Free State of Jones

Free State of Jones

Year: 2016

Runtime: 139 min

Language: English

Director: Gary Ross

ActionBiographyDramaHistoryWar

During the Civil War, Newt Knight, a Southern farmer, challenges the Confederate cause by forming an independent state with freed slaves and fellow rebels. This courageous act of defiance establishes a community striving for equality and challenging the established order. Their resistance extends beyond the battlefield, impacting the region long after the war’s official conclusion and leaving a lasting legacy of rebellion and hope.

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Timeline – Free State of Jones (2016)

Trace every key event in Free State of Jones (2016) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Rallying for Battle

In October 1862, Confederate soldiers in Jones County, Mississippi, gather in preparation for the imminent Battle of Corinth. This intense atmosphere sets the stage for the fierce conflict between the Confederate army and Union forces that is about to unfold.

October 1862 Jones County, Mississippi
2

Newton Knight's Role

Medic Newton Knight, portrayed by Matthew McConaughey, dedicates himself to carrying the wounded away from the battlefield and tending to their injuries. His experiences in war bring him to a painful realization of the brutality and bloodshed surrounding him.

3

Moral Dilemma

Newton's disillusionment deepens when he learns that slave owners are exempt from serving in the army. This revelation forces him to wrestle with the moral implications of fighting in a war for the benefit of those who are untouched by its violence.

4

Daniel's Plea

A distressed teenage boy named Daniel comes to Newton, sharing the heart-wrenching news that his family's possessions have been seized. Understanding Daniel's plight, Newton offers him solace in a time of chaos, demonstrating his compassion in the face of overwhelming adversity.

5

Tragedy Strikes

During a harrowing day of battle, Daniel is tragically shot while fighting alongside Newton. Newton desperately attempts to save him, but despite his efforts, he is left to grieve the young boy's death, marking a pivotal loss in his fight against the ravages of war.

6

Return Home

Returning to his wife Serena after the battle, Newton expresses his growing discontent with the conflict. This visit reveals the strain that the war has placed on their relationship and the hardships they both face during this turbulent time.

7

Seeking Help

As Newton navigates personal hardships, he searches for medical assistance for his ailing infant son. At a local roadhouse, he meets Rachel, a slave who selflessly helps nurse his child back to health, highlighting the compassionate connections formed amidst destruction.

8

Desertion and Rebellion

Fast forward to July 1863, when the fall of Vicksburg leads to a wave of soldiers deserting the Confederate army. Newton finds camaraderie among a group of runaway slaves, uniting to form a militia determined to resist oppression and build a sense of community.

July 1863
9

Confrontation with Confederates

Facing relentless threats from Confederate soldiers, Newton's militia takes defensive action by standing firm against their oppressors. This engagement showcases their resilience and determination to protect their newfound community against brutal reprisals.

10

Victory and Freedom

After a series of fierce confrontations, Newton's militia successfully overpowers their former oppressors. Celebrating their hard-won freedom, they raise the American flag as a symbol of triumph and hope for a better future.

11

End of War Challenges

By June 1865, as the Civil War draws to a close, newly freedmen encounter new obstacles as promises of land and resources remain unfulfilled. Relationships shift dramatically as Newton and Serena reunite, highlighting their enduring bond forged through hardship.

June 1865
12

Tragic Loss

Amidst the hopes for a brighter future, tragedy strikes when Moses, a key ally in their community, is murdered. This event serves as a harsh reminder of the ongoing dangers faced by those seeking justice and equality in the post-war era.

13

March to the Polls

In a show of bravery, Newton makes a powerful march to the polls on Election Day, epitomizing the struggle for civil rights amidst lingering racial tensions. This act emphasizes the difficult journey toward equality and the ongoing systemic challenges they face.

14

Davis’s Legal Battle

In 1947, the narrative shifts to Newton's great-grandson, Davis, who faces trial due to his mixed heritage. This ordeal becomes emblematic of the societal struggles and prejudices that continue to affect their family and the broader community.

1947
15

Legacy of Land

Unable to marry Rachel due to racial laws of the time, Newton ensures her future by gifting her 160 acres of land. This act secures her status as one of the few African-American women landowners, providing a foundation for their future together.

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 13:28

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Free State of Jones

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