User reviews

Considering its tight budget, the film turned out to be not so bad, after all. I still prefer the animated version, it is more powerful in delivering the message. The feature film delivers a different message - that wage slavery is better than chattel slavery. Yes, there are hints of government with the flag waiving, pledging of allegiance, the whole elections circus... but no explicit mention of it. On the other hand, it is a no-brainer that a plantation is a privately owned company.

What no one is talking about, and hardly anyone even noticed, is that Noah was actually promoting socialist ideas in his one-minute speech. So there's the irony: a bunch of capitalist simps, in an attempt to expose government, unwittingly exposed capitalism for what it is. They claim, or so they were taught, that capitalism is "voluntary" and stands for "freedom". And they are right - you can choose your master AND pay the bills all by yourself instead of being at his mercy. And if you work very hard, one day you can become a slave master too.

The vast majority of people just won't understand this film as they can't see that they themselves are slaves.

As the famous quote from The Matrix so effectively put it 'You have to understand. Most people are not ready to be unplugged. And many of them are so inured and so hopelessly dependent on the system that they will fight to protect it.'

The Jones Plantation is an excellent film that articulates the illusion of democracy and the desire of most people to abdicate responsibility for their own lives to someone else.

Given the tiny budget, I thought the quality of the film was still good and some of the acting, in particular Mr Smith, was excellent.

The importance of the message that this film is trying to convey is profound. It is the root source of most wars, poverty and corruption that we see in the world today. Sadly most people just don't get it or even want to get it. They are blissfully living their comfortable lie.

The Jones Plantation Credits (JPCs) is a nice touch and demonstrates in a very simple way how all fiat currencies are worthless pieces of paper that can be created at will and in unlimited quantities by the powerful. Also the creation of debt as a method of control is cleverly incorporated.

Finally the use of fear as an effective method of coercion is demonstrated multiple times throughout the film. There is always some bogeyman just around the corner who is going to get you and so you need the plantation owner to protect you.

Well done to the producers of this film. Let's hope that in some small way it moves us towards a more free and peaceful world.

This film may be the best social and political commentary I've seen in a long time. Covers any number of themes relevant to American history and I can see it being presented in social studies classes for years to come. It's well worth watching for that alone.

As a film, it tends to drag a bit. There's lots of long discussions and speeches to get to the social and political statements they wish to make. In general movies tend to work a bit better when they show things through storytelling than through long drawn out dialogs.

Acting performances are mixed. Some of them are great, others fall a bit short of the emotional impact needed to get the points across and some of the writing leaves some characters as cliches.

The other thing that I found bothersome was the soundtrack. A lot of it seems to be canned music that's just dropped in at odd points and doesn't blend well between parts. The music choices often seemed to not fit well with what's happening in the scene.

But again this is a pretty powerful film that's for the most part well presented.

This movie is brilliant! A must see! An original script that will open your eyes to the illusion we have taken as having a choice. The character Mr Smith was played brilliantly, as he kept the plantation slaves, AND Mr Jones captivated by weaving the web of false freedom we all can relate to. And Mr Jones? You could not have chosen a better man for the role. And Samuel, a man a lot of us can relate. It saddens me knowing that so many have and will receive the same treatment he was given.

This is a must see for all, raise yourself above being offended, take a deep breath and reflect on the generic emotions and slogans you have been fed whole life. You, and me also, live on the jones plantation.

Ten stars.

I'll allow my $10 bucks to go to those hard working folks who worked on the film.

Seemed like the filmmakers tried to fit in too many key issues into the film. We're supposed to have our eyes opened by the parallels in our current society. Perhaps a clearer focus on one or two of those issues would have made for a better film.

Sadly, I'm left wanting a better product. This parallels Christian music for me in the 90s and early 2000s. It was okay and not bad, but it could not get out of the Christian cultural ghetto because it wasn't excellent.

Next time... hone your story and make sure it is compelling.

There is trouble on the plantation. The slaves are becoming restless. The jig is up and the owners are fearing they will lose the farm, or worse. So, with the help of Mr. Smith, the owners forge stronger, more diabolical, chains.

It is hard to tell people about things they cant see. This movie makes it crystal clear. If those without eyes still cant see what is enslaving them after this film, then they are blind by choice. At the very least, THE VERY LEAST, this film is a conversation starter. Not many movies are even that nowadays. I recommend watching this film at least once. Its awesome to see what can be done with a $50,000 budget.

I watched it on 2X and was still bored.

The only reason I watched till the end, was to see if there were any solutions offered, and I saw none. Just a bunch of bitter, pessimistic criticism.

I'm left wondering if whoever birthed this awkward thing hates humanity. And the character development was close to non existent.

The tone was off-putting and the music was ok, but most of it didn't fit.

The acting was a mixed bag. Overall, it came off like a student project that belongs on Youtube.

It seems like most of the people leaving reviews with 9 & 10 ratings are probably connected to the film in one way or another.

I'm not sure who the target audience was, but I can't think of a demographic that won't turn this off within the first 15 minutes.

If you are assuming this is simply just another slavery-era movie, you are in for a shock. Nothing about this film is what you would expect. We've all heard of movies that get you thinking. Well, your mind will be asking questions during the film, but much much more after seeing it. You may end up hating Mr. Smith - not so much because of who he is - but because of what he makes you ask yourself.

You would absolutely never know this is an independent film. It's got letter-perfect casting, great acting, quality direction, beautiful photography, etc.

Get ready: this is one that will be talked about for years.

Very difficult to get past the poor production values in this bargain basement production take on slavery.

The acting is shockingly bad. There is not one person who can act their way out of a paper bag in a this boring telling of slavery in nineteenth century America.

The main character makes his way into the plantation as a sort of Pied Piper of Slaves.

The rest is just a hotchpotch of nonsense.

That's the end of the review. There really is no more but I have to keep writing about this film that plods on and on and on just like I am doing here.

Really, stop reading, I'm not kidding, it's just not worth it.

I wouldn't normally want to watch any modern movies about slavery. Roots is/was the gold standard for that subject much like Exorcist or Jaws are in their genres. Any attempts to match the success of those iconic masterpieces usually end up in the dustbin of film history.

Most slavery movies use the depiction of physical punishment on the slaves to evoke emotions. The monotonous desperate life of a slave is rarely the subject. What does it take for a human to wake up everyday and go about his day knowing his life is no better than a beast of burden? This movie offers an angle that I've not seen before. A full on perspective from the slave owners' side as well as the hired consultant Mr. Smith, a former slave himself.

I was "sold" on this movie once it was clear that Mr. Smith's agenda was beginning to take shape. I hung on every piece of dialogue between Smith and Jones. Instead of just feeling sorry for the slaves I had this nagging idea that we are all trapped much like the slaves. We are all in the Matrix!

Obviously, this film has a message in which both left and right leaning viewers would cast the other side as the evil slave owners. Both would be correct since we are in fact willfully trapped in the mental slavery system. We rather blame each other instead of the ones holding the reins. We are grateful for the leftovers when we haven't eaten in days. We follow their mandates without question. Well done!!

I would have given this a 10 if the overall acting was better. Some scenes were flat and not convincing. Maurice Johnson as Mr. Smith deserves an Oscar nomination if I had any say about it. This is a movie that I may watch again which is rare.

Get ready to be hit by some uncomfortable home truths. You think you are in control, but are you really?

The good: love it or hate it, will not leave you indifferent. The film asks a hard question and will push and push for answers from an audience that starts by simply rejecting the question.

The bad: perhaps the script tries to squeeze in too much, there's enough material for a series. Low budget, but It is amazing what they managed to do with it, I forgot about it ten minutes in.

And the pretty: Maurice Johnson absolutely shines here, he delivers in spades, with relish and panache. Loved it.

Welcome, dear reader, to another exciting episode of "How to Hide Slavery in Plain Sight!" Today, we'll be journeying through the hallowed grounds of the infamous Jones Plantation, where our ancestors got a sneak peek of what the 21st century had in store. Spoiler alert: it's pretty much the same thing, but with better Wi-Fi.

Oh, The Joneses!

Ah, the Jones family, the unsung pioneers of modern-day exploitation. While most were busy with their primitive chains and shackles, the Joneses were already thinking outside the box, tapping into the future. They realized that the best kind of slavery is where you convince the slaves they're free. Genius, right?

Introducing: Illusion of Choice!

You see, instead of physical chains, the Joneses employed the ever-potent chains of the mind. They understood something we're only starting to grasp today - that real power is making people believe they have a choice. So, instead of telling workers what to do, they gave them options. Do you want to toil in the fields today or the barn? Oh, the sweet illusion of choice! Just like when you're choosing between two equally corrupt politicians every election season.

Credit Where Credit's Due (Literally)

We owe a lot to the Joneses. Today's system of indebtedness and the never-ending cycle of consumerism? All inspired by the Jones Plantation's blueprint. Remember when Mr. Jones introduced tokens, which could only be spent at the Jones-owned store? It's almost like when we use credit cards and get tied down to ever-increasing interest rates. But hey, at least we have cool holographic cards now!

Social Mobility: Just Another Word for "Good Luck Climbing That"

The Joneses propagated the myth of social mobility. Work hard, and one day you too can be a mini overseer. Nowadays, we call that a "managerial position". The carrot-and-stick approach at its finest. Dream big, they say. And sure, some made it, just like some win the lottery today. But the majority? Well, let's just say they're still buying lottery tickets.

21st Century Upgrades

We have to give credit to the modern world. We've innovated on the Jones blueprint. Instead of overseers, we have surveillance cameras. Instead of the loud bell signaling the start of a workday, we have alarm clocks (which we bought on credit, of course). And best of all, we've globalized the Jones model. Outsourcing, anyone?

Freedom: Some Assembly (and a Lot of Denial) Required

The biggest trick the Joneses taught the world was that freedom is subjective. As long as people feel they're in control, they won't question the larger structure. Today, you're free to choose which massive conglomerate gets your hard-earned cash, which influencer tells you how to live your life, and which streaming service gets to numb your brain after a long day at the (virtual) fields.

Conclusion: Hats Off to the Joneses!

So, as we look around and see a world where many are shackled by invisible chains, let's take a moment to appreciate the forward-thinking genius of the Jones Plantation. They didn't just exploit; they innovated. They laid the foundation for a world where the masses are convinced of their freedom, while a select few pull the strings behind the curtain.

To the Joneses of yesteryears and the puppet masters of today, we salute you! Here's to another millennium of blissful ignorance. Because, as the saying goes, ignorance isn't just bliss-it's downright profitable.

This truly is Plato's Cave for the 21st century but with cult-classic feel. The producers may have created an entirely new genre; the dissident cinema genre. The film exhibited very impressive quality for an Indie film, especially the writing and acting. The plot is exactly what the world needs to see after the last several years of state-sponsored deception and mass formation psychosis. Whether last sentence triggered you or resonated with you, you are exactly who needs to watch this film because I promise you this film is not what you think it is. No one has ever made a film quite like this before!

The message in this film is more important than the film itself which is why I consider it a 10/10. It's a microcosm of the macrocosm of the our current world order, and that which has plagued mankind since there was ever power to be had. I applaud all the actors and actresses, and those behind the camera, in particular, Maurice Johnson gives a fantastic performance.

The movie itself, however, could have been done much differently to make it more cinematic and easier to watch. It could have shortened quite a bit with just as much impact and still have all the ideas fleshed out. Though, I understand this is not a big budget hollyweird blockbuster. It's an educational film.

Some movies, I enjoy for the acting. Some for their cinematography, and some are just fun. But some movies I appreciate for their message. Jones Plantation is a symbolic tale that NEEDS to be told and understood. In the same way that V for Vendetta, Gattaca, The Matrix, and so many others have opened minds and shattered paradigms. It's an inevitable classic, that will be loved by those with a penchant for thinking critically. Groupthinkers need not apply.

It does deliver some difficult truths that many will not be mature enough to process. It's quite fitting for the age we live in and I certainly chuckled at some of the parallels.

I would say it's a movie that is best watched with anyone who won't interrupt with criticisms about its low budget, and can instead, focus on the message.

As someone who is aware of the Youtube "Jones Plantation", it was very interesting to see that come to life.

I thought the sets were nice and the story was pretty interesting. I wasn't bored and thought it had a decent pace.

It's a budget movie, but it was nicely executed.

The "insider" cameos were fun, but the main characters caught and held my attention.

I can see how this could repel people who are caught up, and invested in mainstream narratives, and world views. But then they would wouldn't they?

I found the experience to be akin to watching a good theatre play and will have fun showing it to people so I can ask them questions to perhaps lead them to self-reveal some of their cognitive dissonances, lol.

Anyway, thought it was a good film and better than most films that come out these days from the mainstream.

Yeah, watch it. It could well mind bend you with a new perspective on the system that encompasses the modern world.

This has to be hands down the best film I have ever watched.....mainstream hollyweird films are all about propaganda.....brainwashing....predictive programming....designed to influence the sleepy masses minds.......this film is the exact opposite and it will make the viewer start to question on how things really operate and how we are controlled like cattle....if you are awake...and have delved into many rabbit holes you will easily see all the messages and laugh at the parallels of what's been going on in the last few years...if your fast asleep then this ....hopefully....will get the gears in your mind working....and once you see...then the thin veil will be lifted forever....and it will change your life forever.....amazing!!!...nice one larken rose ...kudos to you and the movie producers.

Jones Plantation is a FUN movie. Give it ten minutes and you'll be gripped. It is also a FUNNY movie. The cartoonish characters (particularly one with a trendsetting moustache) will make you laugh and smile again and again. But wait... How can I say all this in such a nonchalant way, if this film is about nothing less than slavery? Well, that is because it is not really about slavery. Or is it?

You see, Jones Plantation IS, of course, a movie, and if you enjoy a cool story with memorable characters (including the villain of all villains) and a fast-paced, unpredictable plot, you will enjoy it. But it is also MUCH MORE than a movie. It is an unlearning activator. It uses the well-known power of the allegorical technique, boosted by the remarkable effectiveness of humor, to kickstart the questioning process that enables you to realize the deepest truth about ownership, that is, that YOU OWN YOURSELF, totally and unconditionally. You may say: "Duh! What are you talking about? I already know that I own myself, totally and unconditionally!" But is that really so?

This film will show you, in a way that you'll find impossible to deny, that the worst tyrants in the world are NOT the ones who enslave their subjects by brute and obvious violence. No, the most formidable oppressors are actually the ones who know best how to MANIPULATE the most valuable, precious property on the entire planet: the human mind. In fact, the greatest slavers are NOT the ones who enslave others, but the ones who artfully persuade others to enslave THEMSELVES. As anti-apartheid activist Stephen Biko famously wrote, "the most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed."

Using the immensely powerful medium of storytelling, and benefitting from a brilliant, highly original script, the Jones Plantation will demonstrate to you how evil REALLY works in this world. In fact, it illustrates how true evil has ALWAYS operated, and, regrettably, how it will CONTINUE to operate until a critical mass of individuals learns and fully assimilates the most consequential lesson in life: that you, and you alone, are your own master, and that anything in your life -- ANYTHING -- that contradicts this self-evident reality is a LIE, a deception, a scam that can and will end up enslaving your mind. You may now retort: "But I AM my own master!" OK, then grab the popcorn, watch this movie and find out what happens to your view of the world. An unlearning activator, indeed.

As you will realize after watching it, you have NEVER seen a film like this before. One reason for this is that the film speaks a truth that lies outside the spectrum of acceptability of the ideologically-constrained Hollywood system. This is why a project like this could only come from an independent producer, with total freedom to say what had to be said.

The budget for this one was so small that I can only marvel at the quality of the final product. Director Andrew Treglia and his team did a truly outstanding job, using the very limited resources they had available (the entire pre-production was done by Treglia, he didn't meet the actors before the shooting, no rehearsals, the shooting was finished in less than three weeks, etc.) and still managing to create a great-looking movie that is destined to become a cult classic. So, if some people rate this movie negatively just because it doesn't have a blockbuster-level production... well, I will just say that some people may need to review their review criteria.

The original script for the movie was written by none other than Larken Rose, a living legend in true freedom circles. After finishing the movie, if you start asking yourself questions that you have never asked yourself before (and it's difficult for me to imagine how this can fail to happen), I urge you to check out Larken's books and videos. They will greatly help you to finish the process that the Jones Plantation triggers.

If I must criticize something about the movie, I would have to say that the initial release does not include closed captions, something that would be helpful to all the people who speak English as a second language (one in five people in the US, about one billion people worldwide). That being said, we really need subtitles (and perhaps even dubbings) for the movie in all languages so it can be watched by everyone all around the world. Yes, I truly think that spreading the timeless and countryless message of the Jones Plantation is THAT incredibly important.

And this brings me to the most important point. Being an indie production with no money left to spend on promotion, the reach of the movie is almost entirely dependent on word-of-mouth marketing. So, if you like the film, PLEASE tell the world about it! I can only dream about what could happen if hundreds of millions of minds were to begin questioning the edifice of lies that the Jones Plantation masterfully exposes.

Lastly, I don't really know how the movie will continue to be distributed in the coming months, but however you end up watching it, if you find the movie valuable, PLEASE consider supporting its producers in whatever way you can (I will get the awesome Jones Plantation Official Flag, which was designed in 5 minutes by Treglia and is the most truthful flag that I have ever seen!). This is how we will continue to get truly disruptive, potentially world-changing movies like this one.

In sum, just remember: we are all free now, working right here, on the glorious Jones Plantation.

A modern day allegorical masterpiece pervaded in metaphorical parables akin to an impactful anti-political hit song or an eye/mind opening documentary. If the audience decides to interpret it straightfowardly without dissecting & analyzing the narrative, they will be left with askew interpretations of the exposé. Alternatively if they descry the diegesis which exhibits perfect exemplum to any prospect; then it has fulfilled it's role, which is in service to the people. Genius incarnations are seldom bestowed upon our fickle existence which presents edification from a performance of artistic entertainment.

A great Movie with solid source materials. Upsetting and educational in a unique way. The Look and the lesson are disturbing and somehow feel like history and current events are covered in almost no time at all.

The acting is striking and the overall atmosphere gave me an discomfort that was profound.

Larken Rose had produced a short in the past regarding the concept. This is much expanded in the full length live action version here.

Larger than life figures make a universal story easily understood and yet there are many lessons and relatable messages happening in this film all at once. Plus it's an entertaining allegory that is about slavery and yet not about race as many popular films are.

Overall. It's a slap on the head to wake people up.

It's not about how perfectly Hollywood the film is, or how perfect the sound track, or how perfect the cinematography. This indie film offers an intriguing story, solid acting and a compelling social commentary. And as amazing as all that is on a teeny budget, those good reasons to see the film aren't why everyone needs to see it (and everyone does).

The reason you need to see this film is because the entire world is suffering from the devastating effects of a single lie, told by tyrants to all people, and this film exposes that lie so that people can truly see it, recognize the truth, and rise above it.

Satire is alive and well in Jones Plantation. Slaves do not have the experience to run a plantation nor common men the experience to manipulate the masses. We are comforted by lies and conspiracy theories. When a man is left uneducated with a desire to know, he latches on to any illusion or conspiracy, which offers an explanation to his plight. Jones Plantation has carved out an explanation, maybe we all are comforted by this satire. Tennessee Ernie Ford have us 16 Ton and the company store, Jones Plantation give us Mr Smith, a man destined to embody the smugness of how little a reward is required for some men to sell their brothers for a song.

While it does not have the $500 million budget of a Marvel movie, it's message is much more important and told in a well articulated out way. The villain of the story is larger than life and plays his role very well.

There were some awkward silence moments that kinda took me out of the story a few times but I was watching with a critical eye as I wanted the movie to be flawless so as not to misrepresent the original story. It may add to the era piece of it though so who knows.

Some might say this should be required viewing in public schools but that would completely miss the whole point of the film.

Bias disclaimer: around 11 years ago that came across a YouTube video called The Jones Plantation. It is what this movie is based upon. Given the fact that I was so infatuated with the YouTube video (which I recommend) I will say I am biased in my review. And I tried my best to remain as objective as possible.

Acting: 5/10

Some of the acting is amazing. Maurice does a great job. Sometimes Mr. Jones does good, but other times he just really falls flat. The same goes with most the other supporting actors and actresses. Then there is just some line delivery or acting that just does not do it. It does not convey the emotional element or the dialogue/ writing. Just seems forced. Very few times it seems. Unnatural. All in all, I've seen worse acting on the films. I've enjoyed more, and I've seen better acting in indie films I have not cared for.

Plot: 10/10

And so very refreshing to have something that is not supposed to be taken at face value. That's not a movie about a plantation or slavery in the 1800s. It's an allegory. The actual setting of the movie is just that of a metaphor for the idea of the movie is trying to convey. If you watch anything of just slavery in the time period, it's going to feel and seem very off, but if you consider the government/states/culture instead of a plantation then you will quickly realize the meaning and message behind the film. To avoid spoilers, if you change the lens from what you expect to a wider aspect of what the writers trying to tell you , then you will see the film in a different light. I find this really refreshing compared to most blockbuster and indie film development. Something that seems fresh, different, and you unique as well as introducing fresh faces and a fresh idea to cinema.

Production: 6/10

The production called was really well, it wasn't expecting a lot of locations or beautiful country sides. I think they did well with their budget for settings, though it would be nice to see a few different places. The scenes kind of get redundant as far as the background goes. Even utilizing different angles and different shots, not a lot. Really changes as far as the setting goes. I don't want to call it. A lack of effort more than it's just a lack of budgeting and using what you've got. I gave him a little leeway but it still wouldn't. Nice to see some different scenery.

Now as far as shots and camera angles go, they weren't flat. No point that I feel like I was watching someone's first attempt at shooting in the movie. At the same time some of the shots did feel formulaic as well as redundant. While they were small. Little things I could pick out that made me say, "oh yeah this is a different shot," I did find myself double guessing whether or not I was seen the same shot for a different scene or not.

Overall, I'd say 8 out of 10. I loved it. Identify myself switching too much to my phone. They were times I would get distracted and I'd feel like I need to rewind and double check something. But overall it was a fresh and interesting movie. I really loved it.

Nothing short of amazing! This movie will keep you captivated from start to finish with it's alluring cast, incredible story and multiple twists and turns! The story takes on a whole new level of insights into the true nature of our world as it progresses from naivete and basic slavery themes into advanced manipulation techniques, emotional dramas and devastating tragedies. What would you do if the whole world was swept by delusion? Surrender? Collaborate? Or resist?

The answer may surprise you, as we all like to side with the hero in our minds but would we side with the hero when faced with trauma, pain and fear?