AniInterview Sorry, this movie sucks

Greenes Please don't spend money on this.

StyleSk8r At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

Ava-Grace Willis Story: It's very simple but honestly that is fine.

Ozzy Mandias It would be one thing if this movie was just billing itself as fan fiction. However, it is such a complete whitewashing of history that it only vaguely resembles the Joseph Smith of reality. What the movie doesn't cover:Smith's polygamous/polyandrous marriages (and lifelong public denial of them).Smith's unsuccessful treasure digging by using a "seer stone" that he found while digging a well.Smith translating the Book of Mormon using this same seer stone by putting it in a hat.Smith creating the Book of Abraham by translating ancient papyrus that eventually turned out to be nothing about Abraham.Smith verifying the authenticity of and translating the Kinderhook Plates (plates that eventually turned out to be a hoax).Smith ordering the destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor's printing press because they exposed his polygamous activities.

Melissa Thorne I have seen this wonderful production, and I wonder if anyone can tell me anything about the actress who played the blacksmith's wife-I am not sure of her character's name. I went to BYU with her and lost touch with her-her maiden name was Kim Luke-and I wonder if anyone has any info on her. She is not listed in the credits. This production was outstanding, a tear-jerker on all accounts, superb acting by all. I guess I don't even want to put it in the general category of 'acting', more like 'portraying with feeling the amazing events that led to the opening of the Heavens for this the final dispensation'.....something like that. If anyone worked with Kim or has a website or something please let me know!!! She was fantastic in her role, by the way....Thanks, Melissa Thorne

ann-244 I am stunned at the negative comments that I have read and can only assume that the people making such comments were less than honest. This is the most moving and real portrayal of Joseph Smith that I have ever seen. It was well acted to the point that at times I forgot that I was watching a movie. It brought Joseph's life of hardship, good-natured optimism, enduring faith in people and God, and ultimate sacrifice to life such in a way that frankly left me speechless and silent in awe. If anyone, of ANY Christian religion can watch this movie without being touched in some positive way--I would have to say it is a reflection of the individual and NOT the movie. I give the movie a "10" and encourage honest souls to view it. At the very LEAST it is an extremely heart felt portrayal of man who gave everything he had for what he believed...In a world where values and beliefs are ridiculed, this movie stands as a enduring reminder of the kind of people we are supposed to be- no matter what religious beliefs we hold.- Ann Pruitt-

dpeters911 I personally loved how crisp the picture was and how beautiful many of the nature shots were. The cinematography was simply superb.Acting was quite well done: especially for the younger Joseph Smith, Jr. and his brother Alvin. Emma plays her role in the film quite beautifully.However, this is film was woefully short of historical accuracy. I cannot recommend it for serious students of the LDS Church and the life of Joseph Smith.My three big gripes: 1) Portrayal of Joseph and Emma's Marriage In reality, Joseph and Emma's marriage was severely strained (quite early in the relationship I might add). Polygamy deeply drove a rift between Emma and Joseph. As early as 1833, Joseph Smith began practicing polygamy. The first incident set a pattern for following relationships:Around 1833, Emma and Joseph adopted a young Fanny Alger into their household. Emma loved the dear girl and -for a while- everyone approved of the Smith household. However, Joseph took Fanny Alger as his wife in private. When Emma discovered this, she threw the girl out of the house. Many of the townsfolk had already grown suspicious of Joseph's behaviour with the young girl and were confirmed by Emma's broken heart.A more accurate portrayal of Emma would have acknowledge her personal suffering and loss. Not a word creeps into the film that confirms Joseph was involved in polygamy - despite having married around 31 women in his lifetime.2) Joseph's Character The film, especially in regards to my last statement, avoids the questionable aspects of Joseph's character and history. I understand why the LDS church does this but I am dismayed. Joseph's illegal bank at Kirtland, failed presidency attempt, his personal pride (read the Official History of the Church for examples), criminal history as a youth (he was charged with fraud and glass-looking after conning a near-by farmer as a youth), etc. Very little of the film shows a balanced portrayal of Joseph Smith, Jr. The best history is accurate history: not such a whitewashed presentation.In all, the film is beautiful... but is a beautiful fiction. As a film that in many respects was trying to portray a historical Joseph Smith, it failed.