Solidrariol Am I Missing Something?

CrawlerChunky In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

Livestonth I am only giving this movie a 1 for the great cast, though I can't imagine what any of them were thinking. This movie was horrible

Monique One of those movie experiences that is so good it makes you realize you've been grading everything else on a curve.

bkoganbing One of the strengths of the Mormon cinema is that they've been scrupulously accurate in portraying their pioneer days indeed the face of America in the 19th century. Ephraim's Rescue is the dramatization of one of the rescues of the handcart companies that journeyed to the American west to reach what the LDS folks term as Zion.This story is narrated by its protagonist in old age. Darin Southam plays Ephraim Hanks who's a rather footloose and adventurous sort when we first meet him. Things aren't exciting enough on his Ohio farm so he's off for adventure even going east to Boston and then becoming a sailor for a few years. He returns to Ohio and hearing his brother has gone off with those Mormons, Southam makes a decision to do the same though his mother and sister.He did it the way a lot of the early Mormons did it because horses were a premium and had to be tended. He walked to Zion as the LDS church saw what became Utah as. When Brigham Young has heard that a handcart party from Great Britain where the church sent some of the first of those elders as missionaries it's Southam he sends as head of a rescue party as winter comes on.The other track of this film is the story of that particular handcart party from Great Britain. Whatever you think of Mormon doctrine you cannot deny the incredible tenacity and courage of these people. One of them Thomas Dobson played by James Gaisford who because he walked instead of riding by wagon or horseback suffered some horrible injuries.Part of Mormon lore is the healing powers that Ephraim Hanks is supposed to have. Their doctrine in fact when they refer to themselves as Latter Day Saints they're saying that the potentiality to be saints and prophets is not confined to ancient days. Here's where a gentile (non-Mormon) audience might have swallowing the story of miracle cures that Hanks was supposed to have made. Still films like these have a built in audience of LDS members. And for those who want to find out about the culture Ephraim's Rescue will serve that purpose.

Dennis Stahler What a beautiful story of someone that is not well known yet is a very compelling and powerful example of the power of faith. A humble priesthood holder called on to help the Willie & Martin handcart companies by Brigham Young. Due to a dream that warned him of the danger these saints were in and the spirit telling him he needed to go to help, he prepared himself so when the call came to help, he was the only one to say, I am ready to go NOW!! We need more faithful servants like that to help those who so desperately are reaching out due to their circumstances. What a touching, compelling story that warms the heart. We need more movies like this!!

corinneathome-989-884465 Though some would call this a 'sentimental, cheese' movie and on the spiritual radar, I am inclined to rethink and give this another look. There is some pretty good acting, directing, excellent filming and producing. The story is tight and the message is more than worthwhile. We need more of these. True and uplifting. Some beautiful scenery, photography. Nothing about Mormon's that would 'offend' anybody.If you want to see lots of blood and gore and lots of graphic violence or lots of action or science fiction, or graphic sex, you won't get it here. This is for the folks who want something uplifting, hopeful and a place to find comfort, hope and faith in things that matter most. HOWEVER, some of the shots do involve the hardships that are not for the faint of heart!

blue-7 Director T.C. Christensen said that when he made his pioneer handcart film 17 MIRACLES that he wanted to include the inspiring true story Ephraim K. Hanks but decided that it needed to be told in a film of it's own. EPHRAIM'S RESCUE is that film and indeed it did call for it's own telling. Darin Southam is excellent in the title role of a man willingly prepared to do the errands of the Lord. The catch-line for the film is "Decisions Determine Destiny" and Ephraim's life proves to be a wonderful depiction of how an ordinary man can be magnified to be an instrument for great good in the hands of God. Once again T.C. has created a script based on recorded entries found in pioneer journals and through fine directing, beautiful cinematography and stirring music created a film of great power and beauty. Many years ago President Heber J. Grant foretold of a time when the stories of the pioneers and the birth of the restoration would be told on the screens of the world. T.C. Christensen has certainly played a major part in helping to bring that vision to life. See this in a theatre if possible and look for it on DVD (hopefully in Blu-ray) down the road.