John Adams (HBO Miniseries)
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 From an early America historian Since I am working on a Masters degree with a focus on early America, specifically the revolutionary years and the early republic, I found the series to do a comendable job of portraying the life of Adams. David McCullough is a first rate writer and his obvious respect for the darker side of the revolutionary period is nice to see. The process of American freedom was complicated and far less heroic then your basic elementary school unit would like to suggest. Our founding generation had the same human faults we see in ourselves. In my own research, I am often asked how I think the founding generation would react to the America of today. The honest answer is that they would not know any better than we do. They were an extraordinary group of men, but they were so in their time and place. Our modern world would be completely foreign to them. However, I think that Adams would be pleased the way this depiction of the history of the revolution exposes his weaknesses along with his strengths. We must appreciate where we have come from, but remember that each generation is a unique human creation. I would recommend this as a good place to start for those of you who would like to know more about the early history of the United States.  Five Stars In my opinion there are only two current American actors in cinema today that can be described as genius. One is Phillip Seymour Hoffman and the other is Paul Giamatti. For a rebirth in faith in our country and the people who suffered greatly for it one only needs to sit through this amazing series and let it allow you to realize how lucky we are to have the freedoms we unfortunately take for granted on a daily basis. Giamatti is like nothing I've ever seen before. I can only say that if one sits through this entire series and doesn't feel some sense of patriotism then they simply are not alive. A POWERFUL LOOK AT THE LIFE OF ONE OF THE FOUNDING FATHERS! Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning biography by David McCullough, "John Adams" takes an in-depth look at the life of the title character, and his role in the first fifty years of the United States. From his time as a Boston lawyer, to his death on the Fiftieth Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the life of John Adams and his wife, Abigail, are told with powerful drama and epic sweep. While the story itself is a bit slow at times (the film could definitely have used some additional music than was there), it is overall very powerful, with dramatic renditions of the events that shaped our nation. Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney both give brilliant performances as John and Abigail Adams, piercing the soul of these dynamic characters. Tom Wilkinson is fascinating as Benjamin Franklin, while Stephen Dillane does a fine job as Thomas Jefferson. But the best supporting role is David Morse, who is surprisingly effective as George Washington, portraying him with great humility, along with occasional bouts of anger, in a performance that is deserving of an Emmy. Sarah Polley, Rufus Sewell and Danny Huston also give strong performances. "John Adams" is a remarkable miniseries that sheds light on one of the most fascinating characters of the American Revolution. Historians and non-historians alike will find much to enjoy in this epic look at one of the men who played a large role in the birth of our country. Program/DVD Grade: A Transported I am completely transported back in time trough this series. To "see" Washington, Jefferson and Adams together in a room is thrilling. It has made me even more appreciative of the sacrifices and brilliance that these men with great foresight had. We are truly blessed that THEY were the ones who formed our union and that Lincoln perserved it. I only wish it were possible for them to come back see what has happened to their Republic . As Benjamin Franklin said of our republic ..." if you can keep it". | |||||||||||||
