John Adams (HBO Miniseries)

Read the reviews, ignored them, vaguely knew he was a President of the USA, but bought the DVD based on 1970s when I watched those great mini series on TV, US historical dramas, the costumes the era, and of course more recently the culmination of North and South, I know without knowing that if anyone who knows the history of that time will tear apart the authencity of the story, but so what us Brits we have seen many a historical film based on Queen Victoria and we know its just made up but who really cares, so I accept this in good faith as great fiction, it is dark, it is epic, it is great acting, and why - there are no Hollywood babes well not yet in the parts that I have watched and not even a Arrison Foord!! Mr Smith is ugly but is beautiful, he is a great actor probably embarrased by some of his previous and future parts, but even if those part were dire the acting was like magic, his voice lacks any magic but it spellbinds you, he is the modern day Merlin....enjoy an epic collection DVDeed for your pleasure or repugnance, I care not

This series begins with a young John Adams, a husband, a father of small children, and an ambitious lawyer, and it follows his life phase by phase until his death, on the same day Thomas Jefferson died.

The acting and cinematography are excellent, although occasionally there are odd camera angles. Paul Giamatti's performance is first rate. His Adams is passionate, intellectual, cantankerous, and deeply devoted to his cause and country. His family, unfortunately, and especially his children suffer from his long absences and his authoritarian parenting.

Laura Linney is wonderful as Abigail, whom she portrays as wise, patient and faithful to her husband, family and country. Her characterization also highlights, in a gentle manner, the limited scope and opportunity for women in her day.

The scenes tend to be spare, with only a few characters interacting, but more than enough to make the drama work. There were a few scenes that were physically difficult to watch, a tarring and feathering early in the story and a leg amputation at sea, and there was one scene at the end, a primitive mastectomy, that we simply couldn't watch.

This fine production is historical drama at its best. I'm sure we will be watching it again and again.

My cousin and I watched this mini series over a period of 2 days and we thought it was wonderful, full of history, love, politics. I can't wait to see it again to see what I missed.

This is one of the best historical mini-series I have ever seen. The man and his time are brought to life. Great DVD package!

Absolutely great. The movie is well done. The content is amazing. I loved experiencing some of the history of a great American Forefather and President that deserves more recognition then he gets.