Film review: Revolutionary America, a Hillsdale College Documentary
- Troy Kinney
- Jun 18
- 3 min read
According to the distribution website, Revolutionary America, “tells the story of the American Founding, the greatest political achievement in history” and “Against all odds, they won, and in victory formed a stable, lasting republic.” It is, “The origin story of the greatest country in history.”
The film is a high-quality production by Hilldale Studios. It contains many of the hallmarks of a modern documentary, like excellent and thoughtful narration by a professional actor; here, it is Tom Selleck. There is expert commentary by academic talking heads in well-stocked, classic, dark wood library backgrounds. The cinematography is polished, and the musical score is well chosen. It is filled with famous historical paintings that the camera slowly explores, often using a subtle three-dimensional effect. At times, figures within the paintings are even animated. I’m sure it is all based on original source materials which they quote accurately throughout the presentation. In many ways, the film follows the familiar Ken Burns style, which is not necessarily a criticism. Ken Burns is the foremost documentarian we have. As I watched, I kept expecting this film to offer something Mr. Burns always makes sure to include: Fresh perspectives and insights. Instead of becoming the landmark film it aspired to be, it settles for far less, which is unfortunately, a movie destined to be forgotten rather than remembered. It never becomes the revolutionary film it had the potential to be. Ultimately, I found the experience merely satisfactory. What lingered most was the sense of unrealized potential.
There were very few special and specific points of information presented in a unique and memorable way. It felt a little like the familiar stories of history that most of us were told growing up. We all know George Washington led the Continental Army, endured brutal winters, and ultimately prevailed. Most of the film focused on those campaigns of General Washington and the hardships they faced, like the fact that many of the men were literally naked at times because they lacked resources and supplies.
What about the stuff classrooms often leave out? This is where true significance could be found. How did a room full of well-dressed, sweaty men from different backgrounds, beliefs and interests ever come to an agreement, much less, one that would create a document that would direct a country like ours for the next 250 years? This is what makes our America revolutionary! What did these various men think about controversial topics like slavery, economics, federal power, individual rights? What sorts of arguments and compromises had to be made? What could we learn from these men so long ago that could help us today? These instructive lessons could be crucial, even with our current nation seemingly so divided.
My biggest disappointment was with the end of the film. In the story told on screen the film simply states that the Constitution was completed and quickly ratified. Is this the accurate story? I think not. Where is the crucial reminder that several states held out on ratification, insisting that the Constitution was incomplete without something more? What is now recognized as one of its most indispensable features: the Bill of Rights? Where would we be without those amendments? The battle between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists is an essential component that shows how America is revolutionary.
Yes, we fought man against man, army against army. Blood was spilled and lives were disrupted, but the words that were put to paper by a small group of men with grit, in a room with no electricity, closed windows, strong opinions and odors, is what makes this America revolutionary.
I do love Hillsdale College. I’m a parent of two graduates and I’m a member of The President’s Club. I love the things they stand for and, of course, their defiance of government funding. I love that they are unique and remain committed to rail against the “modern cultural narrative.” That they champion the pursuit of truth, the love of the good, and the cultivation of beauty. This is not an easy path. So, here is where my biggest critique is revealed: in a word, the film was… safe. I so desired to be stirred, as though I were standing at the edge of a precipice, gazing in wonder. I suppose that I wanted my knees to knock as the 250-year truth of America, this revolutionary experiment, came alive through the eyes of Hillsdale. But that moment never arrived.
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