DVD
REVIEW: SEPTEMBER DAWN
12/28/07
FILM REVIEW: It is shocking to
see what human beings are capable of doing in the name of
their beliefs and convictions. September Dawn is a good
example of such savagery. Christopher Cain (Young
Guns, The Principal, and The Next Karate Kid) directs,
co-writes, and co-produces a controversial film covering the
journey of a wagon train heading for California that stops
in the wrong place at the wrong time. The last time I felt
this hurt and angry at an injustice was while watching
Passion of the Christ. Any movie that brings out feelings in
such a
manner has got to be good. The team of actors was well
equipped with
performances by Jon Voight as Mormon Bishop Jacob Samuelson
and Terence Stamp as Territorial Governor Brigham Young. Jon
and Terence easily turn themselves into characters that you
love to hate. Trent Ford also brings a strong performance as
one of Jacob's sons, Jonathan, who realizes the absurdity of
his religious leaders, especially his own father. Taylor
Handley, as Jacob's son Micah, stood out from the
supporting cast by delivering a character that goes from
playful younger brother to savage, brain-washed killer to a
confused repenting soul.
The controversy lies in where to put the blame for the
events of September 11, 1857. Yes, that's right, 9/11. More
than 120 innocent men, women, and even children were killed
on that day just because they weren't Mormons and they
decided to stop in the Utah Territory governed by Brigham
Young. A particular scene was reminiscent of the holocaust
victims being lead to a brutal death in the gas chambers.
These people were considered a threat and thus brought to
"religious justice". "Go do Jehovah's duty" is what you hear
amongst the Mormon
brethren as they carry out this justice. An added twist to
the picture is the Romeo-and-Juliet-like forbidden love
between the Mormon Bishop's son Jonathan and Emily (Tamara
Hope), one of the wagon train Gentiles (what Mormons call
non-Mormons).
The look and feel of the film was beautiful and quite
authentic (even though it was filmed mostly in Calgary);
from the green hills and pastures, to the flowing rivers,
down to the statuesque Kentucky horses. I felt transported
to that time. The attention to detail such as with the
wagons, guns, costumes, and even Jonathan's rough, dirty
hands helps make it more believable. There were, however,
some abrupt transitions in the movie that could have been
softened. The passage of time and the changes in location
were a little unclear at times. Also, more insight on what's
going through the minds of these travelers would
have helped to make sense of it all.
I must admit that I was in disbelief to see that early
Mormons would be capable of such a monstrosity. I warn all
Mormons and those of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter
Day Saints . . . you will be offended by this movie. As far
as everyone else is concerned, this is for those who would
like to see a well presented slice of early American
history. Whether or not the film is accurate in regards to
who is to blame, as the Oracle told Neo, "you're gonna have
to make up your own damn mind".
Film
Review By Cine Marcos
cinemarcos@smartcine.com
VIDEO:
1.78:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
AUDIO:
English
5.1 (Dobly Digital) French 5.1 (Dolby Surround).
Subtitles - English Spanish
French - Optional
SPECIAL FEATURES:
True Events: A Historical
Perspective Director Christopher Cain, cast and
Historian Will Bagley talk about the accuracy and the
history presented in the film (8:19)
Descendants: Remembering the Tragedy
Descendants and Historian Will Bagley talk about what the
massacre means to them.(10:59)
RATING BREAK DOWN:
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