At Thanksgiving time it's good to reminisce about those who blazed the trail in founding this nation of ours (I'm speaking of the US). The story of the Mayflower and the Indians and turkeys and corns, are fine. But there are those who, a little bit later, had such an impact in making what the United States of America is today. I am thinking about the founding fathers, in particular John Adams, not that he is more or less notable that George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin etc.
Well, it happens that, with the holiday season and a bit of free time on my hands, I just sat through "John Adams" the HBO miniseries available from Netflix. Paul Giamatti plays John and Laura Linney, Abigail, his wife.
The little that I knew about John Adams from textbooks (zilch from JJR days) or newspaper, magazine over the years didn't do justice to this great man. The HBO series brought together the character, the events surrounding the revolution, the effect of the French revolution and early phase of Napoleonic wars on America, in such vivid and dramatic details. We came close to being at war with France, if it weren't for John Adams principled stance for impartiality and peace, and to save the fragile nation from the economic abyss of warfare. It did cost him his re-election.
The details of the personal life of John Adams were also quite moving. His wife, Abigail, is the wife we all want. And OMG the civility among people in those days, I must give credits to the British tradition of stiff upper lips. What a great movie, a great time in history, a great man, indeed deserving of being a founding father!
There is only one fault with John Adams, but I will let you find out for yourself.
The movie is highly recommended if you have not seen it.
Personal rating: 5 stars, and God Bless the producers and directors for bringing about such fine entertainment.
