This exceptional recreation of the Civil War era in Missouri is brilliant--in the quality of the casting, acting, writing, and period detail--and maddening, in that it ends with every important plot line unresolved. I viewed this two-hour movie on an overseas flight. The exact length of the movie was two hours, and this, coupled with the fact that there numerous blackout sections that seemed timed to host commercial messages, makes me think that this "movie" was designed as a mini-series, and somehow there was not enough funding to complete it (which would easily have required another two hours). My rating of five reflects a perfect score for a movie that is exactly one-half completed. I do think it's worth viewing for the excellence of what's here, but the viewer should know that NONE of the critical questions raised for any of the major characters are answered, even implicitly. In other words, you have to enjoy the journey, because there's no ending to enjoy.
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rhunter3-246-78639122 February 2015
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denis88831 July 2017I like US Civil War movies and watched very many, so I was very thrilled at the prospective of this newer one, as this plot seemed to be riveting and cool. Well, after having watched this movie, I can say, this is an OK film, not more. The premise is good - Missouri during Civil War, with Bushwalkers clashing with Union troops, a woman torn in between sides, with greed and violence erupting all the time. Yeah, well, good thing is that the movie is very short, less then 90 minutes. It did not get boring. Good thing is a Skeet Ulrich cameo. Good camera work. Good angles. Then, well, this is not a Civil War movie, this is more of a western with many unnatural premises and very predictable twists. The last part is a simple action movie thing, it is very unrealistic and rather hilarious. Thus, 5 out of 10
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misschris-112671 March 2019It was moving along fine. I was engaged and invested in the outcomes of these characters but it abruptly ended after 1 and a half hours and there was no closure. I was left thinking there must be a sequel but no. No sequel. It just stops, unfinished with me left wondering about the outcome of everyone involved. It's lazy writing. They ended it that way in hopes of a sequel but they could have gone another half an hour and winded up some situations and left some.
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Deemarx5 November 2018The movie was produced to be picked up by a series but wasn't due to poor performance. Hence, it is truncated and does not constitute an integral movie. The movie climax towards the end and leaves the spectator unsatisfied waiting for a sequel that is not going to be produced.
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oliverkenneth14 September 2014A good story with many characters with their own story lines. The writer has good grasp on the civil war period. Many women of that time period exhibited strength that was considerable. This movie plays on that theme well and believably. Drama, tears and pins and needles work well here. The characters are well cast. There are a few unexpected turns which always is a plus. Some of the outcomes are expected and some are not. This shows easily leaves doors open to expand in a number of different directions which I hope will happen. So many people, like me, are sick and tired of reality TV that this is a refreshing change and a direction I hope programmers take. When it leaves you waiting for "what happens next?" you know you have a winner. I give it a thumbs up for sure.
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phd_travel22 August 2015This TV pilot/ TV movie is jam packed with lots of exciting things going on from the Underground Railroad to the Civil War to a Hatfields vs McCoys like feud and romance.
Lauren Ambrose is a believable Civil War wife fending for her kids and ranch against an evil neighbor, enemy soldiers etc, bank heist etc Production is quite good with better than average photography and sets and costumes.
It's jam packed with maybe too much but it keeps you interested and it would be a good miniseries even if it doesn't get picked up for a full time TV series.