Slatersville: America's First Mill Village

The production has gone to great lengths to create an important historical documentary that is both informative and at the same time very interesting and entertaining. Production values are extremely high including cinematography, audio voice overs, background music and the score of the opening theme. Research supporting the long 200+ years story is thorough and impeccable. The story takes the viewer from the background of the Industrial Revolution to Slater's arrival, through the growth of the business and the communities involved in the textile industry up to World WarTwo in the most recent installment. The producers do not shy away from exploring the linkage between slavery and the industrial revolution in the U. S. The production also takes on a very human face as the stories of individual participants are told, including those of the rich and powerful and those who worked in the mills, sometimes at great peril.

Slatersville: America's First Mill Village is, without a doubt, the worst documentary I have ever seen. It was painfully poorly written and narrated, making it difficult to stay engaged. The creators seemed more interested in embellishing the truth than presenting accurate historical facts. The narration was monotonous and lacked any real passion or insight, making it a chore to listen to. The visuals were uninspired, often reusing the same shots over and over again. Despite winning a few awards, this documentary is a classic example of being the best of the worst. The storytelling was disjointed, jumping from one topic to another without any clear connection. The interviews felt staged and unconvincing, with interviewees often seeming to read from a script. Overall, there was nothing redeeming about this documentary. Save yourself the time and skip this one. You'll thank yourself later.

I am a Rhode Island resident and I found this documentary very well done and historically accurate. The transitions and interviews were great. The actual content of the documentary showing all sides of the people who lived and died there was very interesting. I loved how he showed a truthful accurate account of how all different races lived in Slatersville. My family enjoyed the documentary as well as I did. Very well done. I would suggest this to my friends to see how real people struggled in life of all races.

Hats off to Christian de Rezendes on a great re-creation of history Rhode Island.

I was born and raised in beautiful Slatersville. Christian's talent shines through as he takes you through this village's history with so much detail and accuracy! I cannot imagine how much research went into making this film. (No spoiler...this film takes the viewer across the pond.)

As a former resident I find this film to be deeply personal. But it's a story that needs to be told. If I had no knowledge of Slatersville there is no doubt I would still love this documentary.

Many of the interviewees I've known for years. Their recollections are honest and their passion is genuine. Thank you Christian de Rezendes for introducing the world to our gem that is known as Slatersville.

This series is excellent. Meticulously researched, brilliantly brought together, thoughtfully presented. The work is truly on a par with Ken Burns's work. These are the roots of my grandfather and father. I loved the series, have watched repeatedly. Resendez has captured the heart of the village, the times, the history, the upsides, the less savory sides. He has made what was to us a vague and distant family history come alive. Gathering an understanding of where it all began was fascinating!

The interviews are poignant, sweet; far from just excerpts on historic documents. We anxiously await the next season. Well done!