cerberus1949

Trying to give students today any idea of what the tumult of the 20th Century may have been like is most difficult. To say that our young people lead sheltered lives for the most part is an understatement. Using this film to demonstrate the conditions and consequences of global events proved most useful. It was hard even for the most cynical to come away from this film unshaken. A triumph of the human spirit.

This was a rather unnerving look at an ostensibly functional family confronted by their daughter's druggie boyfriend. Father tangles with and ultimately kills druggie boyfriend. Wallowing in guilt he reveals to a drunk redneck what he has done. Things spiral rapidly out of hand before degenerating completely. The ending you dread stalks the viewer throughout, but is still able to startle when it finally arrives.

How many mini-series have generational staying power? Roots? OK, what else? In my case "The Awakening Land" stands by itself in this regard. The characters may be fictional, but they're woven so well with the known history of the region and era that they *might be* real. For my money this stands as perhaps Elizabeth Montgomery's most enduring performance. Its certainly the one I'll remember her for.

Very difficult to characterize but most pleasant and thought provoking to watch. We didn't know what to expect going in, but held on to the very end. Most satisfying performances.

Sometimes a film like this carries you along only to leave you flat at the end. Not this one. The ending offers a real resolution.

Great film.