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Cinematically this is a low budget film. But when one really knows how this movie came to be, I can only applaud and respect the Joseph and Emma Smith family for making such a fine and accurate portrayal of their progenitors. Much of the dialog came directly from journals of the children Emma raised who wrote what their mother told them about the events discussed. This film had NOTHING to do with the LDS church today, and is not "propaganda" for any organization. From all of the research I have done on Joseph Smith I saw nothing amiss; on the contrary I believe it minimally accurately portrayed the wonderful person that had such a profound and positive affect on thousands of individuals. If anything it very much under portrayed him, but this was not about Joseph, it was about Emma. I found it to be very even keeled in portraying her and the unspeakable difficulties she endured. The parts I enjoyed the most was the very touching and real love that existed between her and her husband. My 4th great grandfather (Bishop Frederick Kesler 1816-1899) knew both of the real people portrayed in this film, and kept a very detailed journal which I have transposed to computer (1600 pages). There is not single negative word written about either. On the contrary, all evidences of eye witnesses recounted there-in speak entirely respectfully of Joseph, and Emma. My great grandfather also married many young women who were respectfully named Emma. Both shadows of Joseph and Emma stand very tall and majestically on the people who really knew them for generations. This film by all the factual documents I have encountered is entirely accurate. From all accounts I have read, a true accurate portrayal of the character and stature of either Joseph or Emma is probably impossible, as most who knew Joseph said they had never known a greater more dignified and kind gentleman. Well cast, the Emma character seemed to approach the stature of the woman that could endure what Emma really did.

Like the summary says, some reviewers need to just shut up. If you did not like the movie then tell us why, don't waist our time with worthless rants. It was made by independent film people who focused on what THEY wanted too. Do you go on the Harry Potter review and rant about why magic is not real and talk about scientific theory to try and prove it wrong? No. because IT DOESN'T MATTER! If you are a member of the LDS church and it increases your faith as you enjoyed the movie then great. cause I notice that they are pointing out parts of the MOVIE they like. this is a MOVIE review not a random blog for you make unneeded comments. I thought the movie was a good story and I enjoyed it, It wasn't my favorite movie and I don't intend on owning it hence the 7 not a 10. but I did enjoy it.

I did enjoy the film. It was well done. But, issues of Joseph Smith 's polygamy were barely mentioned. Also, film shows Joseph translating directly from the golden plates , whereas hd actually, supposedly, translated by looking into a hat at seer stones - bizarre and not shown here.

I found the film to be truly uplifting. It's amazing to see the challenges that Emma and Joseph went through and found the faith and strength to endure. This film elevated my opinion of Emma Smith and confirmed the love that she and her husband shared. It's hard to fit a life into two hours, but so many key points were touched on, handled well and the time goes by fast. Emma Smith's strength was truly shown here, or more accurately, how she found it. The film also portrays well the tenderness and sweetness of the family's relationships. Photography and acting were excellent and the film left me wanting to know more about their lives. Using the format of an interview between Emma and her adopted daughter brought in an excellent connection for those with a naturally skeptical or challenging views which were answered well by Emma herself. A very tastefully done movie. Thank you to those who made it happen.

This film was wonderfully done with a great soundtrack. Unlike past LDS historical films, where the focus is Joseph Smith or Bringham Young, this film is about Emma, her perspective, and how she saw things.

It's narrative/conversation that Emma is having later on in life with her daughter Julia Murdock Smith, about all of the events that surrounded her and Joseph-thru *her* perspective.

The film touches on all the controversial issues, and doesn't gloss over them.

Whether you are LDS or not, you will appreciate this film, it is touching, honest and both heart wrenching and heartwarming.

Go see it.

:)

David

The reason for my poor review has less to do with the technical quality of the film than with its content. Actually, it's fairly well made for a straight to DVD historical biopic. It's simply not a very accurate account of Mormon history. The reasons for anti-Mormon sentiment in Missouri and elsewhere isn't mentioned at all, and polygamy is only mentioned in passing. Not a single one of Joseph Smith's 25+ other wives is even mentioned, nor is the 5000 man strong Nauvoo Legion or Smith's attempts to establish a theocratic dictatorship everywhere he went.

I know a lot of Mormons, and they are almost universally nice and respectable people. I just wish for once that they would own up to their somewhat sordid past.

Seeing EMMA SMITH: MY STORY in the theatre was a pleasant surprise! Who would have ever thought the time would come when a commercial theatre would be offering such an inspiring film as this one turns out to me. Professional on every level with special praise going to T.C. Christensen's magnificent cinematography, Merrill Jenson's perfect score (one that I hope comes out on CD), down to Sheri Ohman's outstanding costumes. Technically, in every way, this has a look that matches anything to come out of Hollywood. The performances, especially by Katherine Thompson (as the young Emma Hale Smith), Patricia Place (marvelous as the older Emma), and Nathan Mitchell as Joseph Smith, make flesh and blood people of Joseph Smith Jr. and Emma Hale who became his wife. There is a special feeling and beauty in seeing the restoration of the gospel told through the eyes of the woman who was called on to endure so much. This is a faith promoting experience that deeply touched me almost from the moment it started. The quality of the film matches that of the films produced and shown by the LDS Church (and that's saying a great deal), but has the advantage of a longer running time to explore and develop the love between Jospeh and Emma then could be done with limitations of a shorter running time. Gary Cook and T.C. Christensen have teamed up as directors and have been inspired to create a motion picture that I found to be truly inspiring! This is one of the finest films that I have ever experienced.

Naturally several aspects of the story of Founder Joseph Smith have been done by the Mormon cinema. This particular version of the story concentrates on his wife, his one and only wife as polygamy had not taken hold in the doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. You could in fact show a monogamous true love relationship between a man and a woman still in these early days of the LDS church.

The work of her husband Joseph Smith is seen through the eyes of his wife Emma Hale Smith who survived him by many years. Emma is played by Patricia Place in old age and by Katherine Nelson opposite Nathan Mitchell who appeared as Smith in many films. Against the background of Smith's work in growing the church he founded, a simple and poignant love story is told from the time they met to the time Joseph Smith went to Carthage, Illinois to his death as it turned out.

I think a lot of people can't quite wrap their minds around romance and LDS theology when they were polygamous. Polygamy was never meant to be permanent, it was a method of growing the church rapidly to be discarded when no longer needed. Or as it turned out in 1897 in order that Utah finally be admitted to the union.

As is usual with LDS films I've found they are meticulously accurate in portraying the times of the early church in the Jacksonian era. The players are sincere and committed to their roles and the story.

It's a good romance film as well and a lot more than LDS members can appreciate that.

I really wasn't planning on seeing this movie, because I haven't always been impressed with the movies about LDS subjects put out by others besides the LDS church. I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed the entire movie. It was done in such a way that it kept one's interest, and also showed the depth of feeling that Emma must have had in her life with Joseph Smith. I thought it revealed the anguish that she felt in his suffering and her compassion for Joseph and their children. It also showed the happiness and intimacy they shared as a married couple. It touched on all the important issues that would have affected Emma. I thought the polygamy issue was handled well, in that not a lot is known about what went on at the time, and many of the stories that have been told about Joseph and polygamy are untrue or exaggerated. In the movie, Emma did say that it was the hardest thing they had to deal with, and I imagine it was. I'm not sure anymore could be truthfully portrayed, considering the controversial nature of the subject. I loved the musical score -- especially how the old hymns were scored. The cinematography was professional. As a woman, I thought the movie an appropriate portrayal of a wife, daughter, mother, and woman of faith.

First off, it should be noted that this film was not made by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It is an independent film which was promoted by the Joseph Smith and Emma Hale Smith Historical Society. The producers did contact the church history department for some information, and were given special access to and permission to use historic materials and documents owned by the church, but that is as far as their influence extends. They also worked with descendants of Joseph and Emma, as a means of trying to understand the character of the people involved. Whether or not you are a member of the church, the movie portrays a touching story of love and faith, and serves as an excellent source of understanding for much of the early history of the Mormon movement.

Technically, the film is beautifully made. The director has a genuine gift for the craft of cinematography, and it is well demonstrated in the beautiful visuals seen in this movie. The costumes, locales and all the visual elements really allow the audience to get a feel for the times and places depicted. A special nod must be given to the writers as well. The development of the story is well thought out, and the highlights that were picked to depict the progression of events were well chosen. This could not have been easy given the scope of the material to cover, and much had to be left out for the sake of time.

I do feel, reading one of the reviews posted here that some criticism needs to be made. Inaccurate rumors, slanders, incomplete or out of context information, and outright lies have long been the fate of Joseph Smith and the Mormons. That type of commentary is not a review of the movie or its merits. This movie does not claim to depict everything that occurred, nor to take sides on the divisive issues. One of the film's producers put it this way, "The film doesn't attempt to treat every aspect of early LDS history in a technically accurate way, he said, including scenes where Joseph Smith is translating the Book of Mormon. "We're looking to portray Emma's role in those events, her beliefs and convictions," rather than tackling "certain issues that just are too complicated to present in a film format." (Mike Kennedy) I believe that this film succeeds in this goal. While Emma remained behind when the main body of the church left Nauvoo, to her dying day she defended Joseph and expressed her love and affection for him.

The issue of plural marriage was a difficult and divisive issue then as now, and Emma said very little on the subject. She eventually became a member of the Reorganized Church,(now known as the Community of Christ) and spent the rest of her life in Nauvoo, where she is buried next to Joseph in the family cemetery.

One of the most important things that this film does, is open a window on the personality and character of these two highly influential and amazing people. It does not matter whether or not you believe in the doctrinal issues of the Mormon faith, you get to see some of the reasons for what they did, and you get to see Emma and Joseph as individuals who lived and breathed and laughed and cried, and loved each other, and not as untouchable names in a history book.

This movie only portrays certain historical facts that support the Mormon Church's version of certain events that took place during Emma Smith's life. However, as is always the case with the official Mormon Church's "party line" regarding dealings with its own history, the film ignores huge gaping parts of the Emma's story that shed a negative light on Joseph Smith. The result of this is that the film is just another piece of Mormon propaganda that is being foisted as truth. It candy-coats Joseph's life.

The film entirely ignores the fact that Joseph Smith was "marrying" and having sex with girls as young as 15years old. Emma never was reconciled with his shenanigans, and the only reason she did not divorce him was due to the fact that he threatened to kill her if she attempted to do so. She lived in terror and misery because of his violent and abusive nature, and when he was killed Emma was actually relieved to be released from her horrifying marriage to this monster. This is not shown in the film.

So, instead of being shown in public movie theaters, this movie ought to be shown instead in Mormon temple visitors centers, since it is yet another example of the Mormon Church's typical biased and erroneous treatment of its own history. I regret I cannot give this film less than one star rating. Far from being "inspirational" (as some other reviewers here have claimed), this film is a wretched piece of cultish propaganda.

From start to finish I was enthralled by this film as I think the audience about me was also. Few left as the closing titles appeared - most stayed to savor the beautiful music of Merrill Jensen and allow their inner feelings to be pondered in their hearts for a few moments longer. I have been somewhat interested and acquainted with Emma's story most all my life, my surname sharing her maiden name and my great, great, and great, great, great grandparents being personally friends with her and her husband, Joseph. I brought to this film a lifetime of inquiring into the subject and came away richly rewarded with new insights into the lives of two who have contributed so much to human kind which extends beyond just their day but everlastingly to humanity. Bravo to the script, the directing, the "living" acting, the music and all the support elements that blend so well together in this film. And a special thanks to all the volunteer help that brought about this project. Bring to this film an open, inquiring mind, not looking for criticism and the harvest you'll reap will be great and pleasing to your soul.

Somewhere along the line, the makers of this movie forget that Emma Smith never "endured to the end." She left her church. She denied historical events within her church happened, where she was there as witness, and she later denied them.

She founded her own church, setting up her son as the President of that church.

She sold off historical materials from her husband's life and mission for money, rather than giving or selling them to the church that should have had them.

The movie does not depict her reaction to or participation in polygamy, as it would show what type of a shrew the woman really was.

To paraphrase an actual quote, Joseph Smith once told Brigham Young that he'd go to hell for Emma. Brigham's reply was something like "you'll probably have to." This was a horribly inaccurate movie from Emma's descendants. It is even less accurate than the "Work and the Glory" series and actually makes those awful movies seem watchable in comparison. Don't waste your time.

I believe I've viewed every film ever made in which Joseph Smith had a small or large part of its story--And I can say without reservation that EMMA SMITH: MY STORY is the best film I have seen in my life--I was moved as I've never been moved before!! This film is the most accurate account concerning the life of Joseph and Emma Smith made to date. Katherine Nelson who played Emma brought a crisp and refreshing real to life representation of this Elect Lady who won the heart of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Nathan Mitchell who played Joseph Smith captured Joseph's playful personality and loving nature as perhaps no other actor has ever done before. On a scale of 1 to 10, Emma Smith is a 20! Eternal Everlasting Kudos to any who had the smallest part in the making of this film.

"Emma Smith: My Story" was an excellent movie. It is very hard to find words to express how good it was. When I went to it, I learned a lot from it. I learned about a very strong woman that I didn't really know much about. I also learned of the truthfulness of Joseph Smith's teachings. He is the prophet of God, and this movie does a lot to point this out. I felt the Spirit touch my heart multiple times while watching the movie. I am going to go on a mission soon, and while watching this movie, I knew that what I was setting out to do was the right thing to do. By the end of the movie I felt my heart racing, and I had to muster all the strength I had to not cry.

As far as cinematics go, it's not that important with this movie. It was very well done for what it's purpose was. It's not the type of movie you look at the script and acting to judge quality, it's a movie that fulfills its purpose. The purpose of this movie was to do several things. One it was meant to tell the story of Emma Smith and all her struggles and to show her role in Joseph Smith's life, two it was to bring the Spirit into the hearts of those who watched it (assuming their hearts were opened), and three it was to further testify of the truthfulness of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It achieved all three of these purposes with flying colors!

The filing locations were excellent. The acting was way better than I thought it would be. But the script was surprisingly good. Best of all it is all true history of one of American history's greatest periods.