Watch American Prophet: The Story of Joseph Smith

American Prophet: The Story of Joseph Smith is a 1999 independent film that chronicles the life and legacy of the founder of the Latter-day Saint movement. Written and directed by Academy Award-winner Lee Groberg, the film is a biographical docudrama that blends archival footage, interviews with historians and scholars, and dramatic reenactments to tell the story of Joseph Smith from his childhood through his death at age 38.

The film begins by introducing Joseph Smith as a young boy growing up in Palmyra, New York, in the early 1800s. He is portrayed as a curious and contemplative child who, from an early age, has a strong sense of spiritual yearning. As the story unfolds, we see how Joseph's quest for religious truth leads him to have a series of profound religious experiences, including a vision in which he sees both God the Father and Jesus Christ. These experiences set Joseph on a path of deep personal faith that eventually leads him to found the Latter-day Saint movement.

Throughout the film, we learn about the early days of the movement, including Joseph's translation of the Book of Mormon and the establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We also see how Joseph's teachings and practices were met with skepticism and opposition from many quarters, including religious leaders, government officials, and ordinary citizens who were suspicious of the new movement.

Despite these challenges, Joseph remained committed to his mission, and his influence continued to grow. The film depicts his leadership of the Church through the turbulent times of the early 1830s, including the expulsion of the Saints from Missouri and their resettlement in Nauvoo, Illinois. We see how Joseph's charismatic leadership, combined with his gifts as a preacher and prophet, inspired a new generation of believers and brought hope to many who had been marginalized or oppressed.

Perhaps the most powerful aspect of American Prophet is the way it shows the personal struggles and sacrifices that Joseph Smith experienced throughout his life. We see how he faced repeated persecution, including arrest and imprisonment, as well as personal tragedy, including the death of his own children. Despite all of these trials, however, Joseph remained undaunted in his faith and his commitment to his vision.

The cast of the film is largely made up of unknown actors and actresses, although Eric Artell turns in a particularly strong performance as Joseph Smith. In addition to the dramatic reenactments, the film features interviews with historians and scholars who provide context and analysis of the events depicted on screen. These interviews help to deepen the viewer's understanding of the historical background of the film and the significance of the events it portrays.

Overall, American Prophet is a well-crafted and engrossing film that offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of the most important religious figures of the 19th century. While it may not be of interest to everyone, it is sure to appeal to those with an interest in history, religion, or American culture. For anyone curious about the life and legacy of Joseph Smith, this film is a must-see.

American Prophet: The Story of Joseph Smith is a 1999 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 56 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.