The Work and the Glory (2004)

Save your money for something good and enjoyable

A different way of telling a story

The first must-see film of the year.

While it is a pity that the story wasn't told with more visual finesse, this is trivial compared to our real-world problems. It takes a good movie to put that into perspective.

Okay first I am non religious and Gay also. But I do support anybody having beliefs that help them in life. I do have an interest in the historical aspects of religion and probably Joseph Smith is the most important American historical religious leader having founded a major and ever growing denomination.Having read the recent Newsweek cover article on the Mormon religion I was rather excited to find this DVD in the bargain bin. The restoration story being in 19th century America you could relate to it in a more interesting and historical fashion than the Biblical times. But the movie seemed to want to soft peddle the Joseph Smith story and focus on a rather boring love triangle between the Steed brothers and the girl.There are plenty of evil doubters in town, all actually wearing black hats and the Book of Mormon gets thrown in the garbage. People who believe Joseph are shunned and caste out by the towns people...mmm kinda reminded me of how gay people are shunned by LDS. I didn't mind the movie's point of view that Joseph's visions were real but we got no understanding his journey from man to prophet.The movie was visually interesting and the music worked well. There is one commentary on the DVD but not much else... the LDS missed a chance to add some extras about their religion.

This is a great period drama and captures the essence of the time period in Palmyra New York. Attention to detail is good and the the screenplay well written portraying best selling author Gerald N. Lund's intentions.The scenery is beautiful and attention to detail is strong. However, my one criticism is that the shop keeper's daughter seems to well dressed against the backdrop of the other's authentic dress which seems more believable. I found the characters very dramatic and the casting in general is a credit to the casting director. The story line blends fiction with historical facts. The whole story is very controversial if left alone as a piece of history. This film brings everything to life and brings a greater understand of Joseph Smith and this period of time, along with the story of the Restoration. Sam Hennings portrayal of Joseph Smith was very true to the character that others have recorded.

We are reminded of the need to be tolerant. This is a topic that has been applied in film and across society to most persecuted minorities. Finally it is being addressed to the Mormons, and is long overdue. Since I am a Mormon and an adherent to the Latter-day Saint teachings, I can vouch for the fact that the film is about the need for tolerance amongst us all, and not a vehicle for evangelism. Even the Mormon victims themselves show tolerance toward their persecutors. There is a vital lesson there, though again it is not preachy or didactic by any means.The word "lesson" may be a misnomer; perhaps "underlying message" is the key phrase. Thus the film's "underlying message" is not intended to teach, but to captivate the mind as an essential element in the human experience, much as any other basic element would be applied in building a story's interest: Just as intolerance is used to strengthen the story behind "Bridge on the River Kwai," or "Holocaust." The cinematography is absolutely excellent; even stunning and entrancing. I can think of no film that would be its superior in that regard. The acting is superb, incisive, and balanced. I disagree with the one commenter who suggested some acting was fine, though some was forced. The director has achieved a masterpiece of cohesive, balanced, and momentous acting.The period is perfectly recreated in historic and scenic detail. I saw viewers at the theatre of ever age and social background perfectly entertained and satisfied with this film. The audience even applauded, an event I have not witnessed at a cinema in decades.Love is also wonderfully dealt with in the film. There are periodic and well-timed flourishes of romance the way it used to be acted out in films decades ago: with decency and enchantment, and with no need for sleeze. Moreover, the romantic scenes show true human love and passion can be bounteously enjoyed within the bounds of decency and self-restraint.This is a period-piece of cinematic charm that transcends time barriers, to enchant the mind, fascinate the eye, and provoke sincere thought.

I have read 6 of the 8 books in The Work and the Glory series and have been awaiting this movie. I thought the photography was excellent and the music was moving. The acting was good although Joshua Steed rolled his eyes and huffed just a bit too much in the beginning. But his blue eyes make you forget the bit of over acting.The costumes were great.I enjoyed this movie very much I hope that it is successful enough to make a sequel.The movie stayed very close to the plot of the book so as not to disappoint those of us who couldn't put the books down.I don't know where they filmed it but the landscapes were gorgeous. I liked the shot of Lydia Mcbride's walking up the hill it was beautiful.I have had fun looking up the actors to see what they have been in. Mary Ann Steed or Brenda Strong was a surprise to know that she was Sue Ann Mishkie on Seinfeld. What a versatile actress she is.She did a great job as the mother of the Steed family.