If memory serves me correctly, this is the first time I've reviewed a film on DVD. In fact, it's the first time I've reviewed a film at all. When discussion about Burying the Past arose on different internet lists, I knew I had to see the film.

I trust it isn't necessary to rehearse here the story of the Mountain Meadows Massacre. The event is well documented in Mormon history. And although details may differ from one account to another, the fact of the horrific event is beyond question.

Much attention is paid to the "legacy" of the massacre. The filmmaker attended a gathering of the descendants of the victims and survivors. Time has not healed all wounds. I was moved by the depth of feeling that persists among the families, the depth of the loyalty they felt toward their ancestors.

Interestingly, the descendants of John D. Lee likewise meet; their passion for Lee no less heartfelt than that of the Fancher group. One of their number formed a deep and lasting friendship with one of the descendants of the victims, a hopeful sign of a future rapproachment between the groups.

The phrase "burying the past" has several meanings in this thoughtful documentary. On one level, it is the story of the erecting of a suitable on-site monument to those who perished in the event. The involvement of local Mormon ward members in this building project signifies something of the spirit of reconciliation that exists among many, but there lingers some dissatisfactin, even resentment, among the descendants that President Hinckley, in his dedication speech for the monument, specifically distanced the LDS Church from responsibility for the atrocity. For some, nothing less than a full apology from the Church will settle the issue.

And this brings us to another level of the phrase "burying the past." Some in the film believe that the Church is trying to cover up what happened that awful day. Indeed, the words "cover-up" are used to describe Brigham Young's activity following the massacre, leading up to the execution of John D. Lee.

And, toward the end of film, we learn that a cache of human bones, presumed to be from among the members of the Fancher party, were accidentally unearthed during the process of building the memorial. The bones were subsequently properly entombed on the grounds of the memorial, adding further depth to the phrase "burying the past."

Narration, based on diaries by one of the descendants, supports a moving black-and-white rendition of the events leading up to the massacre, the massacre itself, and its immediate aftermath. Both the narration, and the depictions, are very well done.

Whether this film is "fair" may end up being in the eye of the beholder. Patrick tries to tell both sides of the story, but it seems his sympathies are with those who place much of the blame on the LDS Church. Both Will Bagley, whose award-winning volume Blood of the Prophets agrees with this assessment, and Glen Leonard, whose forthcoming volume on the massacre will likely disagree, appear in the film. I look forward to the release of the Leonard book; I have no doubt it will stimulate much discussion and comparison with the Bagley work.

The filmmaker's webpage (www.buryingthepast.com) speaks to the many awards the film has already garnered. This is not surprising, as it's a superb piece of filmmaking. Rather than play on the public's desire for sensationalism, Burying the Past appeals more to the heart, to the conscience of the viewer. Profoundly respectful of all sides of the question, it offers a remarkable recounting of an important event in Mormon history, recognizing the continuing effect is has on the affected families.

I am glad to add my recommendation to so many others. This is a film worth having in your library.

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Jeff Needle
July 11, 2005