This is probably the best mini-series about the American Revolution. Using diaries, letters and other other writings of the time, it paints an interesting story--especially since actors act out these writings in addition to the fine narration and interviews.
Up until this fourth episode, the fledgling United States was having a very bad time with the war. While they were able to force the British soldiers out of Massachusetts colony, they simply moved to a Loyalist stronghold in New York and spent most of 1776 kicking American butt and enjoying being billeted in New York City--while Washington and his troops lived off the land and froze. However, here in part four, the rebels earned their first major victory--the defeat of a large British army at Saratoga. In addition to losing so many men and supplies, the battle also served to demonstrate to the French that the Americans were capable of winning--and an alliance between the countries could be beneficial to both parties.
Aside from the noticeable and annoying slowdown of the clips of the various armies moving about and fighting, this is another marvelous show. I am not sure why they chose to have the soldiers moving at 3/4 speed--it was odd. But it also didn't do anything to seriously damage the show, as it was still very compelling throughout. In addition, I really had a nice laugh when they did a re-creation where a Hessian soldier wrote back to his family about how awful New York state was--it was pretty funny.
Up until this fourth episode, the fledgling United States was having a very bad time with the war. While they were able to force the British soldiers out of Massachusetts colony, they simply moved to a Loyalist stronghold in New York and spent most of 1776 kicking American butt and enjoying being billeted in New York City--while Washington and his troops lived off the land and froze. However, here in part four, the rebels earned their first major victory--the defeat of a large British army at Saratoga. In addition to losing so many men and supplies, the battle also served to demonstrate to the French that the Americans were capable of winning--and an alliance between the countries could be beneficial to both parties.
Aside from the noticeable and annoying slowdown of the clips of the various armies moving about and fighting, this is another marvelous show. I am not sure why they chose to have the soldiers moving at 3/4 speed--it was odd. But it also didn't do anything to seriously damage the show, as it was still very compelling throughout. In addition, I really had a nice laugh when they did a re-creation where a Hessian soldier wrote back to his family about how awful New York state was--it was pretty funny.
