Aylmer to Zazzoo and Beyond: Ephraim's Rescue

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Ephraim's Rescue - Review

Ephraim's Rescue
(2013 - May 31)
Drama | History

Rated: PG
Grade: B

Director: T.C. Christensen

Writer: T.C. Christensen
Stars: Darin Southam, Joseph Paur, Rick Macy | See full cast and crew

By listening to and following his heart, Ephraim Hanks finds his way in life and eventually provides relief and rescue to the suffering Martin Handcart Company. Based on a true story.

"... The sun was about an hour high in the west when I spied something in the distance that looked like a black streak in the snow. As I got near to it, I perceived it moved; then I was satisfied that this was the long-looked-for handcart company, led by Captain Edward Martin." -Emphraim Hanks

From director T.C. Christensen, of the sensational pioneer film, 17 Miracles, comes the heroic and nearly forgotten true story of a simple, humble man who was called to do the work of angels. Ephraim’s Rescue, lifted from the pages of the personal journals of westward bound pioneers, is the story of Ephraim Hanks: one of the rescuers of the tragically stranded, ill fated Martin Handcart company snowbound in the winter storms of 1856 on the Sweetwater River of Wyoming.

First off, I want to say, the poster looks cheap, amateurish and cheesy, I hate it. That being said, it is probably the worst thing about the film. Some of the accents are a bit dodgy as well, however, I liked 17 Miracles and I liked this film as well, it is equally if not more inspiring. If you liked 17 Miracles it is very likely you will enjoy Ephraim's Rescue. It espouses values like honor, morals, loyalty, dedication, always being prepared, self reliance and personal responsibility, qualities rarely seen from the sludge mill of Hollywood. It employes some humor including a harmless reoccurring joke about polygamy.

Like 17 Miracles, Ephraim's Rescue tells the story of the Martin Handcart pioneers. 17 Miracles tells the story from the perspective of Levi Savage one of the leaders of the pioneer company. Ephraim's Rescue is told from the perspective of Ephriam Hanks one of the rescuers of the ill-fated handcart company. It was filmed here in Utah. The ship used early on in the film when Ephraim is in the Navy is the same ship used in the Pirates Of The Caribbean.

Joseph Paur retruns as Brigham Young

The production values are excellent especially considering the low budget for the making this film. It's a tear-jerker you may need a few tissues. Mormon detractors will indubitably be dismissive or hate this film as they do everything that has anything to do with Mormons. Ephraim's Rescue is appropriate for all ages (there are some depictions of suffering and death that could be disturbing to some) and as an historical drama I very much recommend it.

The film follows Ephraim as events in his life lead him to join the Mormon Church and will ultimately prepare him to lead one of the most heroic rescues in American history. With a unique desire to help and strengthen others, Ephraim learns that each choice we make can prepare us for what lies ahead. He discovers, through it all, that your personal decisions will determine destiny.

There is a subplot, the story of a young pioneer Thomas Dobson (James Gaisford) and his relationship with a young woman, a fellow pioneer, Esther Stock (Mia Selway) that some will find engaging.

This story holds a special interest for me since my great-grandfather, William Elmer, along with Ephraim Hanks, was one of the rescuers of the Martin Handcart Company. See list of known rescuers here.