When Ken Burns presents a history (The Civil War, Jazz, The Roosevelts etc) you know he has done his research.
Here, building the narrative from the testimonies of soldiers, townspeople and statesmen, he reveals in impeccable detail how the United States of America was born. Using paintings and maps alongside re-enactments and the input of scholars from many perspectives, he invites us to listen to the participants, imagine the smells, feel the emotions of the enslaved and reflect on the strategies of native peoples.
This is a visceral portrait far removed from dry text, giving context to current semiquincentennial celebrations. We are thrilled to welcome Ken Burns to present this episode on the big screen. – Maggi Hurt.