Mr. Jones Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A plucky Welshman goes to Russia, discovers some people are very, very hungry, and inspires a book about talking pigs.

🍿 Mr. Jones: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Initial Investigation

Gareth Jones, a determined Welsh journalist, seeks to interview Stalin in 1933 to understand the Soviet Union’s rapid economic growth during a global depression. He suspects something is amiss, particularly concerning the source of Stalin’s funding. He secures access to the Soviet Union, but finds his movements closely monitored.

Journey into Ukraine

Ignoring official restrictions, Jones travels to Ukraine, where he witnesses the devastating effects of the Holodomor, a man-made famine. He encounters starving villagers, widespread death, and evidence of forced grain confiscation by Soviet authorities. He sees first-hand the brutal realities hidden behind Stalin’s propaganda.

Confronting the Truth

Back in the West, Jones struggles to report his findings, facing disbelief and denial from influential figures, including Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Walter Duranty, who dismisses his claims. He persists in his efforts to expose the truth about the Holodomor, despite the risks to his reputation and safety. His journey profoundly affects his worldview and sense of justice.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Gareth Jones (James Norton): A determined Welsh journalist who risks his life to uncover the truth about the famine in Ukraine.
• Ada Brooks (Vanessa Kirby): A principled British journalist in Moscow who aids Gareth in his investigation.
• Walter Duranty (Peter Sarsgaard): A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist for the New York Times who supports Stalin and dismisses the famine reports.
• George Orwell (Joseph Mawle): A writer inspired by Gareth Jones’s reporting to create Animal Farm.
• Lloyd George (Kenneth Cranham): A former British prime minister and political figure connected to Gareth Jones.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• George Orwell: “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” – The quote is from ‘Animal Farm,’ inspired by Gareth Jones’s reporting and captures the essence of inequality under Stalinism.
• Gareth Jones: “I have seen what happens when people are silenced.” – Gareth Jones reflects on the dangers of suppressing the truth and the importance of bearing witness.
• Walter Duranty: “You have to decide if you’re a human being or a journalist.” – Duranty says this to Ada, highlighting the moral compromises he made to maintain access and influence.

💰Box Office

• Budget: €10,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $2,855,316

💥 Mr. Jones Reviews

Personal Review

Mr. Jones is a haunting movie that stayed with me long after the credits rolled. The scenes depicting the famine in Ukraine were absolutely devastating, and James Norton’s performance was phenomenal. I found myself deeply moved by his character’s unwavering commitment to truth, even in the face of immense pressure and danger. It made me appreciate the importance of brave journalism. The movie is a difficult watch but a very important one. I was also intrigued by the movie’s portrayal of George Orwell. The scenes where Jones tells Orwell about the famine are well acted. I highly recommend this movie, prepare to be moved.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “History enthusiasts”
  • “Those interested in journalism and political thrillers”
  • “Viewers who appreciate films based on true stories”
  • “Individuals interested in Soviet history and the Holodomor”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic depictions of famine and death”
  • “Scenes of cannibalism”
  • “Disturbing historical events”
  • “Political themes and violence”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Holland crafts a compelling historical thriller, showcasing the power of truth in the face of propaganda. The film effectively portrays the stark contrast between the opulence of Moscow and the horrors of the Ukrainian famine.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “James Norton delivers a strong performance as Gareth Jones, capturing his idealism and determination. While the film is sometimes heavy-handed, it sheds light on a crucial historical event and the importance of journalistic integrity.
• Screen Daily: “An important and gripping story, even though it can be hard to watch at times. The setting of the movie is well realized.

Audience Reactions

The movie masterfully exposes the brutal reality of the Holodomor, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.: Viewers appreciated the film’s unflinching portrayal of historical events and its exploration of journalistic integrity.

James Norton’s portrayal of Gareth Jones was widely praised for its depth and emotional resonance.: Many viewers found the film to be a powerful and thought-provoking reminder of the importance of truth in the face of oppression.

Overall Consensus: Mr. Jones is a powerful and disturbing film that sheds light on a dark chapter in history, with strong performances and a compelling narrative.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The New York Times denied permission to quote directly from Walter Duranty’s articles denying the famine in Ukraine.”
• “The film was shot in Poland, Ukraine and the United Kingdom to recreate the 1930s settings.”
• “Director Agnieszka Holland also directed ‘In Darkness,’ another film focusing on a genocide, set in Lviv during the Second World War.”

🖥️ How to Watch Mr. Jones?

Mr. Jones is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it for rent or purchase on Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability as it may vary by region. Some cable providers may also offer it on-demand.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Mr. Jones, you might like these similar films:

• The Killing Fields (1984): Both films depict the horrors of war and political turmoil through the eyes of journalists risking their lives to expose the truth.
• A Call to Spy (2020): Highlights the experiences of female spies during World War II, showcasing their courage and contributions to the fight against tyranny.
• State of Play (2009): This explores investigative journalism and government corruption.
• The Post (2017): Similar to ‘Mr. Jones’, ‘The Post’ highlights the importance of investigative journalism in revealing government secrets.

🛒 Mr. Jones Related Products

• Animal Farm by George Orwell: The literary masterpiece inspired by Gareth Jones’s experiences, a satirical allegory of totalitarianism and the dangers of unchecked power.
• Holodomor: The Ukrainian Genocide, 1932-1933: Academic source on the Holodomor, providing a complete reference.
• Mr. Jones [Blu-ray]: Own the Blu-ray edition of Mr. Jones to experience the film’s powerful story and stunning visuals in high definition. Includes behind-the-scenes features and interviews.
• Gareth Jones Documentary Collection: Explore a curated collection of documentaries and articles about Gareth Jones and the Holodomor, providing deeper insights into the historical context and real-life events that inspired the film.

🎧 Soundtrack

Mr. Jones features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Choo-Choo” – performed by Matty Malneck and Frank Trumbauer, Arranged by Marcin Masecki, Performed by Marcin Masecki, Jerzy Rogiewicz, Jan Emil Mlynarski

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

“Mr. Jones” Backlash Made Adam Duritz Self Conscious

Ever wonder about the story behind a song? Adam Duritz from Counting Crows gets super real about the aftermath of ‘Mr. Jones,’ and how all the hype messed with his head. It’s a fascinating look at how success can be a double-edged sword!

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