Wow. That is one of the saddest things that I have ever seen. Now I am sure that Hollywood being Hollywood there was some poetic license taken, but looking at the history books you can see for yourself that they hit a lot of the solid information, and there are many things that none of us could know anyway, not having been there. Poetic license aside, this was one of the most powerful and moving shows that I had seen in a long time.
I don't think it's a spoiler if I tell you in the end so many lost so much, because it's a well known event in history, but it was incredibly sad to watch.
Ratings wise, there's some partial nudity, though not much of that, and the sex is implied (not seen), though since there are plenty of children on both sides and a child out of wedlock, the results are seen, and I did forget there are quite a few scenes set in a brothel, where it isn't seen, but is pretty obvious. There is a ton of blood, gore, cussing, and other vulgar or suggestive language.
If you are an adult who is interested in American history and you want to have an amazing dramatic picture of the events of that time, I would highly recommend this movie. I do not know how accurate the historical details are, and I'm not planning to research them that closely at this time, but I do know it was a very powerful movie.
The whole movie has many themes and lessons throughout, but one of the biggest that really stuck with me was forgiveness. These families hardened their hearts against each other and refused to forgive any slight, real or projected, and it caused heartache and heartbreak for not just them, but many of those around them. Their own children were dying around them, and it didn't seem to be enough to make them stop.
Kevin Costner is and always has been a dynamic actor, full of passion and fire in any role that he plays. He stepped into the boots of Devil Anse Hatfield perfectly. What a talent he has for playing a complicated role. There were times when he was mean, and downright evil, and there were times when he was wise, and even compassionate. He's a heck of horseman too.
Bill Paxton did an excellent job as Randall McCoy as well. He played a bitter, hard hearted man most of the time, but there were times of softness and compassion in him as well. I hurt for him as he lost everyone in his life, one by one. I felt helpless for him when he finally tried to do the right thing, but was powerless in the face of the evil that had taken over.
Tom Berenger has been one of my favorite actors for years. I think he's an awesome actor and I've loved so many of his movies throughout time. When he can he make me hate him in the skin of the character that he's playing, I call that a very good portrayal of the man Jim Vance was said to be.
I don't know the actor who played Perry Cline, but if the real man was anything like the role in the movie, he was a slimy lizard who oozed oil from his boots as he slithered by. The actor who played Bad Frank has also won a space in my bad guys for life line up. I'd have a hard time seeing him as the good guy.
Bottom line, I both loved and hated this series. It was so powerful and very well done, but it was so sad and heartbreaking at the same time. I don't believe we will be letting our children watch it anytime soon. The history itself is an important part of our country, but the dying children, bloody people, burning houses, and other things are just too much for them right now. I don't want them going to sleep with pictures like that in their heads! There is a time when they will be old enough to understand and watch with us, but there are still parts that I just don't think need to be seen, like one in particular with Bad Frank where you can't see him, but you can hear him, and it is very, very obvious exactly what is going on.
If you like American History and you want to see an excellent cast in well written roles, this is a great mini series. If you don't mind violence and some other things if it leads to a well played movie, you're still doing good. If violence or crudity or insinuations bother you, then you will probably have some problems with this movie.
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