Tetrady not as good as all the hype

Freaktana A Major Disappointment

Livestonth I am only giving this movie a 1 for the great cast, though I can't imagine what any of them were thinking. This movie was horrible

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.

abrafocus Based on Book One of a nine-book series, this is one of the most touching movies I have ever seen. The Steed family is fictional, but it provides real historical background. The story of Joseph Smith, the vision, the Book of Mormon, all of that is true.\ The character of Nathan is portrayed wonderfully. His brother Jon, doesn't accept Joseph Smith and his stories, so he turns against his family, and joins some evil men, attempting to steal the Gold Plates. Of course, they are not successful, and the plates are translated.After reading The Book of Mormon, Nathan is baptized. His father objects to this, but he doesn't do anything violent.This is a great movie. Even if you're not LDS, I'm sure you'll find this movie well worth your time.My Score: 9/10.

pgspat Okay first I am non religious and Gay also. But I do support anybody having beliefs that help them in life. I do have an interest in the historical aspects of religion and probably Joseph Smith is the most important American historical religious leader having founded a major and ever growing denomination.Having read the recent Newsweek cover article on the Mormon religion I was rather excited to find this DVD in the bargain bin. The restoration story being in 19th century America you could relate to it in a more interesting and historical fashion than the Biblical times. But the movie seemed to want to soft peddle the Joseph Smith story and focus on a rather boring love triangle between the Steed brothers and the girl.There are plenty of evil doubters in town, all actually wearing black hats and the Book of Mormon gets thrown in the garbage. People who believe Joseph are shunned and caste out by the towns people...mmm kinda reminded me of how gay people are shunned by LDS. I didn't mind the movie's point of view that Joseph's visions were real but we got no understanding his journey from man to prophet.The movie was visually interesting and the music worked well. There is one commentary on the DVD but not much else... the LDS missed a chance to add some extras about their religion.

J B Thackery We are reminded of the need to be tolerant. This is a topic that has been applied in film and across society to most persecuted minorities. Finally it is being addressed to the Mormons, and is long overdue. Since I am a Mormon and an adherent to the Latter-day Saint teachings, I can vouch for the fact that the film is about the need for tolerance amongst us all, and not a vehicle for evangelism. Even the Mormon victims themselves show tolerance toward their persecutors. There is a vital lesson there, though again it is not preachy or didactic by any means.The word "lesson" may be a misnomer; perhaps "underlying message" is the key phrase. Thus the film's "underlying message" is not intended to teach, but to captivate the mind as an essential element in the human experience, much as any other basic element would be applied in building a story's interest: Just as intolerance is used to strengthen the story behind "Bridge on the River Kwai," or "Holocaust." The cinematography is absolutely excellent; even stunning and entrancing. I can think of no film that would be its superior in that regard. The acting is superb, incisive, and balanced. I disagree with the one commenter who suggested some acting was fine, though some was forced. The director has achieved a masterpiece of cohesive, balanced, and momentous acting.The period is perfectly recreated in historic and scenic detail. I saw viewers at the theatre of ever age and social background perfectly entertained and satisfied with this film. The audience even applauded, an event I have not witnessed at a cinema in decades.Love is also wonderfully dealt with in the film. There are periodic and well-timed flourishes of romance the way it used to be acted out in films decades ago: with decency and enchantment, and with no need for sleeze. Moreover, the romantic scenes show true human love and passion can be bounteously enjoyed within the bounds of decency and self-restraint.This is a period-piece of cinematic charm that transcends time barriers, to enchant the mind, fascinate the eye, and provoke sincere thought.

jfcannon I've read the books and I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, so I'm hopelessly biased. But I thought the movie was great! The acting was, for the most part, very believable; the issues were realistic; the scenery was beautiful. I thought Jonathan Scarfe did a very convincing portrayal of Joseph Smith. It was a surprise to me to learn he is not a member of the Church. I believe his ability to carry off the role says a lot about the excellence of his acting skills. This is the first film (with the possible exception of Other Side of Heaven) that I have seen that deals with Mormonism and hasn't left me feeling like, "Well, they gave it a good try." I was really caught up in the story and enjoyed it very much.