alanjudge-30219 I am being generous here. The production values are good and the film is perfectly well put together with an excellent visual quality about it.The thing is, as a Christian myself I do not believe Joseph Smith was a prophet. Those listed as prophets in the bible were in my view under divine inspiration from god. That Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven.But Joseph Smith engaged in what would be considered verboten and occult practises. He was also a high ranking free mason. I am not going to say much more other than if you really consider yourself a Christian masonry is definitely not something you would be involved with. Or rather if Smith really was a prophet he would not have been a mason. Or he would have dropped it then and there.Also many of the mormon ideas such as people being saved retrospectively having not lived as christians is not biblically true. Many of the very conservative advice offered in the bible is in fact in conflict with Joseph Smith.I consider myself a Christian but Smith was not genuine. In fact it is likely a lot of the persecution came not because the opponents of Mormons were ridiculous bullies as portrayed in the film. Rather they had a more grounded idea of the bible and did not buy Smith's wacky ideas. In those days people perceived to be preaching doctrine not straight from the bible were considered heretics and they were often dealt with a lot more firmly than the equivalent today.Heck it was funny though. I just watch it thinking how dumb anyone who buys it is.

wesby-e I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, (known as mormon church, popularly) I absolutely love this movie, and recommend this movie to all, specially to all those who have wounded hearts or have had a hard time. Please leave all preconceptions aside about what you may have heard of us, just take a look at this movie and decide for yourself. We believe in Christ, we are Christians, and this movie should inspire all Christians and all people really, because it is that good. If you have not seen it, i HIGHLY recommend you watch it, we spend a lot of time watching TV or movies, why not this one.I know you won't regret it. I know being of this religion i may be biased you don't need to take my word for it, experience it yourself.

carrie-163 This is one of the most spiritual movies I have ever seen. I headed up with about 150 people to St. George and we saw this movie in the visiting center of the St. George temple.. Not one person had dry eyes in the audience. Also, there were some non- religious and anti-Mormon people in the audience who felt the spirit of the movie and were touched by the captivating music and reenactment of the story of the pioneers and the hardships they faced because of their beliefs.I recommend this movie for anyone who wishes to understand more about Joseph and the hardships that the pioneers went through. After all, it is apart of American History.

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.