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Friday, July 1, 2016

True Story: Free State of Jones

Alright. Alright. Alright.

You probably haven't really heard of the movie Free State of Jones, even though it stars Matthew McConaughey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Belle, Concussion) and Mahershala Ali (House of Cards) and is directed by Gary Ross--the same guy who did The Hunger Games, Seabiscuit and Pleasantville.

What drew me to this film was the fact that it's a true story about the Civil War that I've never heard before. We all know that the north fought against the south (more so over cotton than equal rights), but did you also know that the south fought against itself?
Matthew (calling him by his first name because his last name is ridiculous) plays Newton Knight, a Mississippi farmer in 1863 who works as a medic in the Confederate Army. After his nephew is killed in battle, Newt goes home to Jones County to bury him and realizes that he doesn't want to fight a battle for slavery. The Confederates deem him to be a deserter and he is forced to hide out with runaway slaves in the swamps as the punishment for deserting is hanging.

Other farmers of Jones County get tired of seeing their farmlands and belongings stripped when the rich plantation owners get all the spoils. So they decide to take up with Newt and the runaway slaves and become army deserters as well. An alliance of runaway slaves fighting for equality and southern farmers fighting for their homes is formed, which forces a rebellion against the south in the middle of the Civil War -- something that I didn't know ever happened.
And there are some great scenes featuring strong female fighters and a court case all about miscegenation laws, which is definitely something that rings loud and clear these days. Plus, it sheds some light on the fact that even though slavery was abolished in 1865 and black people were allowed to vote in 1870, it took many more years for anyone to truly live by those rules.

With the Independence Day weekend ahead, come together and treat everyone like an equal!

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15 comments

  1. I love Matthew McConaughey and I can't wait to see this movie.

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    1. I think you'll enjoy it. It's more than just what's in the previews.

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  2. I am not into movies but I am here to wish you a Happy Weekend.

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    1. Well, thank you so much for the happy wishes. I hope you enjoy the long weekend as well!

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  3. I like historic films. I've heard of this film, but I am usually not into Civil War related films. I think I may see this, since I usually like your film reviews. Birth of a Nation is also supposed to be a good one, not out until later on globally, I believe. Thanks for the rec! Enjoy the wkd.

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    1. It would be good on rental as well. Birth of a Nation -- I wonder if it's a remake of the old one.

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  4. This movie is on my list of movies to watch. I was immediately intrigued by the story line and love how it shows a side of the Civil War most don't know about!

    www.rdsobsessions.com

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  5. This movie sounds fascinating, and I loved Gugu in Belle. I'll have to see this :)

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  6. When I did see the trailer for this, I was really intrigued as it's something from American History that I've never heard of. Thanks for the review, Cheryl! Good to know it's a great film to see. Matthew has really been making awesome film choices lately, eh?

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  7. I've heard about this and it's on my list for sure.

    xo
    PinkSole

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  8. I had not heard about this movie - or this part of history: south vs south.
    There are so many stories to be told yet.

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  9. I've heard the most amazing things about this movie! Can't wait to see it :)
    XO Amanda | www.glitterandspice.com

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  10. I have yet to hear about this movie hun, but I know its something my boyfriend would enjoy, thank you for the review ;)

    www.fashionjazz.co.za

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