MOVIE REVIEW: September Dawn

08/15/07

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".

Review By Cine Marcos 
cinemarcos@smartcine.com

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People Movie Review September Dawn

 

Judi	100
September Dawn was very good. It didn't get such good reviews, but I learned never to listen to critics, they don't know w hat they are talking about. Jon Voight was excellent, along with all the other actors.

Like True	0
I'm not mormon, but this Movie September Dawn was a twisted view of Mormonism in evey way... Nothing to do with mormonism., and NOT accurate in history. Simply nuts! I heard if anyone posts a negative review on this site that you don't allow it to be seen. However, the mormons in the movie were so reversed in their roles from that of the Arkansas hillbilly group that it was too funny for words!

Sam	0
Yep, hillbillies come from Arkansas and not from Utah. I think most of the first Mormons were of English descent, or rather from England. Most were new comers to the USA. Anyway, someone needs a history lesson before making a movie like September Dawn.. It was a lousy and kind of a stinky movie. Sorry guys! ....I just speak the truth.

Gene	100
After reading a lot of known history about the massacre I thought the movie did a great job of portraying a very complicated story, Did Jacob Samuelson actually exist or was that a movie name? I don't see his name in the history books.

Callie

100

I JUST got finished watching September Dawn--what a movie! If I am not mistaken at the end of the movie it said that the mormons STILL deny this ever happening. I am not casting judgment even if they did, for it is not my place to judge them, or anyone else for that matter....it really makes you think about the day and the time that we are living in, if infact in 1857 (if i recall correctly that was the date) such HORRID, EVIL things could take place, no matter the reason, ESPECIALLY BIBLICAL BELIEFS, then it really should not shock us, as a society, 151 years later, of the things we see and witness today....When in the back of the wagon, the "pastor" was sitting with the children and when one of the mormons pointed thier gun to start killing all in the wagon, the pastor said, "May God Forgive You", if only we all could be a little more like that! I give September Dawn TWO big thumbs up! AND...In response to "LIKE TRUE'S" review...you are entitled to your opinion and it is to be respected, but however, you say "NOT accurate in history" ....how would you know? I'm almost willing to bet you were NOT there and just because it isn't documented in a book doesn't make it UNTRUE.

Jake	0
Not even close to the historical actions of this event. WOW! What a horrible and one sided story. I am not "Mormon" but I do teach history in the western United States. I would recommend after watching this movie you pick a few books on the subject.

Kurt

60

Some where between this movie and what actually happened lies the truth.  I as a Mormon believe that Brigham Young actually knew and directed what happened there.  I believer John D. Lee was a hand delivered scape goat for those in authority over him.  A lamb led to the slaughter like those of the ill fated company.  Not enough was mentioned of the brutalities and extermination of the Mormons in other parts of the country that led to their mindset of protecting their final stand in Utah at all costs.  They would not be pushed out of their homes ever again.  The atrocities that the Mormon faithful received in other parts of the country can stand as part of the blame.  The movie got a lot wrong but painfully told many truths.  The movie was compelling and many of the actors were amazing.  When ever I drive by the actual  Mountain Meadow site I am always sad at the feeling of loss and pain.  For it is truly a blemish on and extremely beautiful Sate and People.

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