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| FREE STATE OF JONES movie poster |
A synopsis of the movie provided by an internet site is as follows;
In 1863, Mississippi farmer Newt Knight serves as a medic (actually in the movie he was called a nurse) for the Confederate Army. Opposed to slavery, Knight would rather help the wounded than fight the Union. After his nephew dies in battle, Newt returns home to Jones County to safeguard his family but is soon branded an outlaw deserter. Forced to flee, he finds refuge with a group of runaway salves hiding out in the swamps. Forging an alliance with the slaves and other farmers, Knight leads a rebellion that would forever change history.
It was a provocative movie but is often very violent and is not a movie for the faint of heart. The Travelling Toe must admit that during several scenes, her eyes were safely hidden either behind her hands or within the comfort of her jacket. It was an fascinating story line and based on "actual" facts.....but how true is the movie to these facts is uncertain. Screenwriters and directors often don't let the facts stand in the way of a good story.
Recently The Smithsonian Magazine featured an article on this interesting part of our history. Here is a link to that story.
Smithsonian Magazine
CAST
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| Matthew McConaughey Newton Knight |
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| Gugu Mbatha-Raw Rachel Knight |
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| Keri Russell Serena Knight |
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| Mahershala Ali Moses Washington |
They do favor each other a tad:
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| Matthew McConaughey with Newt beard |
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| Newton Knight |
So, is Newton Knight a deserter, an outlaw, Union sympathizer, bigamist or just a man trying to keep his family, friends and land safe? Well, who really knows for sure!!!
The movie is 139 minutes long so plan your liquid consumption accordingly and it is rated "R:.
The Travelling Toe gives this movie 2 middle toes up with some mosquito repellent for swamp living.
Disclaimer: Travelling Toe is not a professional critic and any opinions expressed are for entertainment purposes.
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