Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A psychological profile of the Father of Our Country, March 2, 2002
This review is from: The American Experience - George Washington - The Man Who Wouldn't Be King [VHS] (VHS Tape)
"George Washington - The Man Who Wouldn't Be King" is most properly considered a psychological biography of the first President. This American Experience episode does not cover his entire life, but begins with when he was brought to Mount Vernon by his half-brother Lawrence to learn how to be a gentleman and ends when he refuses to become the first king of the United States. The goal is to transform Washington from a "marble monument" back into a human being. What emerges is rather ironic, given that Washington was born into the Virginia aristocracy, but we see how Washington was--in terms of personality and reputation--a self-made man. After all, this was a man who headed off to the French & Indian Wars as a Major of colonial militia having read two books on the art of war and taken fencing lessons. The military fiasco that resulted would hardly seem to be the foundation upon which to build either a military or political career. In fact, this documentary suggests that what Washington did in the backwoods of America ultimately caused both the American and French Revolutions, both of which were inspired by higher taxes to pay for military endeavors. The documentary argues that Washington's deepest desire was to become commissioned a British officer. In refusing to give the colonial such rank, the British end up creating a man who would take command of an army involved in a rebellion. In yet another irony, Washington was one of the richest men in the colonies and consumed by the a growing list of anti-Colonial discrimination by the British. "George Washington: The Man Who Wouldn't Be King" pays attention to both his strengths and faults of character. Driven by ambition, Washington accumulated thousands of acres under less than noble circumstances. Yet his favorite play was about the death of Cato, a self-sacrificing public servant. Thus, the documentary achieves its goal, of giving viewers a better sense of the complexity of the man. After watching this students willl have a much better idea of this man, who basically lost more military engagements than any other general in American history, and yet was the only choice for first head of the new American government. Consequently, the psychological profile provided by this documentary does not work as an introduction to Washington, but rather works much better as a way of reconsidering the man.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent, encapsulated biography of a complex man., May 21, 2000
This review is from: The American Experience - George Washington - The Man Who Wouldn't Be King [VHS] (VHS Tape)
"George Washington: the Man Who Wouldn't be King" is more than just a one-hour biography of Washington's various careers as a planter, surveyor, soldier and president. As important as a review of Washington's life is, this film focuses on one of his greatest contributions to Amercian democracy: his steadfast refusal to declare himself king at the end of the American Revolution. This film uses personal journals and newspaper accounts to illustrate Washington's life and his complexities as a leader and as a man. While the film probably doesn't tell us much we don't already know about Washington's life and political career, it does put into dramatic context, the ease with which Washington could have assumed dictatorial control of a willing nation. The American Republic is so much taken for granted today, that we tend to forget that self-rule was an untried concept, and that Washington was so trusted and revered, many pivotal leaders would have eagerly enthroned him if he had allowed it. If Washington did nothing else to be remembered for in his life, then he will be rememembered for allowing the American Experiment to continue. This film underscores this point beautifully.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
2 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Incorrect Movie, September 21, 2005
This review is from: The American Experience - George Washington - The Man Who Wouldn't Be King [VHS] (VHS Tape)
This was the most incorrect biography I have ever seen. It is written by a historical fictionist and is totally trying to bring Washington down. This movie was obviously an opinion. How could the author say those things about Washington. I highly recommend you don't watch it. It should not be used for children. You'll be teaching your kids incorrect things.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|
