John Adams (HBO Miniseries)
starring: Paul Giamatti, Laura Linney
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Product Description:
Studio: Hbo Home VideoRelease Date: 06/10/2008Run time: 501 minutesRating: Pg
Amazon.com:
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
Studio: Hbo Home VideoRelease Date: 06/10/2008Run time: 501 minutesRating: Pg
Amazon.com:
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
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Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: 
- John Adams DVD
I never realized what an important figure John Adams was in the birth of our country until I viewed this DVD.This film definitely showed John's contributions to our American history.I recommend this to anyone, especially those who love historical personalities.The music score was excellent.Highly recommended.Prepare to be enlightened.
Rating: - "John Adams" Miniseries
John Adams (HBO Miniseries)
If you enjoy American History and some good acting, I would recommend this DVD collection.I was fortunate to visit the John Adams historic site in Massachusetts, and the series is quite accurate.It's an inspiring and encouraging story that will lead you to think about the personal struggles and ideals of those who attended the birth of our country.A well-done film.
Rating: - John Adams
Excellant performances.I'm so glad I purchased this DVD. I have watched it several times.
Rating: - John Adams
This miniseries is true to it's period, each character is rich and truthful beyound means.I found Franklin to be exceptional since I have also read his biography.I also read the book.It is a must see.
Terry
Rating: - Revolution addict
This series is not a history class snoozer. I enjoyed watching history unfold and finally understanding how the Constitution was enacted.If John Adams could see what is happening in our country today he would be appalled.We can only thank Darwin and the far left Democrats for it.
- John Adams DVDI never realized what an important figure John Adams was in the birth of our country until I viewed this DVD.This film definitely showed John's contributions to our American history.I recommend this to anyone, especially those who love historical personalities.The music score was excellent.Highly recommended.Prepare to be enlightened.
- "John Adams" MiniseriesJohn Adams (HBO Miniseries)
If you enjoy American History and some good acting, I would recommend this DVD collection.I was fortunate to visit the John Adams historic site in Massachusetts, and the series is quite accurate.It's an inspiring and encouraging story that will lead you to think about the personal struggles and ideals of those who attended the birth of our country.A well-done film.
- John AdamsExcellant performances.I'm so glad I purchased this DVD. I have watched it several times.
- John AdamsThis miniseries is true to it's period, each character is rich and truthful beyound means.I found Franklin to be exceptional since I have also read his biography.I also read the book.It is a must see.
Terry
- Revolution addictThis series is not a history class snoozer. I enjoyed watching history unfold and finally understanding how the Constitution was enacted.If John Adams could see what is happening in our country today he would be appalled.We can only thank Darwin and the far left Democrats for it.
