John Adams

I feel that the John Adams mini-series is the best drama that HBO has ever produced. The realism of life in the American colonies bursts forth in the first episode of the series, and much attention was given to even the smallest detail. The costumes are superb, and technical crew did a fine job with s studio scenery. The outdoor camera work is excellent, and the storyline stays true to its historical relevance. However, I feel that the best thing about this production is the casting. Each actor is perfect for their perspective roles. David Morse brings General George Washington to life in a most impressive manner and Paul Giamatti's performance in the lead role is absolutely impeccable. Kudos to Tom Hooper for his direction and dramatic effect, as this is film at its very finest. Another noteworthy performance is Laura Linney in the role of Abigail Adams. I have purchased the mini-series and will watch it again and again .. to remind myself of the obstacles that our forefathers had to overcome in order to successfully form the only nation ever founded upon the principles of God-given rights and individual liberty, not as a true democracy, but as a constitutional representative republic (assisted by Divine Providence).

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!

In the film industry we have seen many exceptional productions, made so by incredible special effects, animation processes, Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) and the like.

Seldom we find this same quality in the performance from the individual actors. More often we do recognize the difficulty, uniqueness and the gift that theater performances bring to their audiences. The gift of the individual performer is bared to the audience, where the audience feels the essence of the character transported by its performer.

The John Adams production has accomplished this by giving these performers the opportunity to display the essence of their talents. It is evident they gave their all.

The professionalism and talent of the entire production is of the highest quality, the realism and fidelity to the times is very impressive.

The attention to details, the very talented cast and the unique ability of Tom Hooper to capture what words cannot describe, has made this production a true work of art.

Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney professional eclectic careers are and will continue to define them as great actors. Both have reached for the best performance have not only achieved it but have surpassed it.

Paul and Laura do not only deserve the Oscar but they should be recognized has to have given their all, in an effort to help the audience better understand the complex multi-dimensional and existential realities of two historical individuals that have truly shaped the genesis and future the United States of America.

Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney have with their performance added the unique and the exceptional to an already fine production.

A truly multi-dimensional performance. Thank you Paul - thank you Laura for a rare gift.

As fine a political documentary as I have ever seen! Understated, yet amazing in its depth. Even the exhilarating music portends the events to come. A must see for those interested in how the nation they live in came to be. This film may upset some with its frankness of the times in which the characters lived, that said, I applaud that very frankness that allows us to see the people that supported and opposed our becoming a nation. A very "well done" to all those involved with the making of this ode to a time long gone. May we as a nation once more learn the lessons that came to be so well known by the majority of our "Founding Fathers"... AND Mothers.

For this here 4th of July week I felt compelled to revisit the highly acclaimed HBO mini-series, John Adams. Few and far between are quality theatrical depictions of the American Revolutionary War era, and this is by far my favorite. Set between the years of 1770 & 1826, we follow the Massachusetts man of law turned founding father, John Adams (brilliantly portrayed by Paul Giamatti) as he swerves his way through politics and war, at home and abroad. The excellence of filmmaking here is noteworthy, as directed by Tom Hooper (a Brit might I add) who forgoes the sentimental romanticism of days-gone-by we Americans have become accustom to seeing in movies, and instead delivers a grittier, nuanced tale, of an imperfect time and an imperfect people for which our reverence still stands, deservedly so. And if you're looking for all the vintage hitters; the Jefferson, the Franklin, the Washington, they are each portrayed here with texture and competence, but its John and Abigail Adams that command our attention. For Adams was a firebrand human, stubborn, yet ingenious, essential in bringing together 13 disparate colonies as one union of states. Adams is a legend and fittingly so, for he like many brave Americans endeavored to set us on a path toward irrevocable freedom and independence in the face of ancient imperial subjugation, riding a wave of liberty once so precious and rare. And we are still riding that wave of liberty to this day. We are still endeavoring toward a freedom for all. 9/10