Search - The Work and the Glory - American Zion on DVD

THE MOVIE ITSELF WAS QUITE DECENT, WHATEVER YOUR THEOLOGY

TOMMY C ELLIS | Federal Way, WA United States | 06/06/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Gripping

Jann Moyers | New Mexico | 07/24/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Great film, Great story.

James S. Williams II | Orlando, FL United States | 05/10/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Good Experience

P. Belfiglio | 08/25/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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."