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Friendly Persuasion

Play trailer Poster for Friendly Persuasion Released Nov 25, 1956 2h 19m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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80% Tomatometer 10 Reviews 81% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
The patriarch of a peace-loving Quaker family, Jess Birdwell (Gary Cooper), begins to question his pacifist values when the Civil War moves toward his close-knit Indiana community. Meanwhile, Jess's daughter, Mattie, is in love with a soldier, and her brother, Josh (Anthony Perkins), contemplates picking up arms to defend his home lest he be considered a coward. As Confederate forces draw nearer, the Birdwells must make some difficult, life-altering decisions.
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Friendly Persuasion

Critics Reviews

View All (10) Critics Reviews
Nell Minow Common Sense Media Exceptional Civil War-set story of religious differences. Rated: 4/5 Dec 24, 2010 Full Review Steven D. Greydanus Decent Films Warm, gently satiric portrait of a family of the "Friendly persuasion" living in the shadow of the Civil War… does justice neither to Quakerism nor to just-war theory, but its warm affection for its subjects makes it worthwhile viewing. Rated: B Sep 12, 2003 Full Review Nell Minow Movie Mom Rated: 4/5 Apr 20, 2002 Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy It often seems fuzzy in intent and execution, with too much broad comedy swamping the more dramatic interludes and a stance that vacillates between pro-war and anti-war. Rated: 2.5/4 May 27, 2024 Full Review Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews I did not find it entertaining, but it was a morally worthy film. Rated: B- Mar 30, 2022 Full Review David N. Butterworth rec.arts.movies.reviews While painting one of the better portraits of Quaker life, the film's sober, Civil War-focused intentions are constantly undermined by slapstick situations and erstwhile tomfoolery. Rated: 2.5/4 Jan 10, 2016 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Irene M Based on short stories of a Quaker, its one of the rare Hollywood movies that portrays Quakers. The little boy steals the comedic show, and its a chance to see a Young Anthony Perkins, as well as Gary Cooper. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 06/09/24 Full Review CodyZamboni Z Mostly compelling drama, The Civil War era farm life of Quakers, who have to balance their beliefs vs real world survival, Movie gets bogged down alot by uneccessary comedy that don't work, But it's Gary Cooper's charming family that keeps us rooting for them. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 07/30/24 Full Review William L Friendly Persuasion is really two movies - a lighthearted period family dramedy, and what is supposed to be a much heavier exploration of faith and practicality (but which only takes up the last 40 minutes of the film). Neither is particularly well done, and they are integrated poorly; they are intended to contrast each other, providing an instance in which idealism is presented and tested, but the comparison doesn't take shape effectively. The script never wants to dive into any sufficiently dark material to justify itself and its lofty thematic goals, particularly its lack of consequences. Never have I thought, "You know what the world really needs? Gary Cooper as a Quaker, dropping a few 'thees' and 'thous', and also hopefully a shirtless woodchopping scene when he's 55." One of Wyler's less enduring films, and for good reason. (2.5/5) Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 01/01/21 Full Review robert m One of the American Civil War classics that's often overlooked. This movie has a lot of hokum and it's not always fair to the Quakers and the African-Americans should have recived more attention. Four stars for this film is a bit generous. Still, if the movie starts some good discussions, all is well. The movie has some fine moments when characters reflect on the suffering and the confusion caused by war. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review steve d Strong emotional story with great performances especially from Perkins Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Audience Member The plot was good and I really enjoyed Gary Cooper's character. He's the father most of us wish we had. I didn't enjoy the music that too loud at times, I would have to turn the volume down on the tv, and would then miss a lot of the dialogue. The mood of the music also tended to predict the story which spoiled the suspense. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/12/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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Movie Info

Synopsis The patriarch of a peace-loving Quaker family, Jess Birdwell (Gary Cooper), begins to question his pacifist values when the Civil War moves toward his close-knit Indiana community. Meanwhile, Jess's daughter, Mattie, is in love with a soldier, and her brother, Josh (Anthony Perkins), contemplates picking up arms to defend his home lest he be considered a coward. As Confederate forces draw nearer, the Birdwells must make some difficult, life-altering decisions.
Director
William Wyler
Producer
William Wyler
Screenwriter
Jessamyn West, Michael West
Distributor
Allied Artists Pictures
Production Co
Allied Artists Pictures Corporation
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 25, 1956, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 1, 2009
Runtime
2h 19m
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