Ephraim's Rescue

My experience with seeing “Ephraim’s Rescue” mirrors that of when I saw T. C. Christensen’s previous film, “17 Miracles”. Before seeing “Ephraim’s Rescue”, I had heard of Ephraim Hanks before and his story of finding the Martin Handcart Company but this film made the story come alive. I also learned more about this member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As with “17 Miracles”, the story of the suffering of these handcart pioneers is told sincerely and powerfully but spares us from the full horror that they faced. The film portrays themes of faith, repentance and enduring to the end. Christensen’s films are not as realistic in design as say those that are made in Hollywood that cover the same time period but it doesn’t matter. The fact that these are true stories and directed as such make this movie enjoyable and motivational. The acting is also noteworthy.

Christensen’s last movie was focused on the Willie Company and so it only makes sense that this movie concentrate on the Martin Handcart Company. The story of this movie plays out much like a documentary, only dramatized. The film has some formal exposition at the start but will not take liberties with the true story. I support the use of the super indicating that Ephraim took two hours to bless the woman in the opening scene. We need to understand that this gifted man has learned over the many years of his life just how to use his gift of healing right. Ephraim is not portrayed as a larger-than-life man. He instead is a humble character who does extraordinary things. I like how Ephraim`s love for his brother Sidney gives him guidance. Sidney came home out of love but those pastors came with the spirit of hate. Ephraim could see that. One theme in this movie is that faith precedes the miracle. Because Ephraim felt sincerity in Sidney`s testimony to the pastors, he was able to accept the notion that his brother could be healed by the power of God. The film does contain some humor to balance the drama. I like how 52 is considered old age and Illinois is “almost to the sea”. The shaving scene was also well performed thanks to Joseph Paur as Brigham Young. I also like the line “Mercy Lord. What took you so long?” We might mistake that for impatience but because of Darin Southam`s delivery, we know it is sarcasm. The Lord acted so fast in a time of need that the miraculous nature was almost humorous. One sequence I took notice of was with the rattlesnake. That was a good use of cinematography with extreme close ups and editing. The “I am ready now” scene was well constructed and Paur once again does his job well. We shouldn`t look down on the other volunteers however because Ephraim was called by the Lord in advance and was ready at that moment. The film has a few errors from a cinematic standpoint. The scene with Arza Hinkley and Dan was shot with the rescue party heading left to right across the screen where other scenes were opposite. Also, the character of Albert as played by Travis Eberhard appears in this film as part of the Martin Company and in “17 Miracles”, he was in the Willie Company. Having pointed that out, I still enjoy this character and was happy to see him in this show. A scene in the movie that touched my heart was the gratitude over the buffalo meat as expressed by the pioneers. I like the set of lines where Ephraim points out how black Thomas’ feet are. We once again must not misunderstand and judge Ephraim. I believe these lines serve to bring climax amidst the many miracles we are seeing at this point in the movie. The fact that feet less black than Thomas’ were amputated helps us to realize the special nature of this last miracle. My favorite line in the whole movie is spoken here to Thomas: “They will learn of you in ways we do not now even understand”. I would hope that this was actually spoken in the blessing because this movie is a partial fulfillment of that prophecy. No one in 1856 in that part of the world could have imagined motion pictures. I enjoy the plot points concerning forks in the road. From its first use, I knew it was going to be important. Sometimes, either path will do us good but it takes a true God-fearing man to choose the path that is best. I like the reference to Three Nephites during the end credits. We tend to imagine them still dressed in Mayan clothing or as angels where the scriptures clearly state that we will “know them not.”

I was glad to see Katherine Nelson in this movie. My university friend Tanner edited this film much like “17 Miracles”, creating two mirroring narratives concerning the Mormon handcart pioneers. As with that movie, I learned more about this part of my history. “Ephraim’s Rescue” is very sincere and utilizes powerful themes. The performances were great and while the filmmakers stayed true to the story, they held back in depicting the full tragedy encountered by these Saints. I think that T. C. Christensen is a better LDS filmmaker than Richard Dutcher because Christensen`s films are motivational. For those who see this movie, read this and are not members of my church, I invite you to consider the feelings you felt and you are welcome to ask me any questions you might have about Mormons.

4 Stars