Free State of Jones

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Free State of Jones

R

Released Jun 24, 2016

2h 19m

History

Drama

Biography

War

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Popcornmeter

48%

Tomatometer

192 Reviews

64%

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10,000+ Ratings

In 1863, Mississippi farmer Newt Knight serves as a medic for the Confederate Army. Opposed to slavery, Knight would rather help the wounded than fight the Union. After his nephew dies in battle, Newt returns home to Jones County to safeguard his family but is soon branded an outlaw deserter. Forced to flee, he finds refuge with a group of runaway slaves hiding out in the swamps. Forging an alliance with the slaves and other farmers, Knight leads a rebellion that would forever change history.

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Critics Consensus

Free State of Jones has the noblest of intentions, but they aren't enough to make up for its stilted treatment of a fascinating real-life story.

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Soraya Nadia McDonald

Andscape

Because Free State of Jones concentrates so singularly on making [Matthew] McConaughey the hero of the film, it ends up being a series of missed opportunities.

Sep 26, 2017

Full Review

Candice Frederick

Reel Talk Online

While all the performances are solid, there's too much of a distance from the setting of the story to truly create an immersive experience between the audience and the film.

Rated: C

Mar 21, 2017

Full Review

Dwight Brown

National Newspaper Publishers Association

A surprisingly enlightening film.

Nov 8, 2016

Full Review

Don Shanahan

Every Movie Has a Lesson

The more unforgivable flaws center on narrative choices and misplaced emotion.

Rated: 3/5

Oct 13, 2024

Full Review

Keith Garlington

Keith & the Movies

...a well-made film that’s both gripping and informative.

Rated: 3.5/5

Aug 20, 2022

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

No matter what's happening in the story, Ross finds a way to formally detach his audience from the drama to a frustrating degree.

Rated: 2/4

Apr 11, 2022

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J F

I've taught history for 20+ years, with a MA in American History. Ask Eric Foner - the least understood period of US History and a missed opportunity that cannot be quantified, is Reconstruction. When McConaughey walks up to Moses after he's been castrated and hanged, his eyes tell the whole story of that missed opportunity that we are still fighting today.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/15/25

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Cj J

You’ll love it if you like good acting, photography, directing and a positive story.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/04/25

Full Review

Audience Member

"The Free State of Jones" is a captivating film that combines strong performances with a compelling narrative, making it a memorable viewing experience. The historical context serves as a fascinating backdrop, shedding light on a lesser-known chapter of American history and adding depth to the story. The film skillfully balances drama, action, and historical commentary, creating a thought-provoking exploration of themes such as rebellion, equality, and perseverance. With its gripping storytelling and nuanced character portrayals, it keeps viewers thoroughly entertained and invested from start to finish. This is a movie that not only entertains but also educates, leaving a lasting impression.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/22/24

Full Review

Audience Member

History that I never knew about the south and glad that I watched this movie. It has encouraged me to learn more about this mini revolution for the fight of freedom for all people.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/16/24

Full Review

Christopher M

Great action with great acting. But it feels like its miss something. An enjoyable watch none-the-less.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

09/06/24

Full Review

Fiona H

Loved it!! Excellent acting, and an important history lesson…. Highly recommend

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/19/24

Full Review

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Gary Ross

Director

Matthew McConaughey

Newt Knight

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Rachel

Mahershala Ali

Moses

Keri Russell

Serena Knight

Brendan Gleeson

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Synopsis

In 1863, Mississippi farmer Newt Knight serves as a medic for the Confederate Army. Opposed to slavery, Knight would rather help the wounded than fight the Union. After his nephew dies in battle, Newt returns home to Jones County to safeguard his family but is soon branded an outlaw deserter. Forced to flee, he finds refuge with a group of runaway slaves hiding out in the swamps. Forging an alliance with the slaves and other farmers, Knight leads a rebellion that would forever change history.

Director: Gary Ross
Producer: Scott Stuber, Jon Kilik, Gary Ross
Screenwriter: Gary Ross, Leonard Hartman
Distributor: STX Entertainment
Production Co: Huayi Brothers, Vendian Entertainment, IM Global, Route One Films, Larger Than Life, Bluegrass Films
Rating: R (Disturbing Graphic Images|Brutal Battle Scenes)
Genre: History, Drama, Biography, War
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 24, 2016, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 6, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $20.8M
Runtime: 2h 19m
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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