Watch The Work and the Glory

The Work and the Glory is a historical drama film released in 2004, directed by Russel Holt and starring Sam Hennings, Eric Johnson, and Alexander Carroll. The story depicts the struggles of a family in the early 1800s as they the newly formed Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The movie is based on a series of novels written by Gerald N. Lund and follows the story of Benjamin Steed (Sam Hennings), a farmer and family man who moves to upstate New York with his wife Mary Ann (Brenda Strong) and their children. The family is initially skeptical of the religious movement, but Benjamin slowly becomes interested after meeting the charismatic leader Joseph Smith (Jonathan Scarfe).

The movie portrays the early days of the church, with Joseph Smith's teachings, the building of the Nauvoo temple, and the conflicts between the Mormons and their non-Mormon neighbors. The Steed family experiences persecution and discrimination, including vandalism of their property and physical altercations.

One of the main themes of the movie is the conflict between Benjamin's dedication to the church and his loyalty to his family. As he continues to be involved in the church, his family struggles to cope with the hardships they face as a result of their hip.

The Work and the Glory also focuses on the relationship between Benjamin and his oldest son, Joshua (Eric Johnson). Joshua is initially rebellious towards his father's involvement in the church, but eventually becomes a believer himself. This causes tension between Joshua and his younger brother Nathan (Alexander Carroll), who is more skeptical of the church's teachings.

The film is beautifully shot and captures the essence of the period. The costumes and sets are meticulously crafted, transporting the viewer back in time to the early 1800s. The acting is superb, with Sam Hennings giving a standout performance as Benjamin Steed.

The Work and the Glory received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its portrayal of the early days of the church and the resilience of the Steed family, while others criticized its simplistic approach and lack of depth in its characters. However, the movie was well-received by audiences and was successful enough to spawn two sequels.

Overall, The Work and the Glory is a thought-provoking and emotional historical drama that explores themes of religious devotion, family loyalty, and strength in the face of adversity. It is a must-watch for fans of the genre and anyone interested in the early days of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.