zkonedog Though most people may be drawn to this HBO miniseries for its look at the founding fathers and events of our nation in the early years of existence, I would like to add another reason (well, two actually): the gritty realism that the period is portrayed in, and the incredible acting that really brings the characters to life.Now, don't get me wrong...this series is indeed a fascinating look at the formative years of the United States of America through the prism of John Adams' existence. Though those events now take on an air of legend, viewers will quickly take pleasure in seeing the events not portrayed as overly epic (unless they actually were!) but as the real-life struggles of some pioneer thinkers.However, what continues to stick in my mind after viewing the entire series is how "real" the entire experience seemed. From the macro level (like the general living conditions and attitudes towards women/slavery) to the micro level (the crude nature of medicine and the sound of flies that can be heard buzzing in almost every scene), it felt as if I really had been transported to that time period.Also not to be overlooked is the incredible acting throughout the series. Paul Giammatti (Adams) is one of the most underrated character actors of the modern day, and yet he is matched word for word by Laura Linney (Abigail Adams). The actors portraying such characters as Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and George Washington are even able to bring forth the traits of the real-life luminaries they are portraying.Thus, I would recommend this seven-part miniseries to pretty much any viewer who has any interest in historical topics whatsoever. Experts on the period will enjoy the realism of the series, while more casual viewers will just be transported away to a life that, while difficult, produced men and women that turned the U.S. into a nation to be reckoned with.

rulz1000 My interest on American History emerged when I first listened to "Hamilton", the Brodway musical by fantastic and genius Lin-Manuel Miranda; thus far, the only thing I knew for a fact was that America had declared independence on July 4th, 1776. Then, after listening to the album of Hamilton, I began to search for more information. I learned that John Adams had exchanged more than a thousand letters with his wife, and after reading some of them, I was surprised with how brilliant she was (in fact, in my opinion, she was a much better writer than him). Then, I discovered that HBO (my favorite channel ever) had produced a show about John Adams' life and, with a lot of expectation, I started to watch it. I'm very glad to say it didn't disappoint me in the least. The costumes, the writing (which employs a lot of words John and Abigail did use in their correspondence), the actors (!), the make-up; the whole setting of the show is spectacular. I actually felt transported to the time. I read a New York Times review saying that Paul Giametti wasn't a good choice for the main role, but I disagree, I think he managed to play the much complex, vain and brilliant Adams very well. Also, Laura Linney was wonderful as Abigail, a fantastic and intelligent woman. They very much deserved their Emmys. The story spans through some 50 years, and the make-up used to cover the aging of the characters is fantastic! A point for the teeth, that oh God were they disgusting, I don't know how upper-class people, like they were at the end of their lives, allowed their teeth to become so rotten. Anyway, another wonderful aspect of this show is that we get to learn a lot about the Revolution, the struggle to unite the colonies to sign the declaration, the war against Britain, the importance of the French aid etc. To see the almost mythological figures of Washington, Franklin and Jefferson was awesome! Which reminds me of the interesting choice of which Founding Father HBO chose to tell the story, it is much easier to film the great deeds of a brilliant General, or the almost impossible journey of the First American; but as the TV of this century requires, the story must be of an underdog, someone who has many faults, knows about them, and doesn't do a thing to change himself; someone like John Adams. I recommend this show to every one who has an interest in History, Politics and good productions in general; it is both entertaining and enlightening, and very effective in its purpose to demonstrate how difficult it was to conquer the liberty we so much undervalue today and that, despite being human, we can hope to achieve great things.

Armand what is its virtue ? accuracy ? brilliant performance of actors ? precise details ? charm of an American story about birth of a nation ? not ! only its spirit. because this film has rare and great chance to be not exactly a page of history but a parable or a lesson about axis of existence. a pledge for measure and for truth as base of a great construction. about sacrifice and taste of victory. Paul Giamatti does the role of his life. and this success is result of a delicate hard work because his John Adams is not only credible but his clothes becomes skin of interpreter. a profound admirable movie. and new demonstration of HBO science to give refined gems to his public.

blanche-2 Very few of our nation's forefathers seem very human to us today. Important men, yes, but with the exception of maybe Benjamin Franklin, he of the smiling face and the twinkle in his eye, we don't connect with any of them.The brilliant HBO miniseries "John Adams" gives heart, soul, ambition, foibles, and temperament to these men - Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, Adams, Alexander Hamilton, Samuel Adams, and tells us about who they are, how they lived, their interpersonal relationships, and their goals for our country.Meticulously cast, historically researched, and impeccably costumed, we are given a look at the personal and professional life of John Adams (Paul Giametti), his wife Abigail (Laura Linney), and his children. Because of his work for the country, the family was asked to make sacrifices as he had to travel and stay away for long periods of time. It fell to Abigail to take care of the farm and their family.We get a good look at the hardships people endured in those days, including the crudeness of the medicine, the difficulty in communication - no Internet, no phone, only letters that had to travel great distances.Giametti and Linney -- there isn't much to say because there aren't sufficient adjectives. Brilliant, mesmerizing, detailed, flawless, emotional performances - all those words are trite. The beauty of the casting is one of the things that makes this miniseries great, and these two actors are at the top. Stephen Dillane as Jefferson, David Morse as Washington, Tom Wilkinson as Franklin, Rufus Sewell as Alexander Hamilton, are all sheer perfection. But none are asked to do what Giametti and Linney did -- Giametti had two days off in six months, apparently -- Adams lived until he was 90, and we saw him do it! This is a breathtaking miniseries that vividly shows the language, the way of life, the hardships, and the political arguments of the era, and puts the experiences into breathing human beings. I am so glad that I saw this, and thrilled that the actors and series received so many awards and nominations. Painstakingly directed by Tom Hooper, and written by historian David McCullough and Kirk Ellis, "John Adams" is a landmark in television and not to be missed.