The Work and the Glory

The Work and the Glory is a 2004 American drama film directed by Russel Holt and featuring impressive performances by actors Sam Hennings, Eric Johnson, and Alexander Carroll. It is based on Gerald N. Lund’s historical novel series of the same name and has subsequently been followed by two sequels.

Set in Western New York in the early 19th century, the narrative primarily revolves around the lives of the fictional Steed family—an amalgamation of various real-life people—and their experiences during significant historical events, namely the birth of Mormonism. This family saga delves into the human elements of faith, religion, and society, wrapped up in an episodic storyline rich in both individual character arcs and collective narrative progression.

The patriarch of the family, Benjamin Steed, brilliantly portrayed by Sam Hennings, is a ruggedly principled farmer and father. He is a man of some substance in his community, both regarding wealth and moral standing. He holds traditional Christian beliefs and expects his family in their entirety to follow in the same path. However, his struggle comes to the forefront when unconventional religious thoughts start brewing within his family.

His eldest son, Joshua Steed, played by Eric Johnson, is the rebellious heartthrob with a heightened sense of independence and a judgmental attitude. He is anxious to form his own identity, separate from his family, resulting in conflicts within the family structure. But, he also represents the struggle for personal freedom and self-fulfilment in a pre-defined societal structure.

On the other hand, the middle son, Nathan, played by Alexander Carroll, is perceived as the dutiful and path-following son. His fascination with the teachings of Joseph Smith Jr., the founder of Mormonism, highlights the character's deep-rooted search for spiritual meaning beyond traditional understandings of religion.

The Work and the Glory doesn't shy away from the historical intricacies of the time, such as the controversial emergence of the Latter-Day Saint movement. The characters interact with historical figures like Joseph Smith Jr., lending an informative layer to the plot. The film insightfully captures the societal division that religion can cause by showcasing the tension between non-Mormon community members and the rapidly growing group of Smith's followers.

Considering the controversial topic, the film resolves to maintain a balanced perspective, dwelling into the depths of faith and religion without explicitly choosing sides. The movie provides a window into the historical event but also keeps the narrative's crux riveted around the Steed family and their interpersonal relationships. This decision ensures that the film stands as an engaging historical dramatization, presenting the characters as nuanced individuals navigating complex relationships and challenging the societal norms of their time.

The film showcases beautiful cinematography with a captivating countryside backdrop standing elegant in all its rural beauty. The director, Holt, calibrates the historical drama with the right amount of reverence, and the screenplay follows a straightforward storytelling mode without resorting to overstated drama.

In essence, The Work and the Glory delivers a compelling story about the intersection of faith, Bible politics, family dynamics, and the strength of relationships during challenging times. It successfully weaves the intense personal stories of the Steed family into the tapestry of a significant era of religious history in America. Whether viewers are familiar with the historical elements depicted or not, the interpersonal conflicts, quests for spiritual enlightenment, and elements of love and loyalty make it a gripping watch for anyone who enjoys family-centric period dramas with deep underlying themes.

In conclusion, the film is a beautifully filmed and profoundly absorbing depiction of family, faith, and the birth of a religious movement. It takes viewers back to a contentious period in American religious history, showing them such a story through the lens of the fictional Steed family whose members adopt varying stances on the issues of their time.