Watch 17 Miracles

In 2011, the LDS (Latter-Day Saints) Church released a film titled "17 Miracles," directed by T.C. Christensen. The film tells the true story of a faithful band of pioneers on their journey from Iowa City to Salt Lake City through the eyes of Levi Savage, played by Jasen Wade. Levi, a newly appointed captain of the company, enlists the help of young Mary Jane Dilworth, played by Emily Wadley, to keep records of the journey. Together they document the struggles and triumphs of their fellow travelers, including illnesses, deaths, and the miraculous events that take place during their trek.

The story begins in 1856 when the Martin and Willie handcart companies leave Iowa City, Iowa, to travel to Salt Lake City, Utah, to join the rest of the Mormon pioneers. Both companies consisted primarily of immigrants from Europe, most of whom were poor and had come to America hoping to start a new life. However, during the journey, the companies were hit by unexpected blizzards and extreme cold, causing many settlers to become lost, stranded, and die from exposure and starvation.

Levi Savage, a veteran of the Mormon Battalion, agrees to lead the two handcart companies because he believes he has the necessary experience to make the journey safely. However, it doesn't take long for the group to encounter the hardships of crossing the United States by foot. The weather becomes their greatest enemy, and they soon realize that they are all entirely unprepared for the winter storms.

One significant event in the film is when Levi Savage is ordered by Brigham Young to travel back to Winter Quarters to acquire the needed necessities to aid the stranded groups. From there, Levi and a small group of men journeyed nearly 600 miles back to Winter Quarters, where they picked up supplies and arranged better conveyances to make the trip back to the handcart companies.

Despite the overwhelming odds and tragedies, the pioneers' faith never wavers, and many miraculous events keep occurring, such as a man finding a horse for his frozen wife, a woman's rescuing after being left for dead, and the arrival of food and supplies at the most crucial moments.

As the travelers neared Salt Lake City, the Church sent wagons and provisions to help the handcart companies, leading to a joyous reunion for those who survived the journey.

The film ends with the pioneers arriving in Salt Lake City on November 30, 1856, after surviving a treacherous journey that took the lives of over 200 of their fellow travelers.

Overall, "17 Miracles" is a moving and inspirational film that celebrates the unwavering faith and determination of the Mormon pioneers. It depicts the hardships that this group of immigrants endured as they leave Iowa City, Iowa, to journey to Salt Lake City, Utah. In detail, the film showcases how the settlers managed to overcome their hardships with a shared sense of faith and experienced several divine interventions along the way.

The movie is sensitively portrayed, with powerful acting performances from the cast that successfully captures the human struggles and sacrifice's pioneers experienced during their journey to Utah. The storyline's depth, combined with excellent storytelling, cinematography, music, and exceptional acting, makes this film a must-watch. The story is perfect not only for LDS churchgoers, but the general public as well. It showcases the human spirit of the pioneers and the power of their faith in God.

17 Miracles is a 2011 history movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.