Is Mountain Born: The Jean Ritchie Story Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1996)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of Mountain Born: The Jean Ritchie Story (1996), audiences are invited back into the world of Music, Documentary. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Chronicles the 50-year career of singer/songwriter Jean Ritchie, from Viper, Kentucky to the New York stage. Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie, and her family and friends in Eastern Kentucky are among those interviewed. A 1996 KET production."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Jean Ritchie attempts to elevate the material, but the direction leaves them with little to work with. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Music. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Mountain Born: The Jean Ritchie Story worth your time? If you appreciate Music, Documentary films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Mountain Born: The Jean Ritchie Story misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 58 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.