John Adams (HBO Miniseries)

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John Adams (HBO Miniseries)

Editorial Review

John Adams is a sprawling HBO miniseries event that depicts the extraordinary life and times of one of Americas least understood and most underestimated founding fathers: the second President of the United States John Adams. Starring Paul Giamatti (Sideways Cinderella Man HBOs American Spendor) in the title role and Laura Linney (You Can Count on Me Kinsey) as Adams devoted wife Abigail John Adams chronicles the extraordinary life journey of one of the primary shapers of our independence and government whose legacy has often been eclipsed by more flamboyant contemporaries like George Washington Thomas Jefferson Alexander Hamilton and Benjamin Franklin. Set against the backdrop of a nations stormy birth this sweeping miniseries is a moving love story a gripping narrative and a fascinating study of human nature. Above all at a time when the nation is increasingly polarized politically this story celebrates the shared values of liberty and freedom upon which this country was built.Running Time: 501 min.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: TELEVISION/SERIES & SEQUELS UPC: 883929020065 Manufacturer No: 1000038820

Based on David McCullough's bestselling biography, the HBO miniseries John Adams is the furthest thing from a starry-eyed look at America's founding fathers and the brutal path to independence. Adams (Paul Giamatti), second president of the United States, is portrayed as a skilled orator and principled attorney whose preference for justice over anti-English passions earns enemies. But he also gains the esteem of the first national government of the United States, i.e., the Continental Congress, which seeks non-firebrands capable of making a reasoned if powerful case for America's break from England's monarchy. The first thing one notices about John Adams' dramatizations of congress' proceedings, and the fervent pro-independence violence in the streets of Boston and elsewhere, is that America's roots don't look pretty or idealized here. Some horrendous things happen in the name of protest, driving Adams to push the cause of independence in a legitimate effort to get on with a revolutionary war under the command of George Washington. But the process isn't easy: not every one of the 13 colonies-turned-states is ready to incur the wrath of England, and behind-the-scenes negotiations prove as much a part of 18th century congressional sessions as they do today.

Besides this peek into a less-romanticized version of the past, John Adams is also a story of the man himself. Adams' frustration at being forgotten or overlooked at critical junctures of America's early development--sent abroad for years instead of helping to draft the U.S. constitution--is detailed. So is his dismay that the truth of what actually transpired leading to the signing of the Declaration of Independence has been slowly forgotten and replaced by a rosier myth. But above all, John Adams is the story of two key ties: Adams' 54-year marriage to Abigail Adams (Laura Linney), every bit her husband's intellectual equal and anchor, and his difficult, almost symbiotic relationship with Thomas Jefferson (Stephen Dillane) over decades. Giamatti, of course, has to carry much of the drama, and if he doesn't always seem quite believable in the series' first half, he becomes increasingly excellent at the point where an aging Adams becomes bitter over his place in history. Linney is marvelous, as is Dillane, Sarah Polley as daughter Nabby, Danny Huston as cousin Samuel Adams, and above all Tom Wilkinson as a complex but indispensable Ben Franklin. --Tom Keogh

Features:

• Box set
• Closed-captioned
• Color
• Dolby

Customer Reviews:

• Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
• Public School History Filled In
  I was a K-12 student with good attendance, who never fell asleep in class. Nevertheless, "John Adams" was a revelation for me. It's not just that it contains information about one person's life and career. The little known facts and stories around our 2nd president, as well as many of his contemporaries [Washington, Franklin, Jefferson, Hancock, etc] bring the birth of our nation to life. "John Adams" also debunks some of our nations 'cherry tree type' myths, while bringing the realities of real sacrifice... more info
• HBO Miniseries/ John Adams
  Wonderful production about a wonderful figure in History! I'm a school teacher who appreciates a way to make students excited about history with such multimedia productions!
• Why I love history
  I have always loved history because I realized pretty early that its not really about dates. Or at most, dates are a very small part of it. Its mainly about real flesh and blood people. I just recently watched this and absolutely loved it. I'm a huge fan of David McCullough's writings. This does his book proud. I did hear that 1776 is in the works. It'll be great and I can't wait.
• Makes You Love Your Love! Who Would Have Guessed?
  The history shows the weak early nation. I am limited on history, but it was enjoyable to watch. The characters are not idealized so they were able to be enjoyed more.
  What hit me most was the immense love of Adams and spouse, and this was acted so beautifully, it was almost something that leaked a tear. These are top actors. Thank you for sharing your gift.

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