Free State of Jones (2016)

A disillusioned Confederate army deserter returns to Mississippi and leads a militia of fellow deserters and women in an uprising against the corrupt local Confederate government.

Director:

Gary Ross

Writers:

Gary Ross (screenplay by), Leonard Hartman (story by)

Stars:

Matthew McConaughey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Mahershala Ali

3 wins & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Matthew McConaughey	...	Newton Knight
Gugu Mbatha-Raw	...	Rachel
Mahershala Ali	...	Moses
Keri Russell	...	Serena
Christopher Berry	...	Jasper Collins
Sean Bridgers	...	Will Sumrall
Jacob Lofland	...	Daniel
Thomas Francis Murphy	...	Elias Hood
Bill Tangradi	...	Lt. Barbour
Brian Lee Franklin	...	Davis Knight
Kerry Cahill	...	Mary / Yeoman Farmer
Joe Chrest	...	James Eakins
Jessica Collins	...	Annie
Donald Elise Watkins	...	Wilson (as Donald Watkins)
Jill Jane Clements	...	Aunt Sally

Storyline

Set during the Civil War, Free State of Jones tells the story of defiant Southern farmer, Newt Knight, and his extraordinary armed rebellion against the Confederacy. Banding together with other small farmers and local slaves, Knight launched an uprising that led Jones County, Mississippi to secede from the Confederacy, creating a Free State of Jones. Knight continued his struggle into Reconstruction, distinguishing him as a compelling, if controversial, figure of defiance long beyond the War.

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Plot Keywords:

civil war | american civil war | election fraud | shot in the head | pocket watch | 

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Taglines:

Based on the incredible true story.

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Genres:

Action | Biography | Drama | History | War | Western

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Certificate:

16

Did You Know?

Trivia

Kensley Keys was the only African-American male on the set who is originally from Jones County (Soso, MS), and who is a descendant of Newt Knight. Keys also had a featured role as a maroon (Maroon #4). He had the opportunity to meet director Gary Ross on set one day after wrapping the battlefield scene. During his first day on the set to be "fitted", Kensley noted that as he was eating lunch, Matthew McConaughey sat in front of him, and Kensley related to him why the movie is so special to him as it is about his family and hometown.

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Goofs

When the plantation owner comes back home after the war and walks through the front door you can see a thermostat on the wall to his left.

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Quotes

Will Sumrall: [referring to Daniel] He died with honor.
Newton Knight: No, Will, he just died.

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Connections

Referenced in The History of Jones County (2016)

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Soundtracks

Hanging the Deserters
(uncredited)
Performed by Nicholas Britell, Tim Fain & Rob Moose
© (P) 2016 STX Recordings, LLC., under exclusive license to Sony Music Entertainment
Customer Ratings

User Reviews

Several great scenes, scattered throughout a meandering (and very depressing) historical fiction tale.

'FREE STATE OF JONES': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

The new Civil War drama flick, starring Matthew McConaughey and directed by Gary Ross (who also helmed 'THE HUNGER GAMES', 'PLEASANTVILLE' and 'SEABISCUIT'). Ross also co-wrote the movie, with first time feature screenwriter Leonard Hartman. The film is loosely based on the life of Newton Knight; who lead a resistance group, of deserters and slaves, against the local Confederate Government (during the Civil War). It also costars Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Mahershala Ali, Keri Russell and Jacob Lofland (who also costarred with McConaughey in 2012's outstanding 'MUD'). The film received poor reviews from critics, and it also bombed at the Box Office. I found it to be good, but somewhat disappointing as well.

The film is set during the Civil War, and it tells the story of Newton Knight (McConaughey). Knight was a Southern farmer, who deserted the army and fled into the Mississippi swamps (in Jones County). There he befriended several runaway slaves, and later lead a militia (of other deserters and slaves) against the corrupt local government. The movie is a fictional account of his dramatic adventures.

The film has several great scenes, scattered throughout a meandering (and very depressing) historical fiction tale. It's either too long, or the producers cut too much out of the movie; because (either way) the film's pacing is severely off. It does have many exciting action scenes though, some hard-hitting drama, and some inspiring rebellious moments. McConaughey (once again) gives a great performance, and Ross's direction is decent. The script and editing could have used a little more work though.

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Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official Site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 September 2016 (Netherlands)

Also Known As:

El valiente

Filming Locations:

Jones County, Mississippi, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$50,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$7,572,206, 26 June 2016

Gross USA:

$20,810,036

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$25,035,950

Company Credits

Production Co:

Route One Entertainment, Vendian Entertainment, Bluegrass Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

139 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1