The true story of anti-Confederate leader Newton Knight, who lead a coalition of freed Black slaves and white Confederate Army deserters during the Civil War, is the subject of the film “Free State of Jones.” It was centered around Jones County, Mississippi, with the group hiding in swamp areas and conducting guerilla warfare against Confederate forces.
Producer-director-screenwriter Gary Ross (“The Hunger Games” 2012) constructed an interesting film that was based on historical accounts but reportedly took some liberties with some of the actual facts. The movie was thoroughly engrossing, with a fast-moving two hour plus length. Matthew McConaughey had the role of a lifetime here as Knight. The supporting cast includes Keri Russell, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Mahershala Ali, Christopher Berry, Sean Bridgers, Jacob Lofland, and Jessica Collins. The independently produced “Free State of Jones” did not do well at the box office but is a watchable film on DVD.
Free State of Jones (2016)
cinema
My Review
The true story of anti-Confederate leader Newton Knight, who lead a coalition of freed Black slaves and white Confederate Army deserters during the Civil War, is the subject of the film “Free State of Jones.” It was centered around Jones County, Mississippi, with the group hiding in swamp areas and conducting guerilla warfare against Confederate forces.
Producer-director-screenwriter Gary Ross (“The Hunger Games” 2012) constructed an interesting film that was based on historical accounts but reportedly took some liberties with some of the actual facts. The movie was thoroughly engrossing, with a fast-moving two hour plus length. Matthew McConaughey had the role of a lifetime here as Knight. The supporting cast includes Keri Russell, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Mahershala Ali, Christopher Berry, Sean Bridgers, Jacob Lofland, and Jessica Collins. The independently produced “Free State of Jones” did not do well at the box office but is a watchable film on DVD.