The Stand at Paxton County

source: The Stand at Paxton County

Contrary to the initial claim of the first reviewer, just a cursory research on the web verifies that the basics of this story are true. And in real life the judge threw out the charges of animal abuse and ordered the animals be returned to their rightful owner. And nowhere in the movie is the mistreatment of animals glorified. It is a story about a conspiracy to claim falsely that animal abuse HAD occurred in order to seize the ranch. But enough of correcting obvious misstatements in reviews. In reality, this movie is actually a well crafted suspense piece that you can relate to even if you have never been on a ranch. For those looking for extended gun fights and other lengthily episodes of gratuitous violence, look elsewhere. The emphasis here is on suspense, not violence. And there's that other subtle message from this story, viz. should business owners of all pursuits be a bit apprehensive about their government's growing penchant to shut them down and seize their property, whether based on animal abuse or health concerns. I recommend you give the movie and Netflix a chance. It will be well worth you time.

I loved this movie. This is the first review I have ever written on here. I know this is no box office hit but it truly is a must see. It is heartfelt and sad. Sad because that is what greed is causing in this world. My heart goes out to any family, rancher or business that has endured such a thing.

I found the film slow and boring. The subject matter on the other hand is shocking. So not for me I'm afraid.

This movie is disgusting and a flat out lie. He abused his animals and now he's glorified in a movie. Don't support this or waste your time.

Netflix has a little drama, The Stand at Paxton County, that can be neglected for its hackneyed plot but not ignored for the real-life application of a new law opening ranches in the NW to exploitation and old-fashioned rustling. The new Title allows a neighboring rancher or farmer to claim neglect and, with a vet's nod, send the sheriff to confiscate the animals. This thriller depicts the consequences for an accused rancher. As mystery, the film is pretty pedestrian; as a wakeup call for ranchers, farmers, and those sympathetic to their struggles, it succeeds getting attention, if only to point out how property rights can be endangered, and, of course, basic freedom. Army medic Janna Connelly (Jacqueline Toboni), on leave to visit her ailing N Dakota dad, Dell (Michael O'Neill), finds some local authorities are harassing ranchers with the new legislation, to the point of one rancher committing suicide. Because she is a trained medic, she researches the problem and pursues a solution. The problem involves bad hombres trying legally to benefit from seizing livestock, and good people hamstrung by the new law. While the plot is boilerplate thriller, the insight into the downside of such a statute is eye-opening if not sensational. The plot takes sinister turns including poisoning and murder. In N Dakota? Yep, just ask the Fargo folks. This place can't get a break, and as isolated remote as the state is, we have an abiding interest in its extracurricular mayhem. Although nothing in the plot can be considered remotely new, except for the legal boondoggle that propels it, a little bell of awareness rings about our fellow Americans' ability to encroach on our freedoms by pursuing our property by legal means. That's the rub of this thriller: seemingly good people turn bad when money and property rule. See The Stand at Paxton County: you'll learn something about N. Dakota, the wild West, and the vulnerability livestock owners face every day.

Great movie. Do u have a soundtrack it's time we have some movies that are not to violent

This film is a surprise, predictable plot - but for some reason I found it very compelling and interesting, it has a slow first half as it sets up the characters and main story line. It also identifies some serious issues with the way that laws are made, applied and abused.

The story line is actually pretty good. My issue is the based on real events is an extremely loose statement for this one. They're giving ND small town sheriff's some real street cred with this stretch of corruption. It started off ok but just got too unbelievable halfway through.

Terrible dialog, story too oversimplified. Her friend calls her to tell her that her dad collapsed, but first, take the time to lightheartedly joke around with her, HUH? No friend wouldn't do that. As soon as your friend answered, you'd immediately tell them about their loved one being in trouble. A few actors are decent, but without good direction, the ones that aren't so good put the emphasis on the wrong words and don't tell the story in a believable way. Here's a weird complaint: We watched with the captions on and at least twice the lines said "I should of seen this coming." Should of?? How about "should have" or "should've"?! 'Should of' is nothing; it's not correct. So either the captions are wrong or the script is. Simple, possibly paranoid, people who can't tell they are being manipulated (and perhaps more importantly, why they are) might enjoy this, but modern viewers demand better. Some people use propaganda to get your money, to make you angry at institutions they hate, or to control your mind. Lazy, simplistic choices. Okay, okay, we get it--government bad, animal rights bad, sheriff bad. So much propaganda, I had a bruise on my forehead from all the "did you get the message? Did you get it yet?" poking me in every scene.