Is Brigham Young: The Modern Prophets Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2000)
At age sixteen, Brigham Young was sent from his home, tools in hand, to become a craftsman. Years later, Joseph Smith helped provide spiritual tools necessary for his life ahead. Brigham rose above the turmoil of Joseph's martyrdom to lead the Saints to the safety of the West. As the second prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he moved populations, formed armies, built cities and temples, and nurtured the growth of the Church. Enduring to the end, Brigham truly was the "Lion of the Lord" and was greeted again by the Prophet Joseph Smith, as he passed through the veil.
✨ The Quick Verdict
If you are a fan of Documentary, Family cinema, then Brigham Young: The Modern Prophets offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2000 landscape.
👥 Target Audience
📔 Detailed Analysis
The Narrative Arc & Core Premise
Brigham Young: The Modern Prophets, a standout production of 2000, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Documentary, Family landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into At age sixteen, Brigham Young was sent from his home, tools in hand, to become a craftsman. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary, Family are tested.
The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "At age sixteen, Brigham Young was sent from his home, tools in hand, to become a craftsman. Years later, Joseph Smith helped provide spiritual tools necessary for his life ahead. Brigham rose above the turmoil of Joseph's martyrdom to lead the Saints to the safety of the West. As the second prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he moved populations, formed armies, built cities and temples, and nurtured the growth of the Church. Enduring to the end, Brigham truly was the "Lion of the Lord" and was greeted again by the Prophet Joseph Smith, as he passed through the veil."
Artistic Execution & Performance Study
A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Dan W. Thomas does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.
The direction by the visionary director is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 89 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.
Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch
Is Brigham Young: The Modern Prophets truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, Family, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.
The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.
Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision
At a deeper level, Brigham Young: The Modern Prophets explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2000 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and the visionary director respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.
The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.
Final Editorial Recommendation
Ultimately, Brigham Young: The Modern Prophets is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Dan W. Thomas or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Brigham Young: The Modern Prophets is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.
⏳ Time Investment
At approximately 1.5 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.