Rating: - Work of Genius and Depiction of Historical Events Regarding our Founding Fathers
Although the miniseries title and episodes focus on the life of John Adams, the strength of the film lies in the exceptional ensemble cast. It was impressive to see such giants as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin, as well as the lesser known individuals, truly inhabited by the actors.
The challenge of the series was to breathe life into those stories and lives we know so well. The filmmakers worked closely to David McCullough's outstanding book for the details, along with the human side of the story captured in the voluminous correspondence of John and Abigail Adams. The political, military, and personal issues were all thoughtfully brought to life. The design values of the film were also superb. Nothing looked stagy or stilted in the sets and costumes, which provided an unusual authenticity of period style for television drama. With each appearance of George Washington (David Morse), it was hard not to gasp due to the believability of his character.
The drama of America's breaking from England for independence was an improbable story and one dependent on the courage and idealism of the individuals portrayed in this film. The personalities of these great figures make this program an accessible and rewarding experience for the entire family. For the patient viewer, what emerges from the John Adams miniseries is not merely a history lesson, but a drama with great relevance today. Simply put, we need more people in our country right now just like John and Abigail Adams, Jefferson, Franklin, Washington, Knox, and, above all, the ordinary human beings heroically portrayed in this fine film!
Rating: - Wonderful re-focus on what really matters
The miniseries set my wife and I to thinking; how do the current candidates, and their superfluous, pandering rhetoric, measure up to the sacrifice and leadership of the Founding Fathers? What we hear from our candidates today is pandering tripe. This series puts today's dumb-downed politicians in stark constrast to Adams and the other Revolutionaries who risked everything on behalf of real principles. What a notion that is in this day and age. Watch this miniseries if you like an excellent story, and to remind yourself why we are whom we are.
Rating: - Outstanding presentation a truly incredible story
My wife and I have loved David McCullough's books "John Adams" and "1776" for years. The script, acting, photography, costumes and sets in this presentation do a truly wonderful job of bringing this wonderful epic in American history to life. By the end of the 3-DVDs you really feel like you know and empathize with all of the individuals portrayed. We also enjoyed the add-on segment on David McCullough's life as a historian and writer very much. We will treasure this movie for years to come.
Rating: - John Adams
Excellent historical drama. Should be required viewing for all students in elementary, middle and high school. Wonderful performances by all involved.
Rating: - Extraordinary reenactment of history
I was overwhelmed by this film. I expected to like it but it exceeded my expectations. The book was outstanding and I think the film outdid the book. The casting was perfect, the characterizations were great, the scenes were believable. Ben Franklin in Paris was unforgetable.
- Work of Genius and Depiction of Historical Events Regarding our Founding Fathers
- John Adams