Hillbilly (II) (2018) User Reviews

Good Documentary... But

[josh-387 · 7/10 · 13 October 2019]

I really liked this documentary, but sometimes it seemed very obvious that its focus was to find left-leaning subcultures within the Hillbilly culture in order to give left-leaning America hope...

The main problem with this, is that it the film kept making the claim that hillbillies are unfairly represented in media... but in this, seemed to do exactly what the media does to hillbillies.

It's worth a watch.

You must first appreciate where you've been

[rscotthorton · 6/10 · 12 March 2020]

Not really sure this documentary goes out of it's way to lift America's perception of the people of the Appalachian region. Seems more like the filmmaker is trying to justify to herself why Hillary lost the 2016 election. As one gets older you realize - to appreciate where you are in life - you must first appreciate where you've been.

Very Well Presented Documentary

[larrys3 · 8/10 · 15 February 2019]

This is a very well presented documentary, directed by Ashley York and Sally Rubin. York also narrates the film and appears regularly throughout its filming.

York was born and raised in Eastern Kentucky, notably Meathouse Holler, and left the area when she was 18-years-old to attend the University of Kentucky. Now living in Los Angeles, she is returning to Appalachia to interview family, friends, and area residents for the movie.

The main focus of the doc is to try and counter the terrible stereotypes that, over many generations, have portrayed hillbillies from Appalachia. The media, including movies television, and print have fostered the concepts that hillbillies are dangerous, threatening, lazy, talk funny etc. etc. etc.

The filmmakers here try and counter these stereotypes and show how complicated the area can be, with its long history of exploitation by coal and mining companies. Also, the interviews with all types of Appalachians illustrate how they are just like many other Americans, with their own proud culture, music, and heritage.

The movie had added interest for me as it was being filmed right during the 2016 Presidential election race. It gave good insight into why some Kentuckians voted for Trump and why some voters went for Clinton. Trump drew large and enthusiastic crowds there and he considered that area a strong base of his.

Overall, this doc was well edited and had a lot to say and interspersed film clips (the one with Dolly Parton and Dabney Coleman in "9 to 5" was unforgettable) interviews, and historical pieces seamlessly.

To note, there were no subtitles on my DVD copy, but I was able to access them through my remote closed captions option.

It's ok

[mgail-573-479478 · 6/10 · 25 October 2019]

It does co rain nudity. Having moved to Appalachia 5 years ago, the culture is as portrayed

Most of these reviewers did Not watch more than 20 minutes

[becca7931 · 9/10 · 26 November 2021]

This documentary goes out of it's way to challenge the stereotypes and the exploitation of the Appalachian people. I grew up in a small city but my family is from Appalachia and I went to college in a town in Appalachia that was too small to even have a store. We had to go to the next town for that. I have often been called a redneck or a hillbilly or been told I come from a family of inbreeders simply because my family is from West Virginia and Alabama. I have been ashamed of my family because of all of the negative stereotypes surrounding rural and mountain peoples. This documentary hits on this very thing.

This documentary touches on politics but it is not in any way have a liberal slant other than she says her family used to be a democrat and they voted for Trump and wanted to know why they and other people there voted for someone who in all other ways disrespects the values of the Appalachian culture. This is not political and leftist. This is actual journalism. Asking questions and not judging. It even explains how both the left and the right have increased the stereotypes of Appalachian people and have both co-opted the culture of the region for their own benefits. It shows that the area has people of different races, sexual orientations, political affiliations, ethnicities, etc. Just like anywhere else. It shows that Kentucky is not the generalized backwater boonies and that the Appalachia region is more than it is made out to be. It is actually one of the most non-biased docs I've ever seen.

Think you understand Appalachia because you read "Hillbilly Elegy"... ?

[rbsteury · 9/10 · 6 August 2018]

Filmmakers Sally Rubin and Ashley York go to Kentucky (from LA) to visit York's family and consider the changes in her attitudes and life since she left for college. York was reared there and clearly loves her family (and they her) despite a huge difference in their world views. Aside from interviewing her family members they also sought input from thinkers and artists from Appalachia, and their input is both informative and moving.

Of course, being filmed in the fall of 2016, the Trump issue is everywhere. Rubin and York try to understand why York's family is, almost without exception, wildly supportive of the Republican ticket despite voting for President Obama previously.

But the best part of the film is its examination of the media treatment of "hillbillies" over the last century or so. The stereotypes presented continue to negatively effect how we see this diffuse area of the country and their millions of residents. From the movie "Deliverance" to TV's "Hee Haw", they are often portrayed as either dangerous or stupid and both.

Other facets addressed include Appalachia's reaction to the rising LGBTQ movement and Black Appalachians. I saw this at the Traverse City Film Festival and both showings were almost immediately sold out. It was indeed one of the best documentaries shown there, winning the Founders Award for Documentary Filmmaking. See it where ever you can.

The film conflicts itself

[jrbish · 5/10 · 9 December 2021]

The first half of the movie is spent telling you not to degrade Southerners. Then it goes on to pump the narrative that ignorant hillbillies are the reason for Trump and the point is basically "wake up and vote blue you stupid Hicks".

I don't think this movie will do anything to help the people of Appalachia or their perception. If anything it's just going to make things worse. Most people in Appalachia will do anything for anyone they just don't want to be told what to do and want to be left alone. That's what people don't understand.

Great Film, Highly Recommended for Insights on Appalachians

[dfarmer-88793 · 10/10 · 5 December 2018]

Hollywood and the mass media have established a history of exploiting Appalachian stereotypes for as long as I can remember. But, that's not the world I've known coming from a Kentucky mountain family that had to migrate to Ohio to find work and opportunities. I grew up in the same county as JD Vance (Hillbilly Elegy), but my family and all the Appalachians I know were hard working, hospitable, family oriented folks who became the heart of the working class of midwestern America. As a filmmaker myself I've felt a little alone in portraying Appalachians for their positive contributions to music and culture. That was until I saw Hillbilly at a recent film festival where both of our films screened and won awards. Hillbilly exposes the many misrepresentations of Appalachians in film and culture and then follows one of the filmmaker's family throughout the 2016 elections. Yeah, some of us "Hillbillies" have a few rough edges here and there, but what an example this family sets for the rest of America when it comes to love and understanding in spite of our differences. I've seen every feature and documentary film I can get my hands on about Appalachia but Hillbilly stands out as the best representation yet. I can't recommend it highly enough for anyone seeking insight regarding a most misrepresented group of fellow Americans.

Well, that was a waste of an hour and a half of my life.

[car_lover3 · 1/10 · 11 May 2022]

This documentary just goes to show that even with all of the higher education and city-living experience in the world, a person can still be grossly ignorant. Because she's an ignorant liberal, by watching this movie, the filmmaker would like you to know that not all people who live in remote places like the Appalachian region are white or vote Republican, if nothing else then so she won't be ridiculed for having a southern accent by the other citizens of Los Angeles.

This film is a garbage thinly-veiled commentary on the politics of America. It is not really about the people of Appalachia.

A Must See

[amyboyddeboard · 10/10 · 14 November 2018]

Wether you are from thr Appalachain region or not this is a great eye opening film. It kept my attention from beggining to end. I found myself intrigued and moved by many aspects of this documentary. Typically im not a fan of documentaries however this is not like any other documentary i have seen. You wont be dissapointed.

A slice of America few people understand

[icesculpturelady · 9/10 · 5 January 2020]

Being from the area highlighted in this documentary made it that much more compelling to me. Many of the topics covered, and even the narrative, were interesting. The subtitles occasionally got the words wrong. That was funny. But overall I enjoyed and understood what the film was reflecting. An area rich on heritage and pride for tradition. But not nearly as narrow as the film made some people seem as living stereotypes. Which is exactly the opposite intent. Strange that I found it so good overall but mention more flaws than seem necessary.

Bait and Switch!

[bfly110494 · 3/10 · 10 March 2020]

Documentary about Appalachia? Nope! A directors attempt to jam Hollywood left wing politics down your throat while disguising it as something with substance. 😞 I fell for it.

Great Important Documentary

[fruthalex · 9/10 · 18 October 2018]

Absolutely astounding! Fortunate enough to see it at Heartland and am trying to see it at its final showing there again! Great depiction of Appalachian peoples and a great film. My one complaint was that the clips of media portrayals of hillbillies were so long and unobstructed that it was hard not to laugh at them and feel bad for it (which actually may have been the point...).

I Couldn't Finish it

[rickjo · 3/10 · 18 October 2019]

I could only handle about 20 minutes of it - half of that time was about politics and the 2016 election. Too bad the description was so poor.

Very well done!

[minniecactustt · 10/10 · 20 June 2021]

It was great seeing a film about Appalachia told by people from the region. It was very well done, very poignant.

The film doesn't conflict itself

[yutfreerunner · 8/10 · 12 April 2022]

Another person's review on this page says: "The first half of the movie is spent telling you not to degrade Southerners. Then it goes on to pump the narrative that ignorant hillbillies are the reason for Trump and the point is basically 'wake up and vote blue you stupid Hicks.'" I must have watched a different movie because the first half of the movie I watched didn't tell me to not degrade Appalachians. And the second half of the movie didn't try to convince me to "vote blue." To the contrary, I think the movie presents a very complex issue as objectively as possible. More attempts to "blame the media" are not called for in a response to this movie.

Good Movie, too political.

[ageedaniel · 2/10 · 17 October 2019]

Stumbled upon this movie tonight, figured I'd watch it considering I am from Appalachian country. I liked how to movie dug into how the coal companys really screwed over SWVA, Eastern Kentucky, and Tennessee. However instead of using this outlet to really dig into the culture, music, and food that is so unique to the region it was used to drive a political message.

Accurate, well done, respectful, not propoganda at all

[wolfed-31123 · 9/10 · 15 December 2021]

NOT propaganda! Politics is NOT the focus of this film. The election was addressed only because it was the hot topic of life during the time period that this was filmed. ANY topic discussed in depth could help highlight the filmmakers' goals of giving a voice to the region and its culture. Born and raised in Northern Appalachia myself, I'll add that the content is accurate AND respectful. This documentary does a GREAT job of helping a viewer better understand the difference between a stereotype (the Hillbilly) and the subculture (humans) it misrepresents.

Bait And Switch!

[texasamericanpatriot · 2/10 · 18 April 2020]

The documentary started out pretty good, but immediately began with the rural residents voting for Trump, and how the female film maker, growing up in the Applacias, went to Los Angeles and turned extreme progressive. She introduces her family of Trump supporters, and the documentary picks up about the people of the Appalachia Kentucy area. It's obvious that the film maker is a newbie, but the topic is presented in an interesting way so as to keep the audience interested. It's also obvious that the film maker is probably a lesbian, where as she wasn't before leaving to L.A. At about 55 minutes, the switch happens to showcase the rural Kentucky gay artsy crowd and their involvements with their personal desires and struggles. Then that crowd goes to the black side of town, just for that reason, to bring up racial topics unrelated to the film. I give this documentary a score of 2 for misleading the audience and wasting my time for the sole purpose to feed me Social Progressive and gay strife talking points that have nothing to do with the film. I'm really getting tired of the documentaries coming from the politicalically motivated leftists, and in my opinion, the only thing progressive that is measurable is the hours and minutes the audience is spending getting force fed Liberal propaganda. Unless you want to watch a "woe is me" political show, you can safely skip this one!

The Destruction of Lives, the Environment and Hollowing out America

[american-78331 · 10/10 · 27 April 2023]

I read some of the reviews of people calling this a left wing trope and this documentary could be nothing further from the that perspective. The corporations came in to do one thing, make themselves wealthy and exploit the local population for their labor. It's the same game wherever you are. The miners were in the worse possible working conditions risking their lives to support their families. The land is stripped mined, and the resulting poison and pollution and flooding of the land is reprehensible. It's a shame what is happening here and the country in general. There are two job opportunities in the region, Coal Mines and Walmart. Good God.

Most of these people obviously didn't read what the documentary was about

[jennbillncass · 10/10 · 19 May 2022]

The description clearly tells you what the documentary is going to cover. Not sure what these people thought it would be about. Guess what? I live in TN, lived in KY and *gasp* although some ppl with 'patriot' in their user name want to pigeonhole us as all being crazy right wing republicans, we aren't all that way. I think these folks need to read a few books on how the mines were unionized and how not every region was confederate during the civil war. But that would require research and no one wants to do anything beyond believe the media.

For WHAT the focus of this piece was, it was well done. Sorry it wasn't Hillbilly Elegy by that guy who forgot where he came from but for covering why a working class voter would go from voting for Obama to voting for Trump, it did show the reasons.

For those with illusions that we are all the same down here in the holler, sorry your bubble was burst.

False advertising

[Edward_Skullpipe · 1/10 · 12 December 2019]

This isn't a documentary about Appalachia or the Appalachian people. This is a documentary about the "shock" of a former Kentuckian who moved to LA and now simply can't believe that the community and people she grew up with could POSSIBLY support Donald Trump for President. They lead with it right from the beginning and are clearly supporting the picture that all Trump supporters are like the ones in Appalachia.

Shocking news, ma'am - there are Trump supporters in L.A., too. Just because you don't know them or hang out with them doesn't mean they aren't there. You may have noticed that in your adopted California community it is not very en vogue to openly support our current President. Supporters have to stay in the closet or not be able to get work in your business,.

This thing feels like a film school project that's worth a "C" at best, unless the professor shares the project's disdain for Donald Trump, then it would surely be granted an "A+".

If you're looking for a real documentary about Appalachia, save your time and skip this one.

Self Hating Feminazi

[ekugler-63877 · 1/10 · 29 April 2022]

Wow, this radical feminazi certainly hates her roots. She tells an one sided story about how bad Appalachia is while talking about how great that crime infested rat hole LA is. Wonder if she returned to Appalachia yet. Doubtful.

Not sure how this breaks the stereotype...

[jdgtc1 · 2/10 · 7 April 2020]

This film does nothing to break the stereotypes of hailing from Appalachia. This is more of an attempt for the director to show how she escaped to Los Angeles, and became just another left wing, liberal elitist, Hillary voter.

Being from a holler in eastern Kentucky, does not indicate that a person is ignorant, has no shoes, doesn't have all their teeth, doesn't value education, or is incapable of having a diverse political opinion.

Folks from Appalachia aren't trash, but this documentary sure as hell is...

In Seeking to Dispel Stereotypes, "Hillbilly" Cements Them.

[ajamesflood · 4/10 · 24 July 2022]

This is what I learned from Hillbilly:

• Appalachia is an ugly, depressing, rundown place. And we're talking about a stretch encompassing well over a hundred thousand square miles, as the movie's map showed us.

• The only conservative-leaning people who are loveable belong to the filmaker's family.

• There are a minority of smart, educated people in this backward place called Appalachia, but they are all left-leaning. (Of course, I mean, what would you expect?)

• People all across this huge God-forsaken expanse refer to themselves as "hillbillies."

• There is absolutely no reason to visit this unseemly, tasteless place unless your curious for a cultural experience, namely to study these odd folks so you can talk about them when you get back to civilization.

Oops. I almost! I grew up in small town Appalachia! And "Hillbilly" is a mere charicature of the richness and diversity of the people and places I knew. But darn it! I understand that to make a movie like that would been a bit too challenging and uncomfortable for the elites. Mea culpa for my criticisms. I should have know better.