The Work and the Glory

Starring:Work & the Glory
Studio: Excel Entertainment
Product Type: DVD

Customer Reviews:

Eye Opening view of America's Past Good and Bad........2007-05-21

As it says, this is part three of three well done movies.
If you want to get out of this movie all that there is in it, before you watch part three, go out and get part One and Two and watch them first.

I am hard pressed to see where they could have improved on what was done in telling a very important part of America's history in it's context of the early 1800's.

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.

Brigham Young, although not much time spent on him, was shown as a man wholly devoted to who he truly believed to be God's Prophet.

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 is no reason for the attack at Mountain Meadows just the way it was.

People traveled through Utah all the time unmolested and the story is totally false that says the reason for the attack on them was that they did not like strangers passing through their country.

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 Parts One through Three of this movie and then write every one you can who can see to it that Part 4, Across the River to Nauvoo, (or some title like it) gets into production as soon as possible.

Depressing part of LDS history - hard movie to watch - not much to lighten the mood.......2007-04-28

This movie is actually very well done (for it's budget at least). The problem with the movie is the source material. The time in LDS church history that this covers is a very difficult time. It covers the problems in Kirtland, with the bank, the attempted overthrow of Joseph Smith by Warren Parrish and the gang and some of the Missouri issues as well. The romantic storyline between Joshua and Carolyn was okay but nothing special.

If you are looking for a fun movie that will entertain you then this isn't it. However, if you are looking for a movie that can give you some detail about church history during the Kirtland and Missouri eras (minus the Steed fictional characters) then this is a well done movie.

This movie desperately needed something to lighten it up... the ending was nice but it wasn't enough.

Average customer rating:

It was good
Another Eye Opening view of America's Past
Civil War
A Mormon History Support
A moving tale!

The Work and the Glory - American Zion
Starring: Sam Hennings , Brenda Strong , Eric Johnson , Alexander Carroll , and Brighton Hertford
Director: Sterling Van Wagenen
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Period Piece | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Religion | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

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Similar Items:

The Work and the Glory
Work and the Glory Part 3 Dvd "A House Divided"
The Other Side Of Heaven
The Legend of Johnny Lingo
Mobsters and Mormons

ASIN: B000EWBNNM
Release Date: 2006-05-09

Amazon.com

The second in a series of epic films about the beginnings of the Mormon church (preceded by The Work and the Glory and followed by The Work and the Glory: A House Divided), The Work and the Glory: American Zion chronicles the struggles of church founder Joseph Smith (Jonathan Scarfe, Into the West) to found the promised land--Zion--that God has promised him and his followers. The movie blends historical events (such as the destruction of the printing press used to publish Joseph Smith's visions) with the fictional story of the Steed family: The father, Benjamin (Sam Hennings, Seasons of the Heart), doesn't believe in Smith but labors to support his family, even as his two sons are sent in different directions: Nathan (Alexander Carroll) and his wife follow Smith devoutly, while Joshua (Eric Johnson, Smallville) joins a Missouri militia that drives the Mormons from the state. Members of the Church of Latter Day Saints will undoubtedly find this dramatization of their history compelling; for others, it may feel like a religious soap opera trying to encompass so much history that the characters never develop beyond types. Based on the nine-volume series by Gerald N. Lund; also featuring Brenda Strong (Desperate Housewives). --Bret Fetzer

Description

In November of 1833, the state of Missouri turned a blind eye as hundreds of its peaceful inhabitants were hunted down and driven from their homes in the dead of night. Against this impending strife, a young man with a divine vision leads a people against the aggression of an anti-hero with a vulnerable past. With more than two million copies sold, the second volume of Gerald N. Lund's epic series The Work and the Glory now brings a pivotal moment in American history to the big screen. "The Work and The Glory: American Zion" sets the story of the fictional Steed family against the historically factual backdrop of the Mormon people's move into the West. Divided by their diverse reactions to a nascent ideology, the Steeds struggle to hold together as the strength of their convictions and their filial bonds are tested. The stirring narrative of the faith that led a persecuted people to Missouri and beyond is one of the most poignant untold tales of American history. It is the account of a valiant struggle to exercise the rights promised by a fledgling nation. "The Work and the Glory: American Zion" unearths the story of the passion behind the movement which eventually launched the largest American migration and the colonization of the West: the vision of a promised land in America.

Customer Reviews:

It was good.......2007-07-03

I didn't read the book, so I can't compare the two. As a movie I thought it was a little confusing. It was still nice to watch a clean movie.

Another Eye Opening view of America's Past.......2007-05-21

You must first view "The Work and the Glory" Part One to enjoy the context of this movie which is Part Two.

When I first heard of these movies 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 Part one and this movie which is Part Two.
Then go out and find Part three.

Civil War.......2007-02-04

A diabolical mob mentality is bringing Civil War to Missouri and a group of evil villians are criminally persecuting the Mormons. Fear is the driving force, these individuals are afraid of Mormon prosperity and increasing political influence wielded by the Mormons. Political animosity and jealousy fuel their intense suspension and jealousy as the Saints increased in numbers, political influence, commerce, and wealth.

Mormons represent many of the best minds of Europe: craftsmen, scientist, engineers, farmers, and businessmen to America. The seemingly abundant prosperity has created a new emerging American culture of innovation (The American Religion), ingenuity (Kirkland and Nauvoo), and resourcefuliness.

This communistic, anti-American, and unitarian force of old ideas resented the new Mormon freedom of Religion and free enterprise. The Mormons believe they are protected by the constitutional law, but the criminals have secretly combined and released their evil plot against the saints, as they form unconstitutional laws and a militia. The end result is an anti-American sentiment generating a historical injustice, unsurpassed level of cruelity, property theft, and signficant economic disruptions to Missouri businesses. However, the illusion of control by this evil force could not contain the human spirit and the self determination of the early saints.

A Mormon History Support.......2007-01-21

I have read all the books and this movie did a fairly good job of staying true to the original writings of Mr. Lund.

A moving tale!.......2007-01-01

This movie is based on real-life events, and I think that's what adds to it's power. It ripped at my heart to see and somewhat really experience what the early Saints went through to have their right to worship as others are free to worship as they choose.

The movie was amazing, powerful, and moving. The only thing I would change is the ending. It left me with a cliff-hanger-feeling, wanting to know how did that happen? What happened between then and now? What about so-and-so? It was a powerful ending, but left me wanting more information.

I hope to see a third movie in the making very soon!

Average customer rating:

Good movie
Eye Opening view of America's Past
I love this movie!
A moving story!
Begining of an Epic

The Work and the Glory
Starring: Sam Hennings , Brenda Strong , Jonathan Scarfe , Eric Johnson , and Alexander Carroll
Director: Russ Holt
Manufacturer: Excel Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Period Piece | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Religion | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

( W ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

The Work and the Glory - American Zion
The Other Side Of Heaven
The Legend of Johnny Lingo
The Best Two Years
The Singles Ward DVD

ASIN: B0007WQHQ2
Release Date: 2005-05-03

Description

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.

Customer Reviews:

Good movie.......2007-07-03

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.

Eye Opening view of America's Past.......2007-05-21

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.

I love this movie!.......2007-03-29

The Work And The Glory is a great bio based on the life
of Joesph Smith. I love how this film was set up the sets,
costumes, and everything in it. Good story telling, really
accurate. Great movie for all ages. I'm a member of the LDS
church and I say this is a great movie for everyone inside
and outside of the church watch it!

A moving story!.......2007-01-01

This was an incredible movie. It had a very moving story line, and was more moving knowing it was based on actual events (with fictitious characters added). I recommend this movie to everyone!

Begining of an Epic.......2006-11-04

This was my first look at "Mormon Movies". I was captivated by the beauty of the fotography and the music, the fall scenes were wonderful. Except for the old film BRIGHAM YOUNG, I have never seen a movie about LDS culture and history so true (to my knowledge of it)and in a positive vein as this one, even showing some of the "worts". The costumes and sets were excellent. The story line unraveled slowely, but I see it as setting up the foundation and explanation for the epic to follow.....This is a "must see" for all, LDS people practicing or not should get tears and joy from this film....

Average customer rating:

Incredible drama. Great family investment. Strong emotion range. Leaves a lasting impression.

The Work and the Glory
Starring: Sam Hennings , Brenda Strong , Eric Johnson , Alexander Carroll , and Tiffany Dupont
Director: Russell Holt
ProductGroup: Theatrical Release
Binding: Theatrical Release

Customer Reviews:

Incredible drama. Great family investment. Strong emotion range. Leaves a lasting impression........2006-01-07

PG 13 seems unfair. The violence and injustices imposed by the mobs upon the LDS saints in Missouri is a part of history. The author did not avoid these facts in the movie. The prophet Joseph Smith was "tarred and feathered", the Morning and Evening Star printing press was destroyed and WW Phelps tarred and feathered, the mobs did rape and kill innocent citizens of the United States, US citizen private property was seized without legal preemptive powers, and the people were hunted and force to be exiled in the dead of winter without protection state or federal militia; and many suffered horrible circumstances that go beyond civilized acceptance as their feet bleed from exposure to the ice.

The director is not excessive on depicting the violence of the mobs rather briefly outlines the consequences of the violence. The audience is left to deduct the degree of mob violence from the evidences that caused the people to live in tents, crude shacks, and leave their possessions too migrate from Missouri to Ohio. The concept of zion is introduced. The Stead family is divided between those who will go to Ohio and those who will remain on the farm. The drama between father and daughter is powerful demonstrating the independence of thought that LDS women possess. Ben listens too his children. The character of Newel K Whitney is impressive, as the fictional character of Joseph Smith greets him and says, "You have prayed me here, what do you want of me".

Work and Glory II includes some of the best drama, I've seen this year. The character of Joshua Stead was brilliantly crafted. One really hates Joshua Stead's character by the end of the movie. Joshua marries a prostitute, who later leaves Joshua, joins the LDS church through the teaching of Parley Pratt, and survives the mob raids in Jackson County Missouri. Joshua incited the mobs to attack the saints in Missouri; he denies know his brother Nathan and tells the mobs he is a Mormon leading to a severe whipping leaving him never death; he beats his pregnant wife after she abandons him during a gabbling scheme; he points a gun at his father Ben Stead; and he helps organize the band that drives the saints out of Missouri. Ben disowns Joshua from the family. This creates a bitter feud between father and son.

The character of Ben Stead is very likeable and dramatic. You feel the full emotion of a loving father, as Ben Stead sells his farm in Palmyra, NY and joins his family in Kirkland, Ohio; when Ben Stead decides to build a home of Nathan and his new bride; when he joins Zion's camp to retake stolen property in Missouri; when he sings a lullaby too Joshua's daughter; and when he does not shoot Joshua after the beating of Nathan. The fictional character interaction between Joseph Smith, Ben Stead, Martin Harris, Parley P Pratt, and Brigham Young pivots around the redemption of the Stead family. Ben Stead will decide to defend the project Joseph Smith; Ben will experience contentment as Nathan son is born; Ben will experience the miracle of deliverance at Zions camp; Ben will become a friend too the prophet Joseph Smith and receive counsel from him that will save his family; and Ben will see the completion of the Kirkland temple.

The Work and Glory II includes beautiful scenery, background scenes of snow-covered mountains, forest scenes of NY and Missouri. The tavern is depicted as dull color, dingy, and a gathering place of vice. The mob scenes are usually at night and there characters seem dirty, ragged, and sarcastic. This movie is worth the money to spend on your family. Entertainment quality is excellent, spans a wide ranges of emotions from anger, hatred, compassion, mercy, and vindication. Work and Glory II leaves the audience in a cliff-hanger the next movie too be released in 2006. Joshua is united with his family.

Average customer rating:

Incredible drama. Great family investment. Strong emotion range. Leaves a lasting impression.

The Work and the Glory
Starring: Sam Hennings , Brenda Strong , Eric Johnson , Alexander Carroll , and Tiffany Dupont
Director: Russell Holt
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

( W ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B00005JO74

Customer Reviews:

Incredible drama. Great family investment. Strong emotion range. Leaves a lasting impression........2006-01-07

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