The Work and the Glory (2004)

Based on the best selling series by Gerald N. Lund, The Work and the Glory blends high-powered fiction with true events from the life of Joseph Smith. Experience the tragedies and triumphs of the Steed family amid the raging controversy that surrounds the teachings of one of the most influential religious leaders in American history.

"Are They All Wrong Together?"

I watched `The Work and the Glory' several years ago before I started writing reviews and I found it interesting, but somehow disconcerting. Only recently did I stop long enough to rethink my befuddled feelings about this film and came to the conclusion that it was the depiction of Joseph Smith that bothered me. He was too perfect, too angelic to be an honest portrayal of the man. However as I followed that line of thinking further I realized that isn't that what we do with cinematic depictions of Jesus, or any other spiritual teacher or iconic figure (i.e. Gandhi) portrayed on the silver screen? Why should my feelings towards Joseph Smith be any different? Because he was a Mormon that's why!

That was a rather illuminating discovery on my part for I consider myself to be quite open-minded and tolerate in matters of faith and religion. Hence, I decided to watch the film again from a more aware, unbiased vantage point before writing my review. With the second viewing now complete I must say oh what a difference a new perspective makes.

The '04 film `The Work and the Glory' succeeds on every level; complete with gorgeous cinematography, rich, nostalgic soundtrack, well-conceived and scripted storyline with a cast of unknown, but wonderfully talented actors and actresses. The central cast consisting of Eric Johnson, Alexander Carroll and Tiffany Dupont deliver excellent performances that carry the romantic elements of the film from beginning to end. However the heart and soul of the film is the personage of Joseph Smith and the beginning of the Mormon Church. Obviously if he fails to stike a positive cord with the audience the rest of the story crumbles. Fortunately, Jonathan Scarfe is brilliant as the young Joseph; attractive, intelligent, considerate, masculine and ruthlessly unwavering in his personal convictions and belief in his divine vision and mission.

Bottom line, it's a great film! There I said it, I feel better now. March 9, 2008

My husband was an extra

This movie was filmed just a few miles from where my husband and I lived back then, he signed up to be an extra and was chosen. He really fit the bill as he looked just like a mountain man. In fact, in the movie he's the one walking down the sidewalk several times carrying a bucket. Also, he was in the scene in the street altercation scene. He loved it, the actors were great, the costume people were wonderful, it was one of the best times of his life which ended on April 25, 2007 from cancer.
I can truly say as I look at a framed photo of my mountain man in his costume I was so proud of him for doing this. I am ordering a copy of the first movie for all 6 of our children for Christmas. December 5, 2007

This is a really good family movie!

I really loved the message in this movie. It is a great movie to watch with children. I recommend for any mormon family. July 30, 2007

Good movie

I didn't read the book that this is based on, so I can't compare the two, but as a movie it was decent. It's nice to have something to watch that's clean. July 3, 2007

Eye Opening view of America's Past

When I first heard of this movie I thought. OK, another stylistic caricature of "The Mormons". Like some horrible B&W movie I saw many years ago with some horror movie star (Can't remember his name. Boris Karloff of someone like him.)

Anyway this guy who portrays Joseph Smith is truly believable as God's Prophet. He is truly the kind of man I would love to sit down and share a beer with and even follow to the Rocky Mountains.

This movie helps you to understand why a few renegade Mormons would even want to get even with a few travelers from the Missouri area coming through Utah's Mountain Meadows. Not the kind of behavior Christians should take part in but people sometimes do carry a grudge, Christian or not, when loved ones have been persecuted and murdered as a matter of political convenience.

This movie is informative and fun for the whole family.

Even young people need to know that just like chickens in the chicken yard or children on the school ground, we are many times not much different we we "grow up".

Watch and enjoy this movie and then go out and find part two.
May 21, 2007

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