acting. "17 Miracles" tells the story of the Mormon pioneers who used handcarts to travel to Utah in 1856 and endured terrible hardships by traveling during a brutal winter. If every one of them was written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.". Although Brother Moyle never saw the temple completed, his work "Holiness to the Lord" can be seen on the walls of the Salt Lake Temple today. Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. I know who you arethe Holy One of God! Be quiet! said Jesus sternly. When she finished her prayer she walked back to her mother. People were overwhelmed with amazement. But, Lord, said Martha, the sister of the dead man, by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days. Then Jesus said, Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God? So they took away the stone. 17 Miracles is a film about pioneers journeying westward with the Martin and Willie Handcart Company towards Utah. We know this man is a sinner. He replied, Whether he is a sinner or not, I dont know. This is an outstanding movie that shows the courage and faith of a people who were ridiculed and ostracized for their beliefs. Wade has kept a daily journal for 20 years and felt a connection to Savage. Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. This is an outstanding and true story of the famous Willie and Martin Mormon handcart pioneers. (October 2020) 17 Miracles is a 2011 historical adventure film directed by T. C. Christensen. If you are looking for intrigue or for a completely integrated plot line with the same character's being followed up on throughout, it is not that type of movie and you won't be satisfied. Reciting a daily log of a wagons supply inventories would not be a pioneer story. Rating: PG (Themes of Hardship, Suffering) Genre: Adventure Original Language:. This article is part of our Bible resource for understanding the significance and meaning of biblical phrases and ideas. There is also no point watching it if you are. ( Exodus 7:3, emphasis added) This same word is translated as miracles in a number of places in some English versions. His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, Isnt this the same man who used to sit and beg? Some claimed that he was. There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged Jesus to place his hand on him. Jesus opened the eyes of two blind men (Matthew 9:27-31). Is this your son? they asked. Faith and Family-Focused Reviews for Todays Media. Yes, it is easy for us to look back and think, why did they do this or that, when in fact, we really have no idea what they could have been experiencing at the time.I am grateful that I did not have to walk all the way to the West. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere. Remember me telling y'all that our one and only son writes for a living? Stephanie would have walked here, I am sure. Even the winds and the waves obey him!. Brother Christensen explained that in England a pie is potatoes and possibly meat and vegetables. See production, box office & company info, The Testaments: Of One Fold and One Shepherd, The Other Side of Heaven 2: Fire of Faith. The story of the Mormons journey to their Zion is played out through the eyes of Brother Levi Savage. i fell sick by watching this constantly overly used religious thankful and self-humiliated words to some unknown imaginations. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.. 17 Miracles Photos View all photos Movie Info Mormon pioneers travel across the country to start a new life. I say to my servant, Do this, and he does it. When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. Jesus asked, Were not all ten cleansed? The Mormon pioneers trek across the plains. After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the mans ears. Savage and others found the remains of the Donner Party, a sad fate he prayed wouldn't happen to the handcart companies.