Excel Entertainment and Remember Films, 2011. While Mormon culture provides multiple ways to hear pioneer stories, there is a pattern to how the stories are told. He said that people often ask him why the Lord allowed the pioneers to suffer. 6. Its not a faith of equality. He is a very sensitive actor who has great range and power. This miracle revealed Jesus' glory and power over creation. Most Christians know that Jesus accomplished many miracles but may be surprised to learn of some they didn't know before. When Levi Savage, a former Mormon Battalion member and missionary to Asia, agrees to assist the Willie Handcart Company as they journey to Salt Lake City in 1856, the late start and onset of a bitter winter leaves the pioneers unprepared and suffering as they cross the plains of the Midwestern United States. 5. He called it a sustaining miracle. Albert (Travis Eberhard) promises to walk every step to Zion and not beg to ride in a handcart. Dove is a Giving Company brand, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to help have people have simple moments with Jesus. 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. If you believe Jesus was a nice bloke that could not then stay clear of this film because it is very fanciful. Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him. I think there were more than 17. When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. The score is a perfect blend for the look and feel of the story. 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. In all, this was pretty well handled. The Church News is an official publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When Jesus entered the synagogue leaders house and saw the noisy crowd and people playing pipes, he said, Go away. . Audio: EnglishSubtitles: EnglishStarring: Jasen Wade, Emily Wadley, Jason CelayaDirector: T.C ChristensenGenre: Adventure, History, Supporting actors: Natalie Blackman, Travis Eberhard, Bruce Newbold, Nathan Mitchell, Bailee Michelle Johnson, Savanna Kylie Lewis, Tomas Ambt KofodProducers: Rob Collins, Eric S. Johnston, Scott Priest, Fenton Quinn, Ron TannerStudio: Excel Entertainment Group, Remember FilmsDevices: Available to watch on supported devices. One thing I do know. I am very well acquainted with the story of how my ancestors went through difficulties to arrive in Salt Lake City. 23. If you have faith, you will love this movie. There in front of him was a man suffering from abnormal swelling of his body. 5. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Did Jesus Descend into Hell After He Died? 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. '", "Whenever a sceenplay is based on historical events, viewers of the film frequently want to know if the events being depicted are factual or merely the screen writer's imaginary version of what might have been," Christensen wrote. It is recorded that his hands looked liked the hands of a bird. The trails were many: sickness, fatigue, bickering, cold, starvation and death; most were city folks, and none were prepared for the grueling trip. the first "brethren" appeared in the dialog just sounded like those movies about communists calling "comrade" to each other. 21. 34. 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. You might be able to see this film. I don't agree with them taking off too late in the summer. Mothers carried children and young babies along the trail. The crowd was amazed and said, Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.. One of the worst films I've ever seen, partly because the script was so poorly done and direction allows little from actors. 17 Miracles is a summary of 17 of the documented events (miracles) of the two "Belated" handcart companies who were traveling to Utah in 1856. The way vignette crafts history differs from the techniques used in the first portion of the film. On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus rose from the dead (Luke 24:5-8). Brother Moyle stayed with his son and daughter-in-law during the week and would then walk 22 miles to return home on the weekends. What is a miracle? 30. "Only a Stonecutter" is the story of John Rowe Moyle who was baptized the very night he was taught the gospel. Jesus mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. It is as though Christensens cinematography gives vision to the paradisiacal glory of the Millennial Earth. In the process of searching records, they came across many faith-promoting miracles that sparked the idea for a movie. "There was something that happened within those people that drove testimony into their hearts," he said. 1: The Journey, but still haven't achieved Hollywood levels. This is a great family film but not a movie for young children. 20. We are disciples of Moses! 3 Surprising Reasons to Be Like Doubting Thomas, 4 Reasons Why We Have a Hard Time Talking about Loneliness. Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town, and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake so that the waves swept over the boat. It was your eyes he opened. The man replied, He is a prophet. They still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the mans parents. We need more inspiring films like this in our homes. The Willie Handcart Company treks across America to the Salt Lake Valley, experiencing many trials and deaths, as well as 17 miracles. 33. Jesus raised the widow's son from the dead (Luke 7:11-18). Most viewers will be overwhelmed at the number of ordeals and miracles that are shown. "Will anyone that is a descendant of the Willie, Martin, Hodges's companies or the rescuers stand up?" 17 Miracles is a film about pioneers journeying westward with the Martin and Willie Handcart Company towards Utah. For information on the DVD or Blu-Ray, visit deseretbook.com, Email: ttoone@desnews.com. Doesnt each of you on the Sabbath untie your ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? Allans research focuses on the intersections of religion and theatre, historiography, and cultural studies. It is not wholesome for there are thematic suffering and hardships that might offend children so parental guidance is recommended. (Please Our dear son got married! All the books in the world couldn't contain all of what Jesus did (John 21:25), but we do have record of many of Jesus's miracles. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. The directing is first class. i fell sick by watching this constantly overly used religious thankful and self-humiliated words to some unknown imaginations. The main character ties it together- but the others are all hit and miss. xo Diana. In 17 Miracles, Christensen imbues both nature and the pioneers with an increased measure of abundant life. Hey! He replied, It is not right to take the childrens bread and toss it to the dogs. Yes it is, Lord, she said. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. Christensen took some artistic license in producing the movie. Director T.C. I am sure you read the Miracle of the Gulls in Salt Lake City! Miracles should not be regarded as deviations from the ordinary course of nature so much as manifestations of divine or spiritual power. When he had spit on the mans eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, Do you see anything? He looked up and said, I see people; they look like trees walking around. Once more Jesus put his hands on the mans eyes. 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. The lead actor who played Levi Savage is very good at the portrayal of his part. Lord, help me! she said. Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, Do you believe in the Son of Man? Who is he, sir? the man asked. I tell this one, Go, and he goes; and that one, Come, and he comes. You leave with a lasting impression of these amazing pioneers. As found in the Gospels, here are miracles Jesus performed up to His Crucifixion and Resurrection. 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. When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there. "What I have said I know to be true; but seeing you are to go forward, I will go with you, will help you all I can, will work with you, will rest with you, will suffer with you, and, if necessary, I will die with you. charwolfeLasVegasBartender -3 September 2019 -6 September 2012, Watchable only for those who are open or religiously minded, Better bring a handkerchief or maybe even a dish towel uvjhamil-1 -3 July 2011, Better bring a handkerchief or maybe even a dish towel. As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. Many of the miracles featured in 17 Miracles came from the journals of Levi Savage Jr. - You can read stories directly from Levi's journals here - http://www.facebook.com/LeviSavageJr 6767 15 comments 3 shares Share A family leaves their dead daughter behind but returns to revive her body when they remember a promised blessing that their entire family would reach Zion. You feel like you are in the story. Jesus wept. The tears you shed at the end will be for the 113 minutes you will never get back. Those familiar with previous historical pieces by T.C. Christensen, like Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration, will be glad to rediscover Christensens capacity to create rich vistas for his characters. 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. There is a strong flow of emotions that will carry you away from fear and sorrow to hope and complete joy. 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). No, it is for Gods glory so that Gods Son may be glorified through it. Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. ( Exodus 7:3, emphasis added) This same word is translated as miracles in a number of places in some English versions. The film emphasizesthe documentedmiracles that occurred during the journey. [2], Reviews of the film have been mixed. A miracle of God is an extraordinary or unnatural event that reveals or confirms a specific message through a mighty work. Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. Jesus changed water into wine (John 2:1-11). I am so glad you saw this and left this comment, Yaya. What do you want me to do for you? he asked. Christensen's "17 Miracles" is something of a miracle itself. On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Wade has kept a daily journal for 20 years and felt a connection to Savage. He hopes audiences leave the theater with an increased respect and reverence for the handcart pioneers and want to learn more about them. Seven, they replied, and a few small fish. He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. After I saw this movie I wondered if it would be a good one to show non-members and if they would get the real meaning behind it or just think that the people were dumb to make that trek or the Church was dumb to ask it of them. The journal of Levi Savage (Jason Wade) provides great insights into the trials and miracles of the handcart pioneers. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. You get a real feel of the fear one must feel when being threatened by mobs in almost every town that they stop in. Jesus' miracles included raising people from the dead, feeding crowds, controlling nature, casting out evil spirits, and healing the infirmed, among other things. Reciting a daily log of a wagons supply inventories would not be a pioneer story. By the end, 17Miracles repeats these narratives; however, the first two-thirds of the film indicates a more complicated relationship among company members than is generally conveyed in a traditional pioneer story. The day on which this took place was a Sabbath. 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. I was blind but now I see! Then they asked him, What did he do to you? Oh, now I want to see this movie too. 2. Why Did Jesus Designate Harsher Punishment for Those Who Hurt Children? 17. Im going out to fish, Simon Peter told them, and they said, Well go with you. So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. The film initially investigates the ideas of apostasy and disagreeing with ecclesiastical leadership in a compelling way. The handcarts were really like big wheelbarrows (that is what they look like to me) and Brigham Young thought it would be faster for the pioneers rather than bringing wagons and animals. For LDS audiences looking for a staunchly Mormon film, this is one of the best options for your viewing pleasure. Ironically, 17 Miracles was not quite as miraculous, as a Mormon film, once it dedicated itself to depicting the accounts of miracles. They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind. 18. Levi Savage tried to persuade the leaders to wait until spring to make the journey. 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.". Do you believe this? Yes, Lord, she replied, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world. After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. 15. Many of them, i think, wanted to leave sooner rather than later because of persecution where they were living. Flies- 8:17-20 Geb, god of vegetation, refers to pollinating insects, so God replaced them with flies that cannot pollinate. Is this the one you say was born blind? That would have been comfort food for them. He was also inspired by Savage's faith and courage. The Teacher is here, she said, and is asking for you. When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. ), you should watch the show that was done on PBS about the Donner Party by Ric Burns (not Ken Burns, his brother RIC Burns.) Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Traditionally, when we tell stories of miracles, context is provided, but the event rather than the individual pioneer is preeminent. Christensen has produced such LDS films as "Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration," "Testaments," "Forever Strong," "The Work and the Glory" and "The Mouth of Babes." Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. Bring them here to me, he said. And a man with a shriveled hand was there. At the wedding in Cana of Galilee, Jesus altered the chemical composition from water to wine. (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 17 Miracles is a summary of 17 of the documented events (miracles) of the two "Belated" handcart companies who were traveling to Utah in 1856. It is difficult to experience anxiety while all other visual cues indicate sublimity. Poor and slanted telling to support a fake conclusion. If I watched on I can imagine they would have parted a sea and fed the 5000. I so wanted to see that and hope they run it again. Then Jesus looked up and said, Father, I thank you that you have heard me. If you ever get the chance (I know you are so busy! This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead. It was early morning and he was at the front of a long line of traffic. Sign (smeion), which refers to a miracle that figuratively represents something else, such as the kingdom of God.The miracles of Jesus were signs, authenticating his ministry and revealing him to be the Messiah and Son of God. Christensen and historical adviser Jolene S. Allphin wrote a small book to answer some of the questions viewers have asked about the historical accuracy in Christensens film, 17 Miracles., "MORE THAN MIRACLES: Extraordinary Stories from 17 Miracles'," by T. C. Christensen with Jolene S. Allphin, Deseret Book, $10.99, 128 pages (nf). Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters table. Then Jesus said to her, Woman, you have great faith! Pick an old classic, or just read a book. 14. Evidence of God Is God real or is God an illusion? As a Mormon I've seen this film and even have the DVD. He is currently a second-year PhD student at the University of Maryland in theatre and performance studies. When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. Very often, when I watch a film, the subject matter makes me want to learn more and this wasthe case with a movie that Isaw on the BYU channel. The point is that there are miracles throughout based on faith in God and His mercy. Why weren't they given manna? 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." "Only a Stonecutter" is the story of John Rowe Moyle who was baptized the very night he . (Mormons). Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. I only hope that if I was asked today, what they were asked then, that I would answer the call with a heart full of that same faith that they possessed. I know, there was little choice in going on, but the main leader should have listened to Eli who knew what was involved. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, Jesus, Master, have pity on us! When he saw them, he said, Go, show yourselves to the priests. And as they went, they were cleansed. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. 37 Miracles of Jesus # Miracle Matthew Mark Luke John . All of our episodes are available atLifeAudio.com. We were not disappointed. Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: See that you dont tell this to anyone. I thought it was miracle in a complete chance circumstance type not bible type crap. There are many miraculous works of Christ recorded in the Bible, as He continues to help mankind in heavenly ways today! 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. We believe that Jesus Christ and His Father are one in purpose, not one in being. For example, the movie opens with the Mormon Battalions discovery of the Donner Partys remains. OK I know that is not to be judged by the 5 senses definition. The men were amazed and asked, What kind of man is this? Many of those in the Willie and Martin Handcart Companies were from the British Isles or from Scandinavia. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food. Jesus replied, They do not need to go away. When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, What is this? So then he told them plainly, Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. The number of those who ate was four thousand men, besides women and children. Levi Savage seemed to be the only sensible one in the group that knew what they would be facing. A miracle is an extraordinary event that goes against nature, cannot be explained by science and is caused by God. Were the majority of them so newly arrived to this country that they had no idea of the length of the journey or the severity of winters on the plains? Each story is touching, but the film gives no characterization to these pioneers. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. 26. truly inspirational subject .thank you for bringing it to notice .it is worth watching friend!loved the photo of handcarts and people in journey .Faith is a thing which gives to one's heart an un defeat able courage and endless light of hope that keeps him moving always .glad you shared . Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, It is the Lord! As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, It is the Lord, he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. As they trekked across the United States to find a safe home in the Salt Lake Valley, they were faced with trials that we could not comprehend today. Here Comes The Son (Sun)- A Joyful Wedding! Then about two-thirds of the way through the film, these characters are replaced with vignette depictions of miracles: A starving mother remembers two cakes and with faith they are multiplied. Life is always more complex than can be depicted in two hours. 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. That was why his parents said, He is of age; ask him. A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. 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. He threw himself at Jesus feet and thanked himand he was a Samaritan. I am willing, he said. While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. He was you and [me] but he was a man who stuck to his guns.". He had been one of those who had rescued the survivors of the Donner Party from theSierraNevada. They all ate and were satisfied. A miracle to me is any event that cannot be explained by our 5 senses even with technology that would enhance those 5 senses. He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him. News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico. During one return home, while milking a cow, Brother Moyle was kicked in the leg, which had to be amputated just below the knee. 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. He gains experience when he helps find the remains of the Donner Party. "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. Article Highlights. 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. 13. Others said, No, he only looks like him. But he himself insisted, I am the man. How then were your eyes opened? they asked. There are many stories and events that happened in Mormon history that make me wonder if I would have made it through those trials. Neither technique is necessarily superior; they are simply different modes of writing history. Did a mysterious man really reveal a cave and a stash of dried meat? The Church News is an official publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Instead, it taught me the opposite about faith than we are taught about on Sundays. Rating: PG (Themes of Hardship, Suffering) Genre: Adventure Original Language:. He is of age; he will speak for himself. His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders, who already had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. With one exception, those who experience miracles are not introduced before their short story. Miracles were an important element in the ministry of Jesus Christ. Tradition and culture shape how we arrange the content of the stories and why we tell the stories. My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly. Jesus did not answer a word.

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