I have not seen any other production on the Hatfields and McCoys. I have nothing to compare it to other than history. This story goes from the beginning of the feud up until the pregnancy of Rosanna. It portrays the heads of both families, Devil Anse Hatfield (Jeff Fahey) and Ran'l McCoy (Perry King) as being honorable men. Christian Slater, who played the governor of Kentucky, wasn't as strong as the rest of the cast. The romance between Rosanna McCoy (Kassandra Clementi) and Johnse Hatfield (Sean Flynn) was poorly developed as we go from some flirting in the general store to a note to a full fledged romance. I will say that Kassandra Clementi in her role as Rosanna brought to mind Jennifer Lawrence in "Winter's Bone." This is perhaps the only bright spot of the film.The fire on the roof was a CG effect. Doesn't anyone burn their sets anymore? The shooting of Asa McCoy by crazy Jim, was in part because he wore a Union uniform, but was also because Asa was college educated and had all kinds of different ideas. Yes, Jim Vance did shoot him, but nothing like it was shown.This film fails as history. I won't go into details as to prevent plot spoilers, but it was inaccurate from beginning to end. If you want to feel like you are watching a western, this film will pass. It is loosely based on the historical tale.No f-bombs, sex, or nudity.

To enjoy this movie, first, disregard any facts you may possess about the Hatfields and McCoys and, second, release any expectations of realism. Then just take the ride. I did appreciate the acting, the Kentucky scenery, and the wonderful music. I thought Jeff Fahey and Perry King were very good as the family heads. This is not the real story of the feud, but it is a story. It has a beginning, a middle, and an end. It makes sense and is easy to follow--because it is a condensed, pared-down, dummied-down, made-for-TV kind of movie. It uses the bare minimum of family members, relationships, and events. Don't bother comparing it to the outstanding Kevin Costner mini-series. Just take it for what it is, and you might see it as the hour and a half of escapism that it is. Not terrible. . . .

I enjoyed the TV version with Costner I just wanted more of the story, so I rented this when I saw it at Redbox. Amanda B. has lost it and let herself go, though she and Fahey were the best actors in this joke of a release. Why bother with any facts, just rewrite stories, and condense the facts to shorten the movie This was not even as good as a local amateur play or locally shot movie made by high school or college drama club. The cast did a lot of shooting in the movie, but clearly never went to a shooting range to see how to hold a gun. The only visual effects I could detect was the terrible FIRE on the house. Just terrible and a waste of my time. The spoiler is if you read this before you rent it, you won't rent it....and I have done my job.

I give this title more credit than the Costner mini series. It was actually filmed in Kentucky as opposed to Romania! No one has written accounts of the actual events of the feud, so who is to say which version is correct? Of course it's different; it's a different interpretation... I think this film is creative and has wonderful actors. Jeff Fahey is phenomenal! Tim Abell as Jim Vance is appealing, not appalling (as apposed to Costner's miniseries version). His acting is precise and perfect to his character. Christian Slater is... well, Christian Slater. Costner's version is about an hour and a half too long. This film is timed perfectly. This film is great considering its low budget, and Perry King does a tremendous job as Randall McCoy. And it was filmed on site with many Kentucky actors!! That alone gives it wonderful appeal! I've got to give Fred Olen Ray credit where credit is due. He provides much insight and explanation throughout the film so I wasn't lost historically. The discussions between characters are thoughtful and helpful to the viewer, leaving no questions. Characters are easily identifiable. The film is succinct and sticks to a storyline that makes sense, albeit maybe not entirely historically accurate. It's not muddled by EVERY Hatfield and McCoy feud rumor out there! Ray does an excellent job creating historical drama in this film. I thoroughly enjoyed it!