This exceptional recreation of the Civil War era in Missouri is brilliant--in the quality of the casting, acting, writing, and period detail--and maddening, in that it ends with every important plot line unresolved. I viewed this two-hour movie on an overseas flight. The exact length of the movie was two hours, and this, coupled with the fact that there numerous blackout sections that seemed timed to host commercial messages, makes me think that this "movie" was designed as a mini-series, and somehow there was not enough funding to complete it (which would easily have required another two hours). My rating of five reflects a perfect score for a movie that is exactly one-half completed. I do think it's worth viewing for the excellence of what's here, but the viewer should know that NONE of the critical questions raised for any of the major characters are answered, even implicitly. In other words, you have to enjoy the journey, because there's no ending to enjoy.

A good story with many characters with their own story lines. The writer has good grasp on the civil war period. Many women of that time period exhibited strength that was considerable. This movie plays on that theme well and believably. Drama, tears and pins and needles work well here. The characters are well cast. There are a few unexpected turns which always is a plus. Some of the outcomes are expected and some are not. This shows easily leaves doors open to expand in a number of different directions which I hope will happen. So many people, like me, are sick and tired of reality TV that this is a refreshing change and a direction I hope programmers take. When it leaves you waiting for "what happens next?" you know you have a winner. I give it a thumbs up for sure.

The movie was produced to be picked up by a series but wasn't due to poor performance. Hence, it is truncated and does not constitute an integral movie. The movie climax towards the end and leaves the spectator unsatisfied waiting for a sequel that is not going to be produced.