TC Christensen’s latest film Escape from Germany takes its audience back to a little-known time of world history. Set in 1939 as Hitler’s Germany expands its oppressive reach, 79 young Mormon missionaries face an urgent call to action. As summer draws to a close, Heber J. Grant, prophet of the Latter-Day Saints, receives a prophetic message: war is imminent and the missionaries must flee.
Night is falling as word spreads through mission headquarters across Germany. Elders scramble to gather scattered brethren from remote outposts—a daunting prospect without modern means. One man rises to the challenging task, Elder Siebold. Tasked with tracking down two dozen missionaries scattered throughout the vast country, he embarks alone on a stealthy search. The Nazi occupation tightens its grip by the hour, and dangers lurk around every corner for those without papers.
Christensen deftly establishes the ominous historical backdrop against which Siebold and other faithful shepherds must guide their frightened flocks to freedom. How they rise to the moment of crisis through perseverance and faith forms the heart of this suspenseful story. As darkness descends on Europe, lights of courage and community shine through ordinary people called to extraordinary acts. Their truth—a stranger than fiction tale—deserves rediscovery through Christensen’s skillful cinematic translation.
Mission Impossible
With time running out, Escape from Germany kicks into high gear as a call to action echoes across the German mission. Heber J. Grant receives a prophetic warning that war will erupt within days and all missionaries must evacuate the country fast as borders close. Chaos ensues as leaders scramble to track down scattered mission elders dotted throughout towns and cities.
Enter Elder Seibold, a stalwart missionary tapped for a tricky task. Charged with locating two dozen missing men, he boldly travels alone on a stealthy search. Dodging Nazi patrols, he scours stations and streets guided solely by faith. In each new place, he’s led to safety or the next clue. Through it all, Seibold retains his quiet courage even as danger mounts.
Back in Stuttgart, President Wood also flees with his family in a desperate bid to outrun the imminent invasion. Not content trusting luck, he takes bold steps to speed their passage. Their flight turns harrowing as roads fill with troops. Through it all, they cling to hope that God watches over his faithful despite the evils swelling around them.
The film draws from real diaries and histories but fictionalizes for drama. Elders are composites, and some miracles are too neat to be true. Yet it conveys well the period’s fears and perils through relatable characters. In focusing on regular people called to extraordinary acts of faith, Christensen hits the heart of what makes this true story resonate long after credits roll.
Outstanding Effort on a Shoestring Budget
Escape from Germany may lack Hollywood resources, but it makes up for it with heart. Leading the way is Paul Wuthrich as the resolute Elder Seibold. Faced with an impossible task, he exemplifies quiet courage through every challenge. David McConnell also shines as the down-to-earth yet dynamic Mission President, bringing levity amid the turmoil.
Despite navigating on a tight budget, Christensen’s crew makes the most of every dollar. Scenes filmed across Budapest and Utah transport viewers to 1930s Germany with surprising flair. Limited effects are forgivable thanks to period costuming, architecture, and production design that immerse the audience. Special praise goes to transforming plain tracks into an authentic steam engine.
Always at the helm as writer, director, and cinematographer, Christensen leverages his experience and eye for maximum impact. His camerawork captures nuanced facial expressions that say more than words. Clever staging and movement keep attention gripped without big stunts. Through consistently strong storytelling and visuals on modest means, Christensen proves quality need not depend on quantity of funds.
With 28 films under his belt and input on over 80 more, this auteur understands how to stretch possibilities. Heartfelt performances and production values that punch above their weight classify Escape from Germany as a success worthy of its inspiring true story. Christensen’s ongoing contributions continue enriching Latter-day Saint cinema for audiences of all backgrounds.
Finding Faith in Hard Times
Escape from Germany shines a light on the strength that comes from faith in difficult days. As borders close and danger mounts, the missionaries face an impossible task—yet trust Providence will see them through. Elder Seibold similarly takes on his charge to save scattered elders, believing guidance will be found one step at a time.
Time and again it does, through subtle hints over dramatic shows. A familiar tune whispers where help lies. Quiet intuition says when chances must be seized. This affirms faith’s rewards are often gentle, unseen. Not all choose this subtle approach, unfortunately. One elder excessively credits Hitler’s admiration in prone-aching fashion that preaches too heavily.
Still, the film avoids coming off as overly preachy by focusing on characters simply living their beliefs. In Wood, we see a leader calming fears with optimism, not overt scripture quoting. Through ordinary courage, the message emerges that faith empowers ordinary people to accomplish the extraordinary. It’s a theme even those of no faith can appreciate for its inspirational qualities.
Not every coincidence rings perfectly true, like chance encounters with slumbering elders. But by keeping miracles small, the story steers clear of preachiness to simply lift spirits. Perhaps that is faith’s greatest power—giving hope to persevere, especially in humanity’s darkest hours, as shadows loomed over 1930s Germany.
Stretching Resources to Another Time and Place
Escape from Germany takes on no small feat in transporting viewers back 80 years amid limited funds. Yet Christensen and crew rise admirably to this challenge through ingenuity at every turn. Beautiful Budapest stands in for various German towns, appearing utterly authentic in scenes bathed in sepia tones.
Subtler touches complete the illusion. Weathered details on buildings and vehicles show patience in production design. Costumes dress players as if stepping from history, down to the creases in a missionary’s well-worn suit. Nature too plays her part, as foliage and light transform modern railways into their 1930s counterparts.
Of course the true test lies in storytelling, where suspense must build regarding Seibold’s search. Through fluid camerawork, we become his eyes, moving at a clip through streets and stations. Close-ups playup uncertainty at each new face until recognition brings relief. Tension rises alongside the stakes with every passing sunset.
All this Christensen achieves as sole cinematographer, constantly sweeping audiences along his artistic vision despite constraints. Limited locations become a virtue through creative angling and blocking within scenes. Action unfolds through subtle gazes more than flashy scenes.
Such skilled work deserves praise for how it honors both a small budget and a significant story. Through resourcefulness in production, Escape from Germany immerses viewers in perilous times past in a way that feels authentic, gripping, and true to life. In that it succeeds triumphantly.
Overall Appraisal: A Faith Film Worth the View
This film embraces both triumph and stumble in recounting its remarkable true tale. Strengths lie in authentically transporting audiences back in time, keeping suspense high through Seibold’s search. Top-notch production design and pacing keep attention gripped.
Some story beats felt less convincing, like Seibold’s initial reluctance or convenient discovery of sleeping elders. Yet the overall message of faith prevailing resonates, especially for Latter-day Saints. A few too many Sunday school moments risked preachiness too.
Notwithstanding small criticisms, Escape from Germany achieves its worthy goal of bringing light to this little-known chapter of history. Both kids and adults can appreciate its themes of courage in dark days. While perhaps not converting new believers, it will surely uplift the faithful.
I’d recommend this film for those seeking an inspirational, family-friendly watch about perseverance of spirit. Though not without flaws, it succeeds admirably on its low budget through artistic passion and vision. Fans of its genre will find much to enjoy in its moving tale so thoughtfully imagined and crafted.
In total, despite some narrative stumbles, this well-crafted film takes four out of five stars for accomplishing its aims with warmth and grace. For its target audience especially, Escape from Germany deserves praise and patronage.
The Review
Escape from Germany
while not without flaws Escape from Germany tells an uplifting true story of faith against the backdrop of a perilous time in history. Director T.C. Christensen and his team are to be commended for transporting viewers convincingly to 1930s Germany through skilled production work that makes the most of limited resources. The film achieves its aim of honoring the real-life courage and perseverance shown by the missionaries who fled Nazi rule.
PROS
- Tells an inspirational true story of faith and perseverance.
- Transports viewers convincingly to 1930s Germany through production design
- Generates suspense through Elder Seibold's seemingly impossible search
- Commendable work given the small budget
- Uplifting message for Latter-day Saint audience
CONS
- Some stories beat like Seibold's reluctance lacks beliefability.
- Coincidences like repeatedly finding elders asleep stretch credibility.
- Risks becoming preachy at times
- Narrative transitions aren't always smooth.
- May not appeal as much to non-LDS viewers.
