For the past week or so, we’ve been watching John Adams as a family. I’ve always been a big fan of the work of David McCullough and, when I heard that HBO had made a mini-series of his book, I knew I had to see it.
The mini-series is amazing. The scope of it all is jaw-dropping, not to mention the sets and costumes. The attention to detail and historical accuracy are both incredible.
As wonderful as it is, it’s not as good as the book. I read the book a long time ago and there’s just so much in the book that they couldn’t possibly put it all on screen. Still, as an introduction to the topic, the mini-series is in a class all by itself.
Paul Giamatti, who won an emmy for this role, and Laura Linney are both stunning and bring the story to life. McCullough always writes his books in such a way that you hardly feel that you’re getting a history lesson. It feels more like great literature and this mini-series does this same thing. This isn’t just a documentary. It’s a sweeping, epic story that educates as it entertains.
We made our older kids watch it with us at first to “edumacate” them but they got hooked early on. (We had to skip some scenes.) It provoked a lot of good discussions with the kids after each section (our goal) as well as sparking an interest in American history in general. Now, we really want to take a road trip to Boston, Philadelphia, and Virginia.
I highly recommend this mini-series as well as the book. Both are available from the public library.
(BTW, another McCullough book, Truman
i watched this mini-series this summer, and i absolutely loved it. paul giamatti is always fantastic, and i thoroughly enjoyed the chemistry that john and abigail seem to have in the films. it was fascinating to see both the personality and political nuances that i never read about in history class.
the thing that impressed me most was probably how much passion john adams had for truth and rightness and justice. many people didn’t like john adams, but they knew he would pursue what [he thought] was right with vehement fierceness.
sorry, i just used the phrase “with vehement fierceness,” and i don’t know if it even makes sense.
good post.
deWeb´s last blog post..seriously, idk
i watched this mini-series this summer, and i absolutely loved it. paul giamatti is always fantastic, and i thoroughly enjoyed the chemistry that john and abigail seem to have in the films. it was fascinating to see both the personality and political nuances that i never read about in history class.
the thing that impressed me most was probably how much passion john adams had for truth and rightness and justice. many people didn’t like john adams, but they knew he would pursue what [he thought] was right with vehement fierceness.
sorry, i just used the phrase “with vehement fierceness,” and i don’t know if it even makes sense.
good post.
deWeb´s last blog post..seriously, idk
Your poll questions about your favorite Star Wars movie is not fair. It’s like asking, “What’s better, Air or Water?” When both are essential for life on Earth.
Dude, you really should read the book. I agree with you about Adams. He was a man of passion, integrity and conviction.
Regarding his relationship with Abigail, it really is an amazing love story. They had a unique relationship, especially for that day. Abigail is an interesting character in general.
Your poll questions about your favorite Star Wars movie is not fair. It’s like asking, “What’s better, Air or Water?” When both are essential for life on Earth.
Angela, I think you should just choose the last option and be done with it. :)
I just changed the poll so now you can choose your top two. Does that help?