| Overall Grade: |
A+ |
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| Story: |
A+ |
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| Acting: |
A+ |
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| Direction: |
A+ |
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| Visuals: |
A+ |
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I live at the MO-KS border - Take it from me: A+
by Bruce (movies profile)
Jan 29, 2005
I live in the region where this story takes place. It is unique in all the world and the history of the Missouri-Kansas Border War is even more so. Take it from me, this movie does an A+ job of ACCURATELY portraying this conflict, and the "War Between The States" in general.
So many people misunderstand this movie. Perhaps we're just so "unique" (I'm putting that nicely) that we can't be understood by outsiders easily. For certain, studio execs and "professional movie critics" [sic] don't understand. I've read a lot of reviews about this movie... Some favorable, some not so... But none I've found seemed to get it 100% right.
I've studied this area's history extensively. Especially concerning the so-called "Civil War."
(Did you know that the "official name" of the conflict used by the U.S. Federal gov't has changed three times? At the time, it was the "War of the Rebellion" - Then later became "The War Between the States" - and lastly changed to the "US Civil War" - But none are as accurate as what we southerners call it: "The War of Northern Aggression." And the fact that the victors keep manipulating the name of the conflict should give you a clue as to the extent that they've manipulated the "history" of the war. I wouldn't be surprised to see the official name changed to "Operation Negro Freedom" in the near future!)
All this being said, it is no surprise that it took a complete "outsider" - a non-American (Ang Lee) to bring such impartial accuracy to this film. While I could nit-pick a few minor items, I won't, because this movie is perhaps the most accurate portrayal of the period made up to the time of its release. (Gods and Generals, filmed years later, is perhaps the most accurate to date.)
But to the average viewer, what does all this matter? I'll tell you: It is entertaining. It is longer than average. And it can be "slow" compared to the edge-of-your-seat action-adventure commercial garbage that is the norm these days. But don't let that stop you from owning this movie. It is a masterpiece of the genre, even if some nitwit reviewers didn't have the capacity to comprehend the genius of it.
And more than that, it tells a story that desperately needed telling. No other movie to date has covered the Border War from a fair perspective. (Though I've read some argue that Clint Eastwood's "The Outlaw Josey Wales" did so, but that movie was much more action-oriented shoot'um-up fiction than fact.) If you are looking for a truly fair, balanced perspective on the subject, that entertains as it educates, you must have this movie.
Here's my breakdown of the Yahoo! detailed ratings:
Story: A+ It is a great story, with characters that are unique and interesting that you grow to care about.
Acting: A+ For outsiders, it is hard to get the Missouri region's accent right (especially as it was back in the 1860's). All characters were very convincing. (Including rock-star/actress Jewel (Kilcher) - whom a few reviewers have picked on unfairly.) The actors even endured a 3-week "boot camp" on what life was like in the period, and how to accurately portray it.
Direction: A+ I can't say enough good things about Ang Lee and the work he and his crew did on this movie. They really "take you there."
Visuals: A+ Compelling and very accurate. A breakthrough for it's time.
Overall: A+ While I won't say this is the best movie ever made, its close enough, and a must-own for your collection. Far better than most other movies you'll find rated A+ online.
And here's a couple of additional ratings that aren't part of the usual Yahoo! movie rating system:
Historical Accuracy: A+
Political Correctness: D-
And if that ain't reason enough to see it right there... Well... Then I just can't help ya, friend. |
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