The Work and the Glory II: American Zion (2005) User Reviews

Austin Movie Show review...

[leilapostgrad · 7/10 · 23 October 2005]

Author Gerald N. Lund wrote a series of novels about the founding and expansion of Mormon Church entitled "Like a Fire is Burning." The Work and the Glory: American Zion is the second part in what will be a trilogy of films based on Lund's novels. American Zion is the Empire Strikes Back of the Mormon Church, if you will. But in all seriousness, religion or no religion (and I'm personally of no religious persuasion), it's a well-done, well-made, superbly-acted film that's a lot better than a majority of the crap that comes out of Hollywood these days.

The prologue briefly discusses everything that happened in the previous film, so even if you didn't see The Work and the Glory (Part 1), you can still jump into this movie and more or less figure out what's going on. In Part 1, the Mormon prophet Joseph Smith (played by a brooding-but-gorgeous Jonathan Scarfe… am I going to hell for calling a prophet hot?) forms the Church of Latter Day Saints. In American Zion (Part 2) we witness their brutal history of oppression and learn why the Mormons kept migrating west. Everywhere they went, they were attacked, threatened, and forcefully removed. It's gut wrenching to watch. Men are whipped or covered in boiling tar, while women and children are sent on death marches through the snow. The early Mormons experienced a fate similar to the Native Americans and the Jews.

Look, I'm not Mormon, but this is a great movie. Every character is believable and the story really does suck you in. After seeing the first two films, I'm now totally invested in this story. And it ends on such a cliffhanger that I honestly can't wait to see the next film – The Work and the Glory: A House Divided. This is top-quality historical drama, and any movie lover can enjoy it, not matter what their religion.

Good For What Ails Mainstream Movie makers--Character Appeal and Depth

[notyourordinarymoviecritic · 7/10 · 21 October 2005]

First, let me clear up a couple of things. No, I am not going to be 97% objective in my review. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have never read the novels the movie is based on. So, you aren't going to be hearing me harping on how it didn't live up to the book, etc. Neither are you going to hearing how the LDS filmmakers are using the movie to proselyte their religion.

First, the positives: The main actors do an excellent and convincing job. The actor who plays Brigham Young (Andrew Bowen) could rival Orlando Bloom in skills and screen-image appeal. Jonathan Scarfe, who plays Joseph Smith, does an excellent job. The special effects are done well. The cinematography is superbly done. It has a rough feel that matches its era. The relationships between parents and children (especially the babies) is especially endearing. Oh, yes, Eric Johnson pulls off his character (Joshua Steed) very well, too.

Second, the negatives: Some of the supporting actors, that only have one or two lines aren't very convincing or experienced and it weakens some of the drama.

Well, gotta run.

The movie made me cry, probably cause I'm a dad.

Good for the history, but not quite a great movie.

[greeneggz9 · 7/10 · 22 October 2005]

I liked the first installment in this series, better than this movie, the second installment. The first was the story of the (fictional) Steed family set against the backdrop of the founding of the LDS church.

This movie can't seem to make up its mind about whether it's a story about the Steed family with a backdrop of LDS history, or if it's the early history of the LDS church using a fictional family to flesh out a story.

Although there were plenty of conflicts in the movie, they seemed disjointed. I didn't see an overall flow or development. I haven't read the books, but it seemed like the screenplay just didn't flow right. I kept wanting the filmmakers to focus more on the Steeds as the main characters to tie it all together into a good story.

The acting was pretty good. Sets and costumes had good production values. Directing and cinematography were overall good. But there were a few scenes that were awkward, like a play where actors are brought on stage, say their lines and leave.

Though it contains much LDS (Mormon) history, this movie is not sponsored by the LDS church. There are a few cheesy pro-family lines that you might expect from The Waltons or Little House on the Prairie, but the movie does not preach religion and does not proselyte. One of the main themes of the movie is the importance of family in the midst of conflict and upheaval, so the cheesy lines are in context, and can be excused.

I also agree with a previous commenter that this is probably the best and most human portrayal of Joseph Smith that I have seen.

If you're expecting great movie making, you might be disappointed. I'd rate this movie a B- or C+.

I recommend: 1. If you're LDS and want to support Mormon cinema, go see the movie in the theater.

2. If you're not LDS, and are curious about Mormon history, go see the movie.

3. LDS or not, if you're looking for a really GREAT movie, then save your box-office money, because, IMO, this movie isn't worth first-run ticket prices ($8+) as far as movies go. But I will buy this movie for my Mormon movie collection when the DVD comes out on Ebay.

4. If you have a family of 3 or more, just wait for the DVD. No sense in spending $25 to see this movie, when for the same price you can get the DVD or VHS.

Bottom line: Yeah, it's worth watching on video with friends and family, whether you're LDS or not, but not what I consider first-run box office.

It's good entertainment...

[topends · 2 November 2005]

My family and I recently saw "The Work and the Glory: American Zion" in California and am so very glad to say it is better than anything I've seen in a long while. I don't see why so many people have to pigeon hole this film as a Mormon film. It happens to be a very well done film about the 1830's and it happens to be about Joseph Smith and the Steed family. The camera work and the acting is more than excellent. I thought Jonathan Scarfe as Joseph Smith was good and Sam Hennings as Ben Steed was as good as it gets. So please people get over the religious talk and lets look at this film as a entertaining movie that is very well done for the whole family to see. We can't wait for the third film to come out. Thanks

Roller-coaster level of acting

[kirbytyphlosion · 6/10 · 27 May 2012]

The quality of the acting in this film fluctuates all over the place. In some scenes (especially confrontations between the Joshua, Nathan, and their dad), I was riveted by the intensity of the incredible acting. Other scenes, however, had me nearly laughing at the ridiculousness of the actors'/actresses' attempts at playing their characters. Other things I liked: Faster pace than the first movie. Depth of the conflicts (it's not complete good vs bad; both parties were genuinely hurt by the past). Incredible camera work. Changing points of view during the voice-over narration. Other things I disliked: The music score didn't fit the scenes. Awkward dialogue at times. A lot of things didn't carry over from the first film.

An excellent adaptation

[rhiannonctr · 9/10 · 21 October 2005]

This is an excellent adaptation of the story told in the Work and the Glory. No, it's not exactly like the book, but it's been 10 years since I read the book, so it wasn't a problem for me. Most of the acting is excellent--I especially enjoyed Jonathon Scarfe's portrayal of Joseph Smith. In so many LDS movies Joseph is played stiff and pompously, but Scarfe's Joseph is "real." Fans of Truman G. Madsen's "Joseph Smith" lectures will note several direct quotes in this movie. Although this movie will obviously appeal to members of the LDS faith, I don't think it is overly religious and it should appeal to anyone looking for a good historical family film. It takes a hard look at what befell many early members of the LDS faith in a country that was founded on the principals of religious freedom and freedom from persecution.

I have to say that I miss Tiffany Dupont as Lydia McBride. I think her character had more depth than Sera Bastian's. The ending is a bit abrupt and, frankly, strange. Unless you know that Joshua moves to Georgia in book 3 and becomes a "gentleman," it doesn't make any sense. It is obviously a set up for the next movie in the series (out in 2006), but the fire would have been a better ending--IMHO.

Still, I definitely recommend this movie!

Those Feuding Steed Brothers

[bkoganbing · 7/10 · 26 February 2012]

As Gerald Lund has already written nine volumes of his epic on those early Mormon settlers with his fictional protagonists the Steed Family and we've only seen three films so far, this promises to be an LDS version of Harry Potter. This second film American Zion continues the fine depiction of the early days of the Mormon Church. We're now in the Jacksonian era and the Saints have moved from Palmyra, New York to Ohio to Jackson County, Missouri. Always following their leader Joseph Smith in their search for an American Zion as the ancient Hebrews in the Bible did follow Moses.

The Steed Family is as deeply divided as ever. Father Sam Hennings however has sold his Palmyra farm to be with his younger son Alexander Carroll who is an original follower of Jonathan Scaife playing Joseph Smith. He's not sold on the church, but he's already lost his oldest son Eric Johnson who left with bitter antipathy to the Mormons because Carroll stole the girl he intended to marry and she's converted. Johnson is married to a Missouri girl, but things are not going well on the domestic front there.

As for the religious wars, Scaife has taken his followers first to Ohio and then Missouri. They've purchased the land they live on and work all legal and aboveboard, but the antipathy follows them and the locals in Jackson County are ready to force them off their land by whatever means as the government turns a blind eye. Johnson is part of the militia organized to do the job and Carroll is on the other side.

Unlike the first film, this one ended on a note of suspense more like a TV miniseries than a film as a nice little war is about to start with a whole lot of angst from all the cast members playing Steeds for one reason or another.

The quality of the film is as good as the first, but one thing is missing. The main reason for this antipathy though by no means the only one is the Mormon practice of polygamy. Eventually that was given up, but we're getting way ahead of ourselves historically. Hopefully the next installment will face that issue.

Read The Book, Skip The Movie

[tombinford · 1/10 · 13 May 2006]

If you read the book, don't waste your time or money. I hated this movie. I didn't like how it was re-written from Mr. Lund's fine novel. If you didn't read the book (10 times better than the movie) you may possibly like it because you won't know how poorly this screenplay was done and directed. It is unfortunate that the same writer and director is filming the next in the series. I will skip that one entirely. I am sick that I bought 3 copies of the American Zion DVD based on my love for the book and the first movie(5 stars, I highly recommend it). The DVDs were going to be Mother's day gifts. Maybe I can still return the two I didn't open. This movie didn't even come close to following Mr. Lund's great story and the characters that he created. So much was re-written that all I could say was "that didn't happen in the book" at least 10 times. They basically emitted main characters and re-substituted others in many events from the book.

Story of one family's trials and blessings in early LDS history

[rhapsodyblue00 · 8/10 · 16 November 2005]

The movie was a bit violent, but then, those were violent times. Joseph and others were tared and today, that would be a crime which would place them into police custody. The movie was well done. I think the characters were very well (fleshed out). It was a pleasure to see the human side of the Prophet Joseph. I am sure he got tired and I know he grieved for his lost children. The cast have captured the flavor of the books, and I look forward to seeing the next installment. I think the clothing was well done, those shirts looked SO uncomfortable! I don't know if they were in the 1830's, but they surely didn't have the wonderful fabrics we do today, and everything was made by hand, and they were not wealthy people (except Martin Harris) so their clothing was a reflection of that. By the way, the narrator has a clear and easy to listen to voice. The only vague things were based on the relationships with Ben/Joshua and Joshua/Jessica. If some one hadn't read the books, or see the last movie, they might not really understand what makes Ben and Joshua so angry with each other. Maybe that should be a little more clear in the future. After all, if they are going to make (9) movies, people will need to understand each movie as though it were standing on it's own. It is a movie after all, not a mini-series for TV.

Not enough of the story here

[WheelerClown · 5/10 · 2 November 2005]

I personally found this movie disappointing. In trying to cover too much (2 books, I believe), It glossed over too much that made the books riveting and would have done so with the movie. Where is the conversation between Ben and Nathan Steed that led to Ben allowing his wife to be baptized? Where was the finishing and dedication of the Kirtland Temple; which I believe took place before the worst of the Missouri problems? Where was Liberty Jail? And the relationship between Joshua and Jessica, good and bad, was butchered and unsatisfying. And the ending was so abrupt, it made no sense whatsoever.

Still there are pluses for the movie. The acting, as usual was excellent. The antagonistic relationship between the Missourians and Mormons, while a bit choppy, was realistic and riveting. And while I had complaints about what was missing, I still would have enjoyed the movie had it not been for that abrupt ending. (see the film to see what I mean; I won't spoil that for anyone.) This movie won't satisfy the fans of the book series, but it won't leave them demanding their money back either.

Bravo

[sidunrau · 9/10 · 22 October 2005]

This second installment of the series based on the "Work and the Glory" books far exceeds the first effort. The music, cinematography, story line, acting and general "feel" of the movie are all great. I have not read the underlying novels, so I have no idea how or if the story details in the movie mirror the books, but I can say this: this movie is moving, inspiring, and dramatically (though slightly fictionally, since the main family is fictional) portrays a slice of true American history.

I do not believe the movie is preachy, at least not about Mormonism. I think most Americans (and others), who take for granted such notions as a free press and upright civil authorities who can be trusted to uphold the law, will easily recognize how different such things were back then.

Mormon history buffs will be a bit disappointed that some of the details were glossed over or left out. My only complaint is that, in an attempt to make this movie appeal to non-Mormon audiences, some of the more dramatic mythic stories from Joseph Smith's time, though alluded to in the movie, are not satisfyingly portrayed.

Not for young children, this movie gets a 9 from me; just a bit more coherence in the story line and some other such movie "polish" would have garnered a 10.

Bravo to all involved! And thanks for a family-friendly, beautiful, moral story that all who see can connect to.

mediocre at best

[victoria-144 · 5/10 · 22 May 2006]

Why are people raving about this movie? Because it was lower budget than Hollywood films? Honestly, as a Latter-day Saint I was disappointed with both films in the series to date. I thought the screenplay and acting was mediocre at best - some actors better than others.

I am glad some people liked the portrayal of Joseph Smith, because I had to remind myself the whole time: This is Joseph Smith.Not because he was more down-to-earth (which I actually prefer, and think is more reality-based) but because Jonathan Scarfe did not have the presence on screen I had hoped for.

And WHAT kind of ending was that????

Never-the-less I bought both DVDs for its historical value and so the kids will have something to enjoy.

Brutal History, True History

[remay1 · 9/10 · 16 January 2006]

The riveting depiction of the history of the Mormon church continues via these screen adaptations of Gerald Lund's novels. The founding of the Mormon church clearly fomented intense, irrational hatred from the very beginning, especially vividly exposed in this episode. Some have wondered why? Because they were different? Because they banded together? Sometimes there is no rationale or justification for hatred -- it's just there.

The Mormons apparently wanted nothing more that to be left to themselves and their beliefs. Yet the raw emotion of fear and loathing caused men to perpetrate unspeakable acts of depravity. More so than against any other religious movement in America -- The Amanas, the Quakers, the Mennonites weren't driven out, pillaged, murdered and burned out by the mob! Hang your head in shame America!

This movie portrays this horrendous American period vividly, without exploiting the violence for the sake of shock-value. (We know what happens when hot tar is painted on bare skin without having to actually see it.) The fact that it happened, with the complicity of the government, (Missouri Lieutenant Governor Lilburn W. Boggs) is shocking enough. (The State of Missouri has only just recently apologized to the Mormon Church for the outrages committed against it.) This episode takes the Steed family from New York, to Ohio, then to Missouri, driven out each time because intolerant Americans refused to allow them their constitutionally guaranteed religious freedom and the government refused to do anything about it.

The first movie was dream-like, ethereal, almost idyllic. This movie is not any of those things. This move is gritty. Oh the movie is still very well filmed, acted, scripted and produced. But it is utterly gripping from the first frame to the closing credits. Not a bit preachy or condescending, just good. Much better than most of what Hollywood is cranking out these days. If you are a patriotic American, prepare to be angry that such things happened in our history -- shame on us. Let us resolve that such things will never be allowed to happen again.

The Work and Glory was disappointing because were it ended in the movie 1832

[pepsidriver · 9 May 2006]

Save your money it was a good show but it will be an epic it doesn't get to Joseph Smith Murder, the show leaves off about the speed family and moving Missouri, it doesn't get to the Navoo temple at all, I fell this is wrong to have to wait for the next episode which at the end of the movie it doesn't mention a next episode if there is one at all, I fell ripped off I was excepting at least to the LDS leaving to Utah !!! and where it left off was years before that.

I am sure you folks will have to see for yourselves what I am talking about, but as for the movie it self it was great ! I was disappointed that it did not go further than it did.

What happened to the Steed Family was told by Benjamin Steed.

[shirleyw-1 · 2/10 · 25 October 2005]

I did not like this version of the Work and the Glory! There were too many changes in the movie from the original story. I suppose the reason for this was to make it more appealing to the those who enjoy action. However, there was plenty of action in the original story. Also I felt that Joshua had way too much contact with his family in the film. He simply did not have that contact in the novel. Benjamin was shown as a much harsher man than depicted in the novel. I was shocked at the changes made as compared to what happened in the novel such as when Lydia held a gun up to Joshua in the first movie. I really did not like the scene when Ben pulled up his gun to shoot Joshua at his home. The first movie was very thought provoking and well done. This movie seemed rushed and unconnected. By being told by Benjamin Steed, it took away from the spirit of the novel.In the first movie Joseph Smith was portrayed in a better light. This second movie downgraded Joseph, in my opinion. Sorry but this is not what I expected!

Superb LDS film

[daniel_silva_124 · 9/10 · 17 May 2006]

This movie was something to enjoy. Of all the LDS films, this is one of the greatest. The performance by the man who played Joseph Smith was so believable and true to life; I have never seen an actor do so well playing Joseph Smith. The music is absolutely beautiful. The best score of an LDS film I've ever come across, and that is saying something because of my extensive background in music. The PG-13 rating wasn't needed. It was somewhat violent, but not enough to get that rating. The church's films 'Legacy', 'The Lamb of God', and 'Finding Faith in Christ' have just as much graphic violence. The violence was indeed needed to portray what happened to Joseph and the rest of the Saints. Overall, this film was brilliant. The only flaw is some of the acting. there weren't very strong performances by Nathan and Lydia, but I suppose they weren't given the chance as much.

Mediocre story, spun into a boring "history".

[dstilt07 · 1/10 · 26 June 2021]

Its always interesting when an author takes set historical dates and times then twists an alternate reality tale into it. Well, its usually interesting. This highly fictionalized "historical" drama depends on the viewer being unaware of actual historical events. If you are curious, I recommend fast forward to the twenty minutes of actual, though mundane acting toward the end of this ten million dollar whimsy.

Great story!

[mel8986 · 10/10 · 19 June 2006]

I have seen both of the Work and The Glory movies, and neither one disappointed! Even if you are not particularly interested in the Mormon church, this is a story from history; it is not meant to convert you, only to share the story. The events portrayed did happen, (call it a vision, call is a prophecy, call it too much to drink; this tells how it all started) and it is nice to get an insight into how this group began. It not only tells the story of Joseph Smith, but of those who followed him, and those who did not. There were parts that made me laugh and a few that made me cry. You become a part of the families portrayed feeling their joy as well as their pain. There is some violence which is probably where the PG-13 comes in, so I am not sure I would let the kids sit through this one--it may raise more questions than answers. This is one of those movies that draws you right in from the start and holds you till the very end. I was hooked after part one and now I am eagerly awaiting part 3!

Breathtakingly Beautiful

[williams-kiki · 10/10 · 19 November 2005]

I had been looking forward to seeing this movie forever. Finally, I stepped into that theater, and was totally taken back.

The characters in the movie were very good, especially Joseph Smith (Jonathan Scarfe) and Joshua (Eric Johnson.)

This movie was filled with deep, painful, and warming emotions that made you want to grab a box of Kleenex and wipe their tears away. It was truly remarkable.

The early Mormon Saints went through very hard times, and this movie clearly shows it. It also shows how a family can be stretched and split so many ways.

Yet, the Steed family and the Mormon Church are not about to give up, because they know that "Every Dream has a Price."

Very entertaining historical fiction

[gail-108 · 10/10 · 2 March 2006]

I personally loved this movie and would recommend it to anyone. It is historical fiction so it has a fictional family, the Steeds, who are plunked down in the middle of actual events that happened in the United States in the early to mid-1800's. It is true that the events surround the starting of the Mormon church, but it is non-threatening and not preachy at all. It simply portrays the events of that time and the feelings and actions of the people surrounding it. It shows how people reacted from many different angles and I think it is very well done and brilliantly cast. I just love the actor who plays Joseph Smith! I do think that all the actors were cast really well. This second movie has a different person acting as Lydia, Emma Smith, and Martin Harris. I had a hard time with that as I was too used to the actors from the first movie, but they do not have big rolls in this movie so I was able to get past it. All in all I thought it was one of the best movies I saw in 2005 and plan to run right out and buy the DVD the first day it comes out!

Amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jernaemk · 10/10 · 22 October 2005]

I was blown away! I left the theater just drained and shaking. I got so into it. The actors have improved so much and really make the characters come to life! Jonathan Scarfe was perfect yet again as Joseph Smith and I am so glad that he did so much research on the man so that he was true. Raphael Sbarge was great as Parley Pratt. He really captured the real person. The Cinematography was brilliant again and the music really captured the emotions. Being a music major, I did hope to hear music in some other areas in the movie to make them stand out more, but this is my only real complaint.

Many people say that the ending ends horribly, like the old cliffhangers from "Dallas" or "The Lord of the Rings" or something. But it was absolutely perfect. It made you want more.

The script has been changed from the books, like the fact that Joshua comes to Nathan and Lydia's wedding, and others, but they worked really well together and it ran smoothly.

Two Thumbs up!!!

Great Family Movie

[debo-17 · 8/10 · 25 June 2006]

My children were riveted to the screen. It was the first time for my children as well as myself that Joseph Smith was depicted in a way that made him so personal and human. His strengths as well as his weaknesses were brought together in a visual aspect that for me, was a first glimpse into what Joseph Smith really was like. Though violent, it opened up my children's eyes into the history of their religion and made them realize what brutality the early Mormons suffered for simply worshiping their faith. Getting that "funny" glance or exclamations in school or from friends of "you're Mormon?" didn't seem so bad to them after all. They had more pride in who they are and what they stood for.

I've also read the books. However, I feel that if they were to shove ALL the great historical points into a few movies it would lose the interest of those that have not yet had the opportunity to read through those wonderful pages. I figure it a prelude to invite those that haven't read the series to pick these wonderful books up and start the journey with the Steed's through and accurately depicted history of the restoration.