Welcome brothers and sisters to Mormon Movie Reviews: Where LDS movie lovers belong! My name is Dives, today is Sep 21, 2022 this is episode and will we be reviewing

EP - Cipher on the Snow (1974)

Running time: 21 minutes

"Cipher in the Snow" is a poignant and thought-provoking Mormon short film released in 1974, directed by Kieth Merrill. The story revolves around a tragic event that leaves a profound impact on those who witness it.

The film begins with a young boy named Cliff, portrayed by Bruce Kimball, who is depicted as a quiet and withdrawn student struggling to connect with his peers. Despite his attempts to reach out and make friends, Cliff is often met with indifference and even cruelty from his classmates.

One winter morning, Cliff's teacher discovers him sitting silently at his desk, unresponsive and seemingly lifeless. The school staff and students are shocked and saddened by Cliff's sudden death, and they struggle to understand what could have led to such a tragic outcome.

Through a series of flashbacks and interviews with Cliff's classmates and teachers, the film pieces together the events leading up to his death. It becomes apparent that Cliff's isolation and loneliness were profound, and despite the efforts of some individuals to reach out to him, he remained deeply troubled and disconnected.

As the story unfolds, viewers are confronted with themes of bullying, social isolation, and the devastating impact of indifference. "Cipher in the Snow" serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion, empathy, and reaching out to those in need.

Despite its short runtime, the film leaves a lasting impression, prompting viewers to reflect on their own interactions with others and consider the profound impact small acts of kindness can have on those who are struggling. "Cipher in the Snow" is a moving and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, offering valuable insights into the complexities of loneliness, empathy, and the power of human connection.

References

A DVD of the movie is available through BYU's Creative Works Office.

https://creativeworks.byu.edu/Creativ...

Conclusion

there’s a lot of people who like to mock this movie, but I WANT to treasure this movie while some aspects of the short are a little far-fetched, you can also take the moral of the movie to its logical conclusion: If I am not kind to others, they will die, which is not a good lesson

I remember watching this film as a young boy at church, and while I did think that some of the parts were a little cheesy, the message of the short left me wanting to be a better person. I too experienced divorce and family trials as a youth, perhaps one reason that I connect so strongly with Cliff.

Now that I am older and a former public school teacher who taught some potential ciphers in the snow, I also easily find myself sympathetic to Frank.

I think it delivers a powerful and emotionally compelling narrative, this film has sticking power. if you look past the film’s minor shortcomings to the timeless kernel of its universal message of kindness to others, the cipher in the snow will not leave you out in the cold

Thanks so much for joining me to review this film, please like, subscribe, leave a comment, and join us next time for another episode of the MormonMovieReviews: Where LDS Movie Lovers Belong. So long.

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