The Fighting Preacher

In the realm of independent filmmakers telling inspiring true stories of people of faith meeting challenges there is no one more impressive than T.C. Christensen. T.C. is a story teller who uses his talents as a writer, cinematographer and director to bring to life tales of ordinary people who are called upon to do extraordinary things -- and with faith in God accomplish seemly impossible challenges.

THE FIGHTING PREACHER unfolds the amazing story of Willard Been and his wife Rebecca who in 1905 are called upon to be caretakers for their Church of sacred property that had been abandoned when the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were forced to flee due the hatred of their neighbors. What begins as a 3 year calling transforms into a 25 year span that changes their lives and those who still carrying on their dislike for "Mormons".

Not only has T.C. skillfully condensed a 25 year story into a fascinating film that is beautifully photographed and skillfully edited (by son Tanner) but has discovered two wonderful performers new to the screen. David McConnell as Willard and Cassidy Hubert as his wife Rebecca bring to life these two remarkable people. Scarlett Hazen who was so good in T.C.'s LOVE, KENNEDY shines in the role of their daughter Palmyra.

THE FIGHTING PREACHER is a film that I am proud to recommend to others and one that I will return to the theatre to see again. I look forward to its future release on Blu-ray to add to my revered collection of T.C. films: 17 MIRACLES, EPHRAIM'S RESUCE, THE COKEVILLE MIRACLE and LOVE, KENNEDY. These are films that I actually rewatch from time to time.

What a great story! There are not very many films that tell a really good story well, but this is one of them! Treated with love and kindness it fills you with love. This is not really a religious story but one of belief. Great family watch!

My family and I loved it. Great story. Great music, story line, and actors. Great life lessons taught. A real feel-good movie. TC Christensen's best yet.

An LDS accomplished boxer & wife are sent on a mission from Utah to New York in 1915 to resurrect an LDS farm and acquire properties for the church. The area has "Book" historical importance as the place of battle between ancient Morman travelers to the New World (BCE) the Nephites & the Jaredites. Side note: Others maintain the site should be in ancient Central America. In Hollywood fashion our missionaries are saintly while the locals are gruff nasty-spirited haters of Mormonism, but in the end apple pie & good deeds wins them over. Successful they return to Salt Lake in 1939. Note: Not shown is that he divorces his first wife (two children) and marries a younger woman (four children). The writer director Christensen, also an LDS member, has done many promotional faith based, especially LDS, movies.

It is a tender movie! It is a feel-good movie. I liked the acting and the music. I feelt peaceful (good) feelings. The fighting aspect is not the main focus. The main focus is the fight of life, and trying to follow what you believe in. The movie put a smile on my face quite a few times, and I cried some too. I Learned more also. I recommend it! (A 10 speaks for a "I recommend") (: