Masterful Cinema

Crappy film

brilliant actors, brilliant editing

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

Exceptionally well made TV miniseries. Elizabeth Montgomery and Hal Holbrook anchor the film as a couple who seem mismatched but whose differences strengthen their union. Really the story of the growth of a town's gradual formation from the wilderness and a woman's indomitability in spearheading its birth. A strong supporting cast lead by Jane Seymour on her way up and an incredibly young William H. Macy add to the pleasure of this fine entertainment. The only thing missing is a certain grit that would have added to the wilderness feeling of the setting. A very strong showcase for the wonderfully talented and much missed Elizabeth Montgomery.

Here is a wild one for you. I saw The Awakening Land almost accidentally when I was getting ready to go to college in 1978. It has been rattling around in my brain all these time, almost 30 years, as a singular example of excellent television. The story and the characters stuck in my mind as a paragon of excellent writing, the best I have seen in a TV script. It wasn't until this night that I learned that it was a three part miniseries. I never knew that. I only saw the one episode (I think the first) where Saird meets and marries the Solitary. Now I am going nuts trying to find where I can get the other two episodes on DVD. Looks like I can't. Guess I will get the books. spike

I have been searching everywhere to buy this movie for presents to my mother and sisters. I remember watching it when I was in elementary school and learning the states and capitols, mom taught me Montgomery, Alabama by using one of my favorite actress's so I learned it as Elizabeth Montgomery,Alabama.I had to go to bed before the end of the movie each night due to school the next day so I missed the end of each episode of the mini series and have wanted to see it for many years. I loved Bewitched and still watch it whenever it's on.I just loved Miss Montgomery and in whatever I saw her in, She's right up there with Lucille Ball, my other all time favorite actress. I am trying to purchase the trilogy of books that "The Awakening Land" was made from, as a gift to my sister but I would love so much to be able to give them all a copy of the movie as well.

The Awakening Land is one of the best mini-series I have ever seen. I well remember when this first came out on TV. I called in sick to work in order to finish watching it. Elizabeth Montgomery did a marvelous job, and I can't believe it hasn't been made available commercially. If you have any interest at all in how the pioneers handled the settling of new territory, this is an absolute must. It reminded me a bit of 'How the West Was Won' in scope, although it doesn't cover as many generations. Hal Holbrook gave a great performance too. I have always admired the courage of the early pioneers and the hard lives they led. The Awakening Land is a great showcase of this courage and how these pioneers handled the tough circumstances under which they lived.