“Free State of Jones” is a Civil War historical picture. Written and directed by Gary Ross, the 2016 film was inspired by the life of Newton Knight and his armed revolt against the Confederacy in Jones County, Mississippi.
Civil War battles are generally bloody, and this is no exception. The opening sequence depicts the Second Battle of Corinth and its brutality is fully legit. We meet the protagonist; a one Newton Knight, played by the great Matthew McConaughey. We learn that Knight is a Confederate battlefield medic who has a deeper code of integrity than most.
Knight deserts the Confederacy and becomes a wanted man. In his travels, he assembles a militia of southern farmers and slaves, and the ragtag army stands up against the powerful forces of the Confederacy.
Matthew McConaughey rules
Matthew McConaughey is, as always, brilliant on screen. He looks the part from an aesthetic standpoint. Googling photos of the real Newton Knight yield an uncanny resemblance. McConaughey has a charisma that fits a southern gent. He plays the part with effortless ease. We can accept that he’s a guy who can lead men and get things done amidst the swamplands of the Mississippi delta.
The supporting cast is lesser name players. Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Mahershala Ali, Christopher Berry, Sean Bridgers, Jacob Lofland. We do get an appearance by “Felicity” star Keri Russell as Newton’s wife, Serena Knight. The acting is fine and the effects believable. We understand the mistreatment of blacks and the desire by some to change. The setting makes you feel the sticky heat of The Deep South through your television screen.
Mississippi has its charm
I like the message. The state of Mississippi is generally the butt of jokes. Here we see there are good people that come from it. It’s beauty is unique.
“Free State of Jones” misses in its pacing. At a run time of 140 minutes, I thought they were recreating the Civil War in real time. It moves slowly. Heck, there’s literally a scene that depicts Newton Knight fishing and then cooking his catch. A film that runs nearly two-and-a-half hours and literally includes a character fishing is in need of some editing.
“Free State of Jones” could have and should have been better than it is. If you like war movies, and are a Civil War buff, you’ll enjoy the story. As far as a fun movie goes, it probably won’t capture your flag.
“Free State of Jones” is currently available to rent on Amazon Prime.
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