The Work and The Glory: American Zion

The Work and The Glory: American Zion is a historical drama and the second installment in the movie series based on Gerald N. Lund's nine-part literary work. Set in the early 19th century, the film dramatically captures the formative years of Mormonism or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as founded by Joseph Smith, portrayed by Jonathan Scarfe.

The movie weaves an intricate tapestry of drama, faith, historical truth, and fiction. Sam Hennings stars as Nathan Steed, a steadfast and respectable farmer with strong faith in the new church. Brenda Strong gives an empathetic performance as Mary Ann Steed, Nathan's loving and devout wife. Eric Johnson plays Lyman Steed, the prodigal son beside Alexander Carroll, who portrays the younger Steed brother, Joseph.

American Zion is primarily about the upheaval among the Steed family as they find themselves tossed among the tumultuous waves of religious revolution. The term 'Zion' features prominently in the film, referring to the 'City of God' that Joseph Smith and his followers aim to establish. As the Steeds face the immense test of their faith and familial bonds, the film unearths the strengths and weaknesses of the individual characters.

Striving to stay true to historical events, the story uncovers the Mormons' strive for religious freedom and their attempted establishment of a community in Missouri, with all the ensuing societal rejection, prejudice, and escalating violence. The movie, directed by Sterling Van Wagenen, does a commendable job of building the narrative on these trials and tribulations and the Mormons' attempts at realizing their 'American Zion.' The director carefully balances the personal and societal conflicts, showing how tumultuous historical events can leave deep impacts on individual lives.

Sam Hennings brings complexity and depth to his role as Nathan Steed, who faces the challenging task of keeping his family united amidst the turmoil within and around. He goes to great lengths to keep his faith and maintain peace within his family, even as they see their world crumbling before their very eyes. Brenda Strong, on the other hand, perfectly embodies the character of a strong, loving, and dedicated woman standing by her husband and supporting her family in the face of unrest.

Eric Johnson portrays the turmoil of Lyman Steed with remarkable sensitivity. Lyman, entangled in a forbidden love affair, faces a profound identity crisis that questions his loyalty to his family and his faith, adding a significant subplot to the primary narrative. In these deeply intimate conflicts, the film examines aspects of faith, choice, love, and familial harmony or discord.

One cannot review American Zion without mentioning Jonathan Scarfe's admirable portrayal of the controversial Joseph Smith. Scarfe endows his character with sufficient charisma to inspire faith, yet keeps intact a humble, approachable demeanor that makes him real and appealing to the audience.

The movie's cinematography is exquisite. The team takes utmost care to recreate the era with attention to costumes, set designs, and landscapes, transporting audiences back to the rough-edge beginnings of Mormonism in the American 19th century.

In regard to its pacing, American Zion is a slow burn. It takes its time to set the mood, build the characters, and unfold the story, with drama unfolding at its own natural pace. It allows the audience to immerse themselves in the narrative's environment and slowly absorb the intricate emotional and social dynamics.

Moreover, an appropriate musical score adds an extra streak of authenticity and helps in setting the right tone. It punctuates dramatic scenes with fitting music, accentuating character emotions and the surrounding tension. While the movie can be emotionally heavy due to its characters' experiences, it drives forward a narrative of hope, resilience, and an unshakeable belief in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, The Work and The Glory: American Zion meticulously articulates a critical period in the history of the Latter-day Saints. While it touches on fundamental aspects of faith, loyalty, adversity and human emotions, the personal narrative of the fictional Steed family makes the larger historical drama intriguingly relatable. Although catered primarily to those interested in religious history and Mormon culture, this less-explored, emotion-tinged historical narrative is a journey worth experiencing for any ardent moviegoer. It stands out as a movie that tries to carefully balance the human dramas with the seismic shifts in the religious landscape of that period.