John Adams: The Complete Series [DVD] [2008] [2009]

I have of late caught up with some of the television series (HBO) based on figures that shaped and brought aboutthe Independance of the United States of America - hard fought battles, some lost, and those ultimitely won, not just on the battlefields but amongst those that believed it was time to be completely free from British rule, and those against for fear of resprisals and futility of going against such a powerful nation's military might that might easily crush the weaker, less equipped rebellious and far fewer of them, who were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom.But such a hard fought battle did eventually convince the British - including its reluctant King, George III - that it was now futility - to continue a war in its own colony that was losing all its assetts both in its unreasonable high taxation and the gradual depletion of its military might.All this is well covered in another outstanding series "George Washington" (also HBO) its leader that helped win decisively America's freedom, by sheer force of determination and undying dedication to its cause.John Adams on the other hand was amongst quite a few of those - including Thomas Jefferson - who fought their struggles for Independence, by force of debate, their individual beliefs, and voting for the United States Independence - in a modest senate setting - by a unanimous agreement of all 13 States - on that historic day of the 4th of July, 1776 - without fanfare - for its war with the British was to continue for some years to come.John Adams was however a man that stood somewhat alone, some even accusing him of vanity - but his life - most importantly with his wife Abigail - their children - and their undying loyalty to each other, makes it an essential series that focuses on Adams unflinching, un-compromising principals, despite Adams too long seperation from family - while he debated and jeopardised important dimplomatic alliances, in the war against the British.This determination, with General Washingtons victory on the battlefields - the making of America's first President, continues the account of John Adams life, an emotional and always impressive roller coaster ride of events unmatched as I have ever seen in an historically factual television mini-series, with its magnificent realistic settings, its enactment by a no finer cast of players and that which won both the Global and Emmy Award for best series (2008) directed by Britain's Tom Hooper, and best actor Paul Giamatti as Adams and best actress Laura Linney as his wife Abigail, for their mesmerising performances throughout.

After reading the book I discovered that a series had been made, based on that book. A friend said it was interesting and enjoyable so I decided to take the risk and but the series.I am so glad I did.It is one of those things that you hope will not spoil your memories of the book and then you are delighted when it actually matches or enhances what you have read. The portrayals of the people are excellent - although how I can know this without living then I am not sure.I would certainly recommend this series as a useful guide to the history of the birth of the United States of America - and as a chance to see Tom Wilkinson shine as the brilliant actor that he is

While watching the excellent series, Sleepy Hollow, John Adams and his wife, Abigail, were mentioned many times with affection by Ichabod Crane. I had never heard of the man and certainly didn’t know just how big a part he played as a “founding father “ of the United States. I went searching, on Amazon of course, and found this mini series. The series starts with Adams, as an Attorney, defending British soldiers accused of murdering colonial citizens, who were rioting. The revolution wasn’t even started at this point but you could see where this was heading. His wife, while a strong individual herself, begged and pleaded with him not to defend the British. His strong principles, especially in relation to the law and the right of any person to a defence, prevailed against the odds and the British soldiers were acquitted. And so begins his story on the road to Independence. This is a biopic type series and follows Adams all the way to the Presidency (there wasn’t a White House at this point but a colonial mansion for the President). The production is well done and everyone plays their role with aplomb. If you are expecting action sequences of the revolution , there aren’t any. This series follows a great man, attorney, politician, statesman who fights for what he believes in. He earns the respect of all those he encounters through his dealings both home and abroad. He is a stubborn man but a proud one and his wife was truly his rock and sometimes inspiration to helping him achieve what he achieved. A truly remarkable person and one who should be better known to the world. A great watch. Enjoy

As the American war of independence and the subsequent early years of the United States were not covered in the British history curriculum, we had no real grounding in the American perspective of those early years. We do, however, enjoy a good historical drama and, given the quality of `The Wire' we fancied giving another of HBO's offerings a chance.We were not disappointed. The attention to detail was incredible and the narrative was apparently drawn from the extensive contemporary record and the wealth of correspondence between John and Abigail Adams. The superb cast were totally immersed in their characters and portrayed them with depth and sympathy; rotten teeth, warts and all. The performances of Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney (who we'd recently seen in a re-watching of `Love Actually') as John and Abigail Adams were particularly outstanding.Well done HBO. A possibly risky investment in a lavish but honest re-telling of the formative years of the Union really paid off. We're now looking forward to HBO's impending release of `The Pacific'.