Customer Reviews

The Work and the Glory - American Zion

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Works & Glory II does a splendid job of picking up where the first left off. The tempo continues at a nice clip, and the acting remains dramatic, authentic, and compelling.

The honesty of the dilemma Joseph Smith creates when, after a 1000 mile treck to reclaim Mormon lands that have been confiscated, he makes a rather difficult decision. His choice causes a "crisis of faith" in one of his most loyal disciples, and causes a skeptic to come to Smith's defense. Clever dialogue here.

The most powerful plus for this sequel is that it answers the big "Why did the Mormons receive so much hostility" question in a manner that is subtle and realistic. From the foundation of this movement, there was a tight-knit, look out for one another ethos that garnered both admiration and fear. Who is this large bloc of people coming into our county? Are they going to take over? Will they usurp our power, try to change the way we've run things? And, of course, will they bloc-vote to prohibit slavery? Missing from the plot of #2 was any signficant religious opposition. Most of the hostility and violence came for political and sociological reasons.

Bottom-line: I'm not LDS, so this film served as more of an education for me, then a "faith-promoting" movie. Nevertheless, those interested in this population, will find the movie informative and well done--especially within the religious movie genre. I'm sure most members of this group will enjoy the movie, and that the leadership will be quietly smiling.

I enjoyed the story line, and drama much more than the first one, though it was necessary to have the first one to help you get familiarized with the characters, and know which way the film is taking you. I really enjoyed it.

I think Vineyard Distribution had a great run with this film. It would be really nice if the public better understood the realness of this part of U.S. history. Mr. Lund does a great job in telling some important history through this family. Vineyard does an excellent job in making this story real on film for the lazy reader like me. I'm excited to see more of these films if money and interest allow them.

I was going to rate this five stars but my more objective side said, "Naw, four."

I liked this movie better than the first -- it tweeked up the action and the dramatization (a little more `Hollywoodish').

A Special Note: This is FICTIONAL history, although it does to a greater than lesser extent follow actual historical events. Hence, do not expect this to be accurate to a fault; just enjoy it for what it is -- enjoyable and entertaining so much so that I await the next installment.

P.S.: It's great to be able to discover a better than mediocre action, drama type movie without excessive violence, offensive sex scenes and language. For this, at least, it deserves my support.

Actually, if you are a fan of the Gerald Lund Work and the Glory books you'll love the movie. They did change a few things in the movie but overall I felt it followed the books about as closely as you can expect.

My problem is not with the movie but with the DVD itself. We spent nearly $22 to buy this movie and we take it home hoping not only to enjoy the movie but a plethora of features as well. When we turned the DVD on you will find that the STINKING CHEAP SKATES who produced the DVD give you only two options on the DVD menu, play movie and setup. How cheap is that? The company that produced the DVD, were too weasly to even put in a chapter selection feature. There were no behind the scene stuff, outtakes or anything.

YOU MIGHT AS WELL PURCHASE A VHS VERSION.... IT'S PRETTY MUCH THE SAME THING!!!

I loved the movie! Lots of action, heart-felt emotion from the Steed family and early Latter-day Saints. I've read all 9 books in the series and of course it's rare a movie does justice to books. But the screenplay chosen here takes a decent shot and leaves me eagerly anticipating the third movie.

HOWEVER - what is up with the DVD? The fact that there is no 'scene selection' (amongst other glaring omissions) is the worst customer satisfaction experience I have ever had buying a movie. It's terrible! Vineyard Distribution take note - you failed miserably and people are not going to be happy with their home copy.

I love this movie beyond all reason. I think it is better than the first one. It is really inspiring and very sad at parts. I am NOT disapointed with anything about this movie.

I think this is an inspiring, well-made movie. I really don't care how closely the movie does or doesn't follow the book, I thorougly enjoyed it.

I continue to be impressed with Jonathan Scarfe's portrayal of Joseph Smith. He is just about exactly as I've always thought Joseph was. That's just one of the reasons that I really like this movie.

I also very much like Andrew Bowen's portrayal of Brigham Young. I think he captures the essence of Brigham Young's strength of character, his faith, and his loyalty to Joseph Smith. Very well done. Superb.

I've watched this movie twice already, and will probably watch it several more times. I find it moving and inspiring.

I highly recommend it.

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

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!