23 out of 24 people found the following review helpful:

*** May contain spoilers ***

A masterpiece. . .

A Customer from North of Hollywood, 25th February, 2009

Drama at its absolute best, be it television or cinema, and one of the finest achievements in any medium to emerge from the USA or anywhere else. A story about people -- yes, it's American history, but fer Gawd's sake, does that mean its appeal is restricted? Of course not -- and their lives and times, 'John Adams' sticks closely to the Pulitzer Prize winning book and is all the better for its faithfulness and intelligence. It's impossible to over-praise screenwriter Kirk Ellis or the director (or the DoP: fantastic stuff here) whilst words fail where the lead performances are concerned: Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney are outstanding, a screen duo of mesmeric quality. What's especially wonderful about 'John Adams' is its remorseless, relentless and unfailing hook: you have to know what happened, as episode by episode it builds with a flawless momentum. Like the book, it eschews fiction in preference for fact, and if the ending seems just too dramatic, think again: this is exactly how an era came to an end. Moving, magnificent, and astonishing in its range and detail, 'John Adams' is a 110% masterpiece, unmissable for anyone who values cinematic drama (and make no mistake, this is cinema: it's just that its 9-hour running time would never have allowed a theatrical release) and writing, acting, direction, and music score of the absolute highest quality.

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17 out of 18 people found the following review helpful:

The long journey of John Adams

Will44 from , 26th March, 2009

This three DVD set was very disappointing; the film desperately needed some serious editing. In fact, the whole story could have been encompassed on one DVD, I believe the end result would have made a more interesting and entertaining film.

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16 out of 16 people found the following review helpful:

Very Disappointing

Meredith from , 2nd March, 2009

I was really looking forward to watching this series. I've always been interested in the War of Independence and I thought this would give an interesting perspective. While it does give parts of the history that is not often told, and fairly accurately from what I know, I just couldn't bare to sit through them. I watched the first two parts and they were very dull. The story moves unbelievably slow and it's very difficult to care about any of the characters. I think it would be more interesting to read the book that this series is based off of rather than watch this.

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4 out of 4 people found the following review helpful:

John Adams - The Series

Athers from , 7th June, 2009

Only ordered this on the basis of one of the reviews and the fact that we like Historical Films. This surpassed our expectations, it was fabulous and we watched in within a couple of weeks in the end due to the fact that it was so very good. The acting is first rate, the drama builds through tense moments of great historical relevance and you admire the strength of so few when so much was at stake. Loved it. Tom Hanks is just a genious. 10 out of 10.

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Well photographed

Dungbeetle from , 9th October, 2009

While the production of this series is excellent and the lead characters are played with much solemnity and dignity there is an unreal atmosphere. To appease latter day parties some topics are raised that I would believe were not discussed in such polite manners then if debated at all. Having said that I have never seen Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney in better played roles than these.Laura Linney continues to improve her reputation with conviction.

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A very enjoyable history lesson

ollivetti from , 7th September, 2009

A grand retelling of the founding fathers and in particular John Adams. A very interesting character who is in no way the clear 'hero', taking much critcism and back biting throughout his life from his political opponents and occasionally his children. The series is lavishly done with the usual meticulous attention paid to historical detail. The performances are all excellent - Giamatti is a very watchable performer and brings much gravity to the Adams role and Laura Linney is always excellent. The two of them together make a very convincing couple and Mrs Adams' advice and nudges seem to guide John through the stormier parts of his career. A wonderful and insightful series.

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Laboured

nooken from from Somerton, 17th August, 2009

Beautifully shot and acted but just too slow. Wanted to watch this as much as a documentary as entertainment but, for me, it failed on both counts. I didn't even load the 3rd disc.

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DevilMayCare

A Customer from Southampton, 21st July, 2009

Longer than I had initially thought it would be I guess it's not an issue that can be covered in 2 hours! Fantastic cast and acting. Great story telling and a real eye opener.

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