John Adams: The Complete Series [DVD] [2008] [2009]

I have of late caught up with some of the television series (HBO) based on figures that shaped and brought aboutthe Independance of the United States of America - hard fought battles, some lost, and those ultimitely won, not just on the battlefields but amongst those that believed it was time to be completely free from British rule, and those against for fear of resprisals and futility of going against such a powerful nation's military might that might easily crush the weaker, less equipped rebellious and far fewer of them, who were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom.But such a hard fought battle did eventually convince the British - including its reluctant King, George III - that it was now futility - to continue a war in its own colony that was losing all its assetts both in its unreasonable high taxation and the gradual depletion of its military might.All this is well covered in another outstanding series "George Washington" (also HBO) its leader that helped win decisively America's freedom, by sheer force of determination and undying dedication to its cause.John Adams on the other hand was amongst quite a few of those - including Thomas Jefferson - who fought their struggles for Independence, by force of debate, their individual beliefs, and voting for the United States Independence - in a modest senate setting - by a unanimous agreement of all 13 States - on that historic day of the 4th of July, 1776 - without fanfare - for its war with the British was to continue for some years to come.John Adams was however a man that stood somewhat alone, some even accusing him of vanity - but his life - most importantly with his wife Abigail - their children - and their undying loyalty to each other, makes it an essential series that focuses on Adams unflinching, un-compromising principals, despite Adams too long seperation from family - while he debated and jeopardised important dimplomatic alliances, in the war against the British.This determination, with General Washingtons victory on the battlefields - the making of America's first President, continues the account of John Adams life, an emotional and always impressive roller coaster ride of events unmatched as I have ever seen in an historically factual television mini-series, with its magnificent realistic settings, its enactment by a no finer cast of players and that which won both the Global and Emmy Award for best series (2008) directed by Britain's Tom Hooper, and best actor Paul Giamatti as Adams and best actress Laura Linney as his wife Abigail, for their mesmerising performances throughout.

"John Adams" is a quite remarkable description of the Unites States' creation. This mini-serie describes the evolution of one of the main figures of the American revolution. Adams went from the defense of British soldiers in the 1770 Boston Massacre, to the participation of Massachusetts in the 1775 Continental Congress, and the diplomatic representation of the insurgents in Louis XVI's court. After that he became Georges Washington's vice-president, and finally the second American president (not to be confused with his son, who became later the fourth one). His wife, Abigail, was also, much before Eleanor Roosevelt, one exceptional political wife. Many things support this ambitious endeavor. The settings and costumes are extremely brilliant (with extremely smart combinations of digital effects and mattes). The photography chosen by Director Tom Hooper is most efficient and contributes a lot to the feeling of immediacy. Some country landscapes are absolutely delicious - a pity there is no Blu-Ray, This is not by the way a story of military battles (like Emmerich's "The patriot" or Hudson's "Revolution"). It covers rather political battles (though the consequences of the previous ones are most clearly exposed). Actors are excellent. Giamatti is quite good, but is overpowered by David Morse (most subtle as Washington), Laura Linney (crushing as Abigail), Tom Wilkinson (an amazing Ben Franklin) and Steven Dillane (an outstanding Jefferson). There are a lot of memorable dialogues (see for example the shocked Adams in the debauched French court, or its hilarious official visit to the British king). All this builds on an excellent script that supports 500 minutes of excellent television (quite above nearly anything one could find presently in cinema).

While watching the excellent series, Sleepy Hollow, John Adams and his wife, Abigail, were mentioned many times with affection by Ichabod Crane. I had never heard of the man and certainly didn’t know just how big a part he played as a “founding father “ of the United States. I went searching, on Amazon of course, and found this mini series. The series starts with Adams, as an Attorney, defending British soldiers accused of murdering colonial citizens, who were rioting. The revolution wasn’t even started at this point but you could see where this was heading. His wife, while a strong individual herself, begged and pleaded with him not to defend the British. His strong principles, especially in relation to the law and the right of any person to a defence, prevailed against the odds and the British soldiers were acquitted. And so begins his story on the road to Independence. This is a biopic type series and follows Adams all the way to the Presidency (there wasn’t a White House at this point but a colonial mansion for the President). The production is well done and everyone plays their role with aplomb. If you are expecting action sequences of the revolution , there aren’t any. This series follows a great man, attorney, politician, statesman who fights for what he believes in. He earns the respect of all those he encounters through his dealings both home and abroad. He is a stubborn man but a proud one and his wife was truly his rock and sometimes inspiration to helping him achieve what he achieved. A truly remarkable person and one who should be better known to the world. A great watch. Enjoy