Sorry, I'm posting on this thread months later, but I only watched the film the other day, after chancing upon it when I was scrolling through the Disney channel looking for something to watch on a free evening.
I absolutely loved it. I was fascinated by the story of Ann Lee; and had to look up the Shakers afterwards. I knew a fair bit about the Quakers historically, who were very against singing & dancing; so it's interesting to see how the Shakers practiced worship in an almost totally opposite way. Funnily enough, I'm celibate, a conscious choice for mostly spiritual reasons, but like Ann Lee, I've always been a bit repulsed by carnality, and it was a revelation when I realised I'm allowed to opt out, and I find it hugely empowering as a woman; so I was intrigued by Ann Lee's steadfast dedication to abstinence. I felt she was portrayed extremely well; and I felt hugely sympathetic to her, especially her maternal grief 😔 Poor woman had so much loss.
I didn't actually realise it was a musical till afterwards 🤠I thought the film was just portraying that the Shakers sang & danced their way through life! I found the musical scores and accompanying dance a bit of a trip! Mesmerising.
I've never seen a film like it before. I highly recommend it, especially to people with a religious or spiritual background, or those interested in ecclesiastical history, and female spiritual leadership.
The Shakers were a force for good - a belief in the equality of men & women, way ahead of their time. Strongly opposed to racism & slavery, hard workers & devout pacifists, at a time of so much war. Such good people, and it's sad there are so few left.
If you haven't watched this film, and the subject matter interests you, and you like music, I strongly recommend it.