The Work and the Glory (2004) Reviews

• Mormon History Made Accessible

  remay12004-11-26

  Religion as a subject for movies can be very tricky. On the one hand, some people often dismiss out of hand any movie that has a religious theme. They think of them as nothing more that an effort at proselytizing and preaching. Many people avoid these movies like the plague. However, on the other hand, over the years many movies with religious elements have been made which won wide acceptance. The epics such as The Ten Commandments come to mind, but also along the way there have been historical little movies that manage to be appealing to a wide audience in spite of their religious themes. Movies like Boys Town, The Bells of St. Mary and The Song of Bernadette come to mind. These are movies that inspire and uplift us, but also entertain us at the same time. The Work and the Glory is a worthy new entrant into this category. The Work and the Glory can't avoid the subject of Mormonism. That is what it's about. So they just present the Mormon facts honestly and sincerely, without preaching, or excuses, or embarrassment. The movie is about the founding of the church by Joseph Smith as seen through the eyes of the fictional Steed Family. Their introduction to Mormonism and Joseph Smith causes family rifts and tensions that provide the dramatic action for the movie. The movie is beautiful; with wondrous cinematography, a glorious soundtrack, solid acting by a professional cast and exquisite attention to period detail. (This period in US history is sandwiched between the American Revolution and the Civil War and hardy ever gets any attention. This movie transports you back to that age and time splendidly and effortlessly.) The love triangle between the two Steed brothers and the wealthy merchant's daughter are genuinely and tastefully portrayed, but the real genius of the movie lies in its depiction of the almost reluctant person of Joseph Smith. The boy who saw the vision, and almost against his own will and at great personal peril, was selected to be the vessel for the founding of Mormonism. He has a very human spirit and an accessible warmth that is very appealing. There is nothing of the austere and pompous personality you would expect in a religious icon. Anyone, Mormon or not, who wants to be enthralled by a beautifully staged, historically significant slice of Americana would do well to see this movie. You shouldn't let your prejudices, pro-Mormon or anti-Mormon color your experience. Just let the movie wash over you and take your breath away. It's worth it.

  More

• Great Movie

  fthorsen2005-01-25

  The movie was as great as the the book it was based upon. I sincerely hope they make the rest of the series into movies as well. The Work and the Glory has beautifully captured the hopes, fears, and prejudices of that era, and woven them into a fictional account as only Gerald Lund can do. The entire cast was wonderful, and they couldn't have picked a better actor to play Joseph. Emotions run high in this film, and you'll find yourself laughing, crying, and wanting to shout for joy. If you are looking for a great movie with good family values, this one is certainly worth seeing.

  More

• It was well-done!

  muruann2004-11-29

  I am not a mormon, but have heard of this movie and wanted to see it. I thought it was beautifully done, full of texture and depth visually. Not being a mormon, I was afraid it would not be interesting. But it was. I liked the story line, and the plots that were developed within the story. I thought the character of Joe Smith was played well, innocence within his mission. But I thought the character of Nathan Steed was brilliant. He had intensity and made me really care about his love for Lydia and the conflicts in his family. Wow. I researched the guy, and he is a newcomer to the screen. I can't wait to see him in more films. I also liked Joshua. He had a look about him that enhanced the conflicts in the story. I felt that the subtlety of their acting (his and Nathan's) made the story more real, and helped to enhance the uniqueness of the character of Joe Smith.

  More

• Wonderful

  jernaemk-12004-12-04

  I was so happy to see that the story line hardly changed at all! These books have been some of my favorite since I was in 5th grade. I thought that everything was wonderfully done. The actors outdid themselves, and it came together very nicely. In fact, it was so good, I had to go see it again. I disagree about the movie being bland. The first book in it's self is not a climatic book. It is more of a character introducer. Photography was great, story line was great, acting was great, and I would recommend this movie to anyone and everyone! I think we can expect great things to come from these movies.

  More

• Great movie...great emotional impact

  jfcannon2004-12-12

  I've read the books and I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, so I'm hopelessly biased. But I thought the movie was great! The acting was, for the most part, very believable; the issues were realistic; the scenery was beautiful. I thought Jonathan Scarfe did a very convincing portrayal of Joseph Smith. It was a surprise to me to learn he is not a member of the Church. I believe his ability to carry off the role says a lot about the excellence of his acting skills. This is the first film (with the possible exception of Other Side of Heaven) that I have seen that deals with Mormonism and hasn't left me feeling like, "Well, they gave it a good try." I was really caught up in the story and enjoyed it very much.

  More