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Customer Reviews of Work and the Glory

A family divided over their reaction to Joseph Smith's vision
I am one of those who are not huge fans of historical fiction because it tends to provide a view of things as the author (and readers) wishes they had been rather than provide insights into how the events actually were. There are exceptions to this, of course. On the other hand, there are also fictions that take place in and near historical settings, but are clear that they are fictions and the realities that are included are really not the important aspects of the story. <
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>In the nineteenth century such stories were called romances. I still regret that the romance has been taken over by romance novels that are a certain kind of love story for a female audience. In the world of serious art, Romantic music is not love music (although love is a frequent topic). In painting, for example, Pre-Raphaelite art is Romantic, but not necessarily love stories. The identifying characteristics were adventure, myth, and struggle. And, yes, there was often a princess to be saved or some kind of love to be fought for and won. "The Work and the Glory" is really a Romantic work in this sense. <
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>While it would be easy for Mormons to identify Joseph Smith as by far the most important character in this movie, that would be a mistake in understanding this movie on its own terms. In this movie the story is about the Steed family who move to western New York to a tract of land next to Martin Harris. Joseph Smith figures into the story of course, but it is more about the effect his mission has on the family rather than the story of Joseph himself. Some have criticized the work because it doesn't follow this or that aspect of Joseph's story (whether for or against the Church he founded), but that misses the point. <
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>Some of the Steeds come to believe in what Joseph tells Nathan Steed and others reject his message in various ways. Some believe he is of the devil, some could not care less because they don't believe in any kind of religion, and some because of social pressures. This movie is only the first part of the story and if you know Mormon history, you can guess where the Steeds will end up. Just remember that the version of the Church presented is the way the Steeds perceive it rather than as a scholar or a true believer or some other third party would perceive it. That Nathan would have heard a version of the First Vision that did not include Joseph's struggle with Darkness before he saw the Pillar of Light is perfectly believable. <
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>The production values of the movie are quite good even to the extent of having the Erie Canal running down the main street of Palmyra. The costumes all look good and the acting is professional to the level of a very good mini-series. I look forward to the other installments. <
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>Members will enjoy this fiction to the extent that they can remember that this is a story about the Steed family and not about Joseph. They must also remember to never take this story for history. It is an entertainment and shows to some extent the way the early Saints suffered because of the way their faith divided families, friends, and towns. Non-members can also enjoy this story as a drama and in getting some rough idea of how the Church began. Again, just don't take it as history. Enjoy it for what it is.

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Thoroughly enjoyable
I have not read the Gerald Lund books, which I hear are quite good, but I thought the movie was absolutely great. The acting was better than expected, the story was interesting and the overall movie effect was very entertaining. With all the trash that Hollywood throws out nowadays, this was quite refreshing to see. High on family values and religion.

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Great Movie!!!!!
I loved this movie. As I am LDS I think it is fantastic that movies like this are being shown in theaters and the DVD releases are in stores nationwide. I feel that the actors did a suberb job in this movie. I loved the humor as well. I recommend this movie to everyone LDS and Non-LDS alike.