Review of Free State of Jones (2016) by Kevin K — 11 Apr 2017

***Spoilers Ahead***.

Decent watch especially with the time jumps through history. I feel it wasn't too long nor too short either in view time. Also, the persistent racial tension throughout the movie's timeline tugged at my heartstrings and kept me engaged in the film. I thought the events leading up to and including the funeral shootout were the best parts of the film. Some more like that would have been nice.

I know this is based on a true story but I believe they could have added more twists to make it more exciting it like Hollywood is know for. For instance, maybe one of Knight's friends could have turned out to be conspiring with the KKK and he has to take him out. Or maybe karmic justice for Rachel's previous slave owner and the people who hung Moses. Those definitely felt like loose ends in the story. Probably what I liked least was that Knight was too noble of a character. Everything he says is seen as righteous and true, everybody listens to him speak as if he's on a podium, he's religious and all, he deeply cares for others of other races, treats women well, and even his wife seemed a-okay with him having a baby with Rachel. Where's the conflict with his wife leaving, internal struggles, the issue of him having a child out of wedlock, or basically having two wives? Similar to the main character from 'American Sniper', his character seems extremely embellished while posing as a perfect white savior who's a victim of unfair circumstances. It doesn't seem believable and makes his character inert as a human being. Not a single person is perfect and every good hero struggles with his demons; not only is that more realistic, it makes for more intresting of a story too.