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Thursday, March 28, 2024

At the movies: ‘Free State of Jones’

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What is it about The Civil War era that intrigues us so?

It’s been 150 years after the last bullet was fired yet people are still eager to be regaled with tales of great battles and the heroes involved, both above and below the Mason-Dixon Line.

Is it that this time period represents that last of the America’s legendary fight for independence and liberty? Or is it that the issues and conflicts encompassing the era still ring true today?

Gary Ross’s “Free State of Jones” investigates the idea of fighting for freedom, no matter the cost, and the far reaching effects of a war fought on our very own home soil.

Matthew McConaughey is at the top of his game as Newton Knight, a confederate deserter who is tired of fighting a war for rich white plantation owners. A war based on principles he doesn’t even believe in.

McConaughey’s typical tenacity and vigor combine with his natural southern charm to make this feel like a role he was born to play. The whole operation is overseen by writer-director Gary Ross, a filmmaker whom I believe to be one of the more underrated and underused directors in Hollywood.

Ross boasts a strong, albeit small, list of films that include “Seabiscuit” and “The Hunger Games”.

It shouldn’t come as a shock that this picture is frequently host to graphic violence and brutality. Most Civil War movies are.

Although “Free State of Jones” does little to separate itself from recent big screen depictions of slavery and the Civil War, it does manage to establish a unique angle that stems from the idea of individual independence.

Ross makes it clear that the County of Jones isn’t fighting against or for neither the Confederacy or the Union, they’re fighting for themselves and for their right to be free. It establishes an idea that is about more than north vs. south, it’s about the inherent human right to govern oneself.

It is, quite frankly, about the right to be free. Bringing history alive and exceptional acting are two major components that work in tandem to making “Free State of Jones” one pretty good summer flick.

I give “Free State of Jones” 3/4 stars.

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Ben Sanchez
Ben Sanchez
Ben Sanchez is a recent Metea Valley Graduate. He is both an avid moviegoer and writer.

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