talonjensen

So, I'm reviewing this 10 years after it debuted. It is not horrible, but it is low budget. The set effects, as when they are sitting on snow, are pretty bad. The script is average, but has its moments. I did like the the unusual ending, but don't want to give that away. I'm old enough to enjoy seeing the parents from 'Family Ties' back together again. Wow, they are soo old! Oh, wait, I guess that is me!

If you are going to write a show that bears no semblance to the truth, that distorts history and in several cases, actually inverts history; then, you should not use a few historical names and places that can easily lead people to think there is some truth in your narrative.

Other than the names of some famous historical figures, this show is a brutal imaginary tale of a dark, dark frontier world without any basis in actual fact. Brigham Young was a fiery preacher, which was common in those times, but he always sought the path of peace. Even going so far as to relocate himself, his family and his followers several times out of the path of physical violence. His compassion for others, including native Americans is totally absent in this show. The LDS people and local native Americans had the best relationship of any immigrants and native Americans in the west. Not that it was perfect, or without some violence, but it was better than any other Native American and non-Native American groups. And, I have some knowledge of that as I have a Native American grandmother.

The Mountain Meadows Massacre did happen, but Brigham Young's directive to "let them pass" did arrive too late to save them as local church leaders made horrible decisions.

I am only left with the thought that, as long as this is taken for pure fiction, then it is palatable. But, what I see is the continuation of many in Hollywood to try and outdo the last show in grit, blood and violence. This show is meant to shock as a dark, violent portrayal of one portion of America's history. And for me, it fails when it could have been so much more.

For a Historian's POV, search for "'American Primeval' left this historian confused and frustrated. Here's why"

This movie moves quickly, there is a lot of action and a strong female character. If that appeals to you, you will like this movie.

The show isn't perfect, backstories and character development could have been better. But, overall I really enjoyed this movie as a good, updated twist on the "damsel in distress" trope.

Basically, a wise for her age, hard-working princess of a very poor kingdom is sold to a wealthy kingdom to marry the wealth prince. What could ever go wrong with that?

Much of the movie is predictable, but not all of it. I quite enjoyed the ending, even though, with my critical eye, I think it could have been better executed. I actually wanted to savor the resolution for a longer period of time.