The movie itself is a must-see. The content, questionable.
When this first released as a TV movie in 1995, it failed to make sense to me why the feds were picking on, and then killing a rural family.... until I watched it later as an adult.
Here's Randy Weaver (Quaid) and his wife (Dern) with their young, growing family. Moving out to countryland USA Idaho, to build a private life for themselves... away from government and politics. Like any rural, live-off-the-land folk.
They have their religious beliefs (that most others wouldn't care for, nor support) the same as any great American family. Beliefs that are protected under the Constitution of our land, and the Bill of Rights. That is, until Randy becomes friends, and barely surface involved with a local militia-elect and white-power community. Despite that there's no actual depiction of any real violence occurring.
Yes, Vickie Weaver becomes a whacked out idealistic fundamentalist, with Randy and young family in-tow. Turning their kids into weapon-wielding soldiers at home-guard. But that's neither here or there. They bared right to practice their faith, in their own community, or in comfort of their home. Without political pushback or threats. They didn't deserve how the government moved in, and then turned on them - as though they were common anti-law violent fugitives. Everything just went sideways, and then turned into a full-blown war, they didn't see coming. Yes, Randy was guilty, like his neighbors, of harboring extreme weapons that would cause potential harm. But this government crack-down depiction went well over the top.
No, government agents aren't perfect. Far from it. Despite their extensive military training. So, how they reacted to this event was beyond criminal. Attempting to cover up a malicious act, that wasn't happening, in the direct shooting a 14-yr old boy, and the family dog, as potential threats, when they were just out tracking a deer. Then, the idiot command blowing everything out of proportion in accusation of the Weavers plotting gun violence, when they weren't - later attempting a 'cut deal' with a holed up Randy, in surrender.
I just sat, shaking my head, as the whole scene unfolded. Crying with the family, as Vickie got killed by a careless sniper. The courtroom drama itself, almost unfolded in lotacracy. With the officials attempting feign of blame, when they knew they were guilty of committing a heinous wrongful act of ill-constitution against an innocent family, who were rightly bearing arms, to hunt game on their own land. More bottom line of how clumsy and careless the government can be, against certain citizens and their alienable rights.