The Mountain Minor

We enjoyed the story and a time way back then told in an easy flow of life, conversation, and music.

Reviewers either raved or despised this tale of family roots in the backwoods of Kentucky. Spanning generations of musicians - farmers - blue collar workers all held together by their love of "mountain music" and kindred spirit. A good picture of depression era living and leaving to go the big city for a better living. Yes, LOTS of Bluegrass fiddling, old time songs and country ways. Very good original musical performances. Beautiful scenery. Yes, the acting was very basic and not "professional". The performers never pretended to be. If the viewer closes out the urban noise, then one can travel* into another time and space. I would guess that most of us, if we look back into our pasts and family histories we could tell similar tales. *warning: no special effects here.

The wonderful mountain music is highlighted by the scenery and beauty of Appalachia, and the importance of family tradition. Charlie's fiddle may be the 'MacGuffin' that drives the story of the Abner family forward, but in many ways the music IS the story. Hop in the back of the pick-up, and let this multi-talented cast take you on a nostalgic trip down that ole dirt road. You can't help but tap your foot along the way.

As others have said, no pyrotechnics, car chases, blood, sex scenes, etc. I loved watching the movie. I'm on west coast and we don't have fireflies (lightning bugs) and memorable scene with Charlie playing at dusk and there were fireflies in the background. Not even Disney or Marvel has that. From the bare feet to the way everyone treated each other, dealt with death of a child, literate mom, illiterate dad, etc. . . All of it from a simpler / harder time. IMO, you have to be a grown up to appreciate the movie.

This movie is a sweet homage to a lost way of life that was not idyllic but it had its good points. This movie celebrates the music that brought the people together as they lived their lives in the beautiful, hard Appalachian hollows. Yes it's kind of slow but just sit back and listen and watch. Enjoy the slow pace.