There are alot of positive things to write about Mudbound. First of all the acting, that was by far the best part of this movie. It's what made this movie entertaining to watch, because in my eyes the duration of the movie was too long, but the good acting made up for that. The story itself is easy to follow, easy in the way it's not complicated, not in the way of hearing and seeing racist abuse. Because that's what's the movie about, awful racist southern people against a normal family that tries to survive in their own way. It's a message that depending on where you live, on how you were raised, you treat people differently. A movie with not a new story, but worth watching.

Saw 'Mudbound' due to being intrigued by the subject matter and the cast, being someone who is trying to see as many 2017 films as possible (particularly those that garnered Oscar nominations, in to me actually one of the better Oscar years in recent years) and who wanted to see if it lived up to the hype.

While not one of the best films of the year 'Mudbound' was still very impressive indeed, with a lot of emotional power and with so much deserving of being lauded highly, also really admired how it handled its brave themes. It is though an uneven film too which is a shame, and does suffer from its ambition getting the better of it so that at times it becomes over-ambitious.

Starting with 'Mudbound's' faults, it does get off to a somewhat erratically paced (both rushed and draggy) and meandering start where it can get confusing as to which direction it's going to go and where it's heading.

Also was distracted by the multiple-character voice-over, which tended to ramble and over-explain and could have done with being used less, particularly in parts where it wasn't really needed.

The script too is not without its rambling, repetitive and derivative parts. Overall, it is not a bad script by any stretch, but personally do question its Oscar nomination (the film's other nominees were deserved though) in an otherwise strong category where the right film ('Call Me By Your Name') won and one of not many questionable nominees this year (that last claim is not going to be a popular opinion though).

'Mudbound' however has pros that far outweigh the cons. It looks fantastic with some of the best cinematography of the year and dreamy and atmospheric landscapes and scenery. It is not often where mud is like a character of its own in a film, that is the case with 'Mudbound' and juxtaposes beautifully with the otherwise idyllic look. The music is hauntingly beautiful, and cannot get enough of "Mighty River", wonderfully performed by Mary J. Blige herself, my pick for the Oscar was between it and "Remember Me" from 'Coco', another song that resonated with me.

While the script is uneven, much of it is thought-provoking, well-meaning, affecting and sincere. Things really pick up in the story after a shaky start, especially in a sweeping second half that is truly powerful and poignant culminating in a shocking, gut-wrenching and emotionally devastating climax. Really admired how it explored and addressed the brave and sadly still relevant themes of poverty, racism and the aftermath of war and executing it in a way that was confident and just as ballsy and relevant. Have little to fault the direction either.

Other than the production values the other star is the superb acting, with Carey Mulligan giving her best performance since perhaps 'An Education' and was not expecting a performance as powerful and moving as the one Mary J. Blige gave. The film completely re-assessed my opinion of Garrett Hedlund, who was awful in 'Pan' but was absolutely brilliant here. Jason Mitchell is suitably controlled and can't fault Jonathan Banks and Jason Clarke either.

In conclusion, uneven and over-ambitious but very moving, superbly made and acted and brave. 7/10 Bethany Cox

Or PTSD as it is also called. Although here you have more of a Welcoming Stress Disorder ... because while in war, the skin color did not matter, back at home (in the US) for some it more than mattered. You may not feel comfortable with what certain people are doing here - but they all have their "reasons" (or at least education and prejudices they grew up with) why ... not that it hurts less what they do.

An interesting look and a friendship build over something horrific two of the characters went through ... and also showing how little certain groups of people had to say. Still to this day in some regions for sure - and why that matters and why it should not be that way anymore. A good drama with a lot of good actors in it. Not an easy watch by any stretch of the imagination though ...