Well, What do you FReeper's now think of the mini-series, John Adams, on HBO? (Vanity)

http://www.hbo.com/films/johnadams/?ntrack_para1=feat_main_image ^ | 04/17/08 | mkleesma

[mkleesma]

I don't know about you, but I'm amazed - amazed at the courage, fortitude and strength of our Founding Fathers. They put their lives on the line for an untested and abstract concept called America, not knowing if it would succeed or fail. We owe them everything. Sometimes I think we have squandered our inheritance. What are your thoughts?

[Prophet in the wilderness]

It’s ok so far.

[dalebert]

I thought John mumbled too much. I would like to see someone produce a show where our founding fathers came back and had to deal with Democrat leaders of the house and senate.

[llandres]

I think it’s an amazing, God-blessed opportunity that our founding fathers passed down to us and we owe them everything to preserve, protect and defend this noble endeavor.

[o_zarkman44]

I think “John Adams” is a great series. I am not a scholar so I don’t know if the history of the story line is factual in part or whole. But people back in the day were not afraid to voice their opinion.
And people were humbled at the opportunity to serve their nation.
They did their job to the best of their ability for the better of the nation. Public service was not a career for most.
Quite a contrast to the inflated bigots who are our elected government today.

[Prophet in the wilderness]

As David McCullough , rightfully so, put it , it was a miracle in how things turned out and our nation was formed, or should I say forged.

[NonValueAdded]

ping for a ping

[Roklok]

I think the politicians today pale in comparison to the founding fathers, and most are an insult to their great accomplishment.

With the mentality of most of the citizens today George Washington or Thomas Jefferson would not make it to first base. They where not great orators and did not have a slick line like today’s breed of politician, many of which are snake oil salesmen.

[RightOnline]

It’s nothing short of outstanding. If any of you haven’t seen it........do so. I don’t care how you do it; DO it.

[Prophet in the wilderness]

I had always wanted a miniseries to come out like this, but, more as a or in depth in how our nation was founded, and the Revolutionary War with more of George Washington. However, this miniseries is fine.

[norraad]

..also check out some of the late night spoofs of same, Craig Fergo’s great!

[rednesss]

I read the book several years ago. And was amazed that I had never really learned anything about John Adams in all of my history classes. He made it possible for us to become a country, mainly by securing financing from the Dutch. Before that there wasn’t two nickels to rub together.

[AUsome Joy]

They are doing a great job with this miniseries. I read the book and really enjoyed it. Now family members that didn’t read it are watching the movie and learning so much. Did anyone see “The Making of John Adams”? It was really interesting how many of the backdrops were computer graphics.

After I read the book, I had the opportunity to go to Quincy to see the house that John and Abigail lived in when they died and the library that was next to the house. It is so amazing how many books he read and how many of them in the original languages. What an amazing man!

[Prophet in the wilderness]

I think Tom Hanks and David McCullough wanted to show the human side of our founding fathers and wanted to show how much they were like us today.

[LibFreeOrDie]

“The Adams Chronicles” (1976, PBS) will be out on DVD in May. I thought it was pretty good at the time.

http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Adams-Chronicles-DVD-Announcement/9001

[G Larry]

I think I’d rather wait until it comes out on DVD than subscribe to the Bill Mahr network!

[dalebert]

Yes, and I like the series but John mumbled too much

[mkleesma]

Then read David McCullough’s book!

[Ditto]

I think it is great. I read the book years ago, and the script has stayed true to it.

I'd imagine that those who haven't read the book or who don't know the history are missing much of the sub-context. But I can understand that in producing a dramatic film they simply do not have the luxury of devoting time to all the details and that drove the action. Script writing is all about turning chapters into a few sentences.

I have read some reviews (including Freepers here) criticizing the actor who played Adams. I don't know squat about acting and I don't have a clue who the actor is, and it really makes no difference to me. I do know my history, however, and watching the film, the guy in my opinion has captured the character and personality of John Adams.

I think the film has been excellent from both a dramatic and historical standpoint. But I would still recommend that people who are really interested should read David McCullough's book to really understand both John Adams and the people of that period.

No film can accomplish what a well written book can and on history, and on writing history, McCullough is the best.

Bottom line is that I think it is great, but it isn't a substitute to reading history.

[mkleesma]

OK then, how about great quotes! My favorite, from Thomas Jefferson:
“The tree of liberty must be refreshed from
time to time, with the blood of patriots and tyrants.”

Perfect.