I've heard about Jane in historical accounts in regards to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-
Day Saints so this video piqued my interest. Read my review and enter the giveaway below...
Jane and EmmaDirector: Chantelle Squires
Cast: Danielle Deadwyler, Emily Goss, Brad Schmidt
Rating: PG
DVD & CD, 1 hour 34 minutesRating: PG
March 12th 2019 by Excel Entertainment
JANE & EMMA is based on the life of Sister Jane Manning, one of the first black Mormons. She returns to Nauvoo to find that Joseph Smith, her prophet and friend, has been assassinated. Jane spends a ceaseless night with his widow, Emma Smith, sitting watch over the body of the prophet as a whirlwind of loss and confusion leaves them wondering how either one of them will be able to move forward. Through the long night, Jane wonders if the prophet’s promise to extend the blessings of eternity to her has died along with him. The film explores the possible events of that night, including Jane’s endeavor to remain amongst the Mormon people and Emma’s struggle to cope with her heartbreaking loss. Poignant issues of racism and polygamy threaten to break their bond of friendship. In the end, will Jane and Emma have the courage to follow the path each believes they must take?
JANE AND EMMA is a beautiful, heart-wrenching story about the relationship between Emma Smith (wife to Joseph Smith) and Jane Manning (a free black). From the first scene, the film catches viewers' attention, and then the history between these two women unfold through glimpses of the past as Jane stays with Emma after the assassination of Joseph. A film that touches the heart and brings to light this poignant relationship.
I usually have a somewhat low level of expectation for most independent films. However, I felt the quality of the acting and cinematography was fantastic. I particularly loved the actress who played Jane. She filled the role well and portrayed the historical era as well as her struggles and hopes in a way that came across as authentic and genuine. Some of the subject matter was heart-wrenching, but I thought it was all handled in such a way that the messages and issues were conveyed without being too descriptive or crude. It is a darker story as the subject matter is more heavy. Some parts come off as overly dramatized, such as Emma dealing with the loss of her husband (she comes off a little crazy and completely lost in grief). I appreciated the end credits with some additional historical facts, but I would have liked more facts in the story and less fiction. Overall, I still thought that it was well done.
In the end, was it what I wished for? I really enjoyed this and would recommend it to those who want to know more about this relationship (although many parts are fictional).
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from a publicist, which did not require a positive review nor affect it in any way.
Summary
JANE & EMMA is based on the life of Sister Jane Manning, one of the first black Mormons. She returns to Nauvoo to find that Joseph Smith, her prophet and friend, has been assassinated. Jane spends a ceaseless night with his widow, Emma Smith, sitting watch over the body of the prophet as a whirlwind of loss and confusion leaves them wondering how either one of them will be able to move forward. Through the long night, Jane wonders if the prophet’s promise to extend the blessings of eternity to her has died along with him. The film explores the possible events of that night, including Jane’s endeavor to remain amongst the Mormon people and Emma’s struggle to cope with her heartbreaking loss. Poignant issues of racism and polygamy threaten to break their bond of friendship. In the end, will Jane and Emma have the courage to follow the path each believes they must take?
My Review
JANE AND EMMA is a beautiful, heart-wrenching story about the relationship between Emma Smith (wife to Joseph Smith) and Jane Manning (a free black). From the first scene, the film catches viewers' attention, and then the history between these two women unfold through glimpses of the past as Jane stays with Emma after the assassination of Joseph. A film that touches the heart and brings to light this poignant relationship.
I usually have a somewhat low level of expectation for most independent films. However, I felt the quality of the acting and cinematography was fantastic. I particularly loved the actress who played Jane. She filled the role well and portrayed the historical era as well as her struggles and hopes in a way that came across as authentic and genuine. Some of the subject matter was heart-wrenching, but I thought it was all handled in such a way that the messages and issues were conveyed without being too descriptive or crude. It is a darker story as the subject matter is more heavy. Some parts come off as overly dramatized, such as Emma dealing with the loss of her husband (she comes off a little crazy and completely lost in grief). I appreciated the end credits with some additional historical facts, but I would have liked more facts in the story and less fiction. Overall, I still thought that it was well done.
In the end, was it what I wished for? I really enjoyed this and would recommend it to those who want to know more about this relationship (although many parts are fictional).
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from a publicist, which did not require a positive review nor affect it in any way.
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