Tag: History

Close-Up on Civil Wars: “Ride with the Devil” (1999) & “The Wind That Shakes The Barley” (2006)

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Ride with the Devil (1999) starring Skeet Ulrich, Tobey Maguire, Jewel, & Jeffrey Wright

On the Western frontier of Missouri, the American Civil War was fought not by armies, but by neighbors. Informal gangs of local Southern Bushwhackers fought a bloody and desperate guerrilla war against the occupying Union army and pro-Union Jayhawkers. Allegiance to either side was dangerous. But it was more dangerous still to find oneself caught in the middle... -Prologue

Jake [after reading a letter to a Union soldier]: One mother’s very much like another.

Pitt Mackeson: Remember one thing, her boys will kill you if they can.

Jake Roedel (Tobey Maguire) and Jack Bull Chiles (Skeet Ulrich) are best friends/neighbors in rural Missouri when the American Civil War starts. Jake lives w/ his German/immigrant father, who feels their ppl should have nothing to do w/ this war. After his older sister’s wedding, Jack Bull’s father is murdered by Union soldiers, who were also looking for him! Jack Bull (more the leader of the pair) and Jake (the follower) run away from home that same night. One year goes by; the young men have joined the Bushwhackers (loyal to the Confederacy); they ride w/ Black John (Jim Caviezel) and infiltrate enemy territory (disguising themselves as Union soldiers in blue uniforms). As one critic said: “This is guerrilla warfare- or terrorist tactics- depending on one’s viewpoint.”

Y’all prolly haven’t heard of this movie, unless (like me) you’re into history or fan of Taiwanese-American director Ang Lee (Sense & Sensibility; Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon). The screenplay is by James Schamus; it is based on the novel Woe to Live On by Daniel Woodrell. Lee (who attended NYU film school w/ Spike Lee) is an immigrant to the US; he makes unexpected choices here (which brings depth/richness to what could’ve been a simple war story). You’ll get a kick out of seeing young/international actors (NOT yet famous): Mark Ruffalo, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Simon Baker, Jeffrey Wright, Jewel, and Jonathan Brandis.

I remember on the set you [Ang Lee] kept repeating: I don’t wanna make a white man’s movie, I don’t wanna make a white man’s movie. -Jeffery Wright, actor

Jake (called “Dutchie” as an insult) is an outsider among the men at the Bushwhacker camp; long-haired/wild-eyed Pitt Mackeson (Irish actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers) antagonizes him whenever they meet. Jake wants to prove himself as an American; unlike most of his peers he can read/write. I learned re: the division btwn (native-born) Americans and German immigrants (who settled in the Midwest in large numbers in the mid-1800s). Perhaps the most interesting character is Daniel Holt (Jeffrey Wright- from DC; then known for theater work), a Black man recently freed by his master, George Clyde (Aussie actor Simon Baker). George is a quiet observer (until the 2nd half of the movie) and an expert marksman. Wright commented that the ensemble cast “all got to be pretty good w/ horses.”

[1] Lee handles the subject with aplomb, never rushing the deep introspection that the plot demands in favour of action and this lends the film a sense of the reality of war – long periods of boredom and waiting interposed with occasional flashes of intensely terrifying fighting. The action is unglamorised and admirably candid, recognizing that both sides committed a great number of atrocities.

[2]  What is beautiful about the movie, like all of Lee’s films, is that he doesn’t “side” with his characters. He creates characters, embodies them with life, problems, and ambiguity… and endows them with a reality that often hits far closer to home than with which many are comfortable.

But as an exploration of the greater human ambiguity that surely dwelt within the Civil War, it is a masterpiece.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

The Wind That Shakes The Barley (2006) starring Cillian Murphy, Liam Cunningham, & Padraig Delaney

Against the backdrop of the Irish War of Independence, two brothers fight a guerrilla war against British forces. -Synopsis

In the early 1920s, rural Ireland is a battlefield of republicans fighting British security forces. Med school grad, Damien O’Donovan (Cillian Murphy), is the pride of his village; he is planning to train at a London hospital. On the day when he’s about to leave, he witnesses the brutal abuse of commoners at the railroad station. Damien pledges loyalty to the local IRA brigade, commanded by his older brother, Teddy (Padraig Delaney- in his 1st film). In the 2nd half of the movie, we learn that IRA leaders negotiated a Free State (yet still under British crown). Teddy and Damien have V different reactions!

I saw this film several yrs ago, BUT didn’t do an in-depth review; I recall being impressed, as I was on re-watch! The British director (Ken Loach) is known for Socialist realism; he often focuses on the working class/ordinary ppl. Most of the actors come from County Cork (where the story is set). Fans of Game of Thrones will get a kick out of seeing Liam Cunningham (whose character sees things from a Socialist lens). In the past yr, you may’ve noticed Cunningham speaking re: a free Palestinian state. Last month, I came across a news clip w/ screenwriter (Paul Lafferty); he’d been released from jail after protesting in London (in support of Palestinians). Yup, these filmmakers are real ones!

The young rebels are lean, proud, and V determined; they hunger for respect, freedom, and opportunity denied them on their native land. Early in the film, a teen boy is beaten to death by British soldiers after refusing to speak English (instead replying in Gaelic). You will see the (guerrilla) tactics used by the IRA, though the violence is brief (and NOT glamorized). As some viewers commented, there is NOT much blood shown; this was to protect the (fragile/period) costumes on a small budget. Damien wisely comments that Britain will never give Ireland freedom, b/c that will open the door for colonies- India and some African nations. This film (told on a small scale/intimate in nature) makes history come alive!

[1] The Wind That Shakes the Barley is a film that doesn’t shy away from the unrelenting terror and bloodshed of the revolution. The working-class accents and dialects are authentically preserved, with constant debate and war never ceasing. The film raises an important question about whether the Irish Revolution was a socialist or nationalist one.

[2] The film consists of two parts. Part 1 is about violence on the side of the English occupier, Part 2 is about Irish disunity.

The English violence in the movie did cause some discomfort at the time of release. We are accustomed to war crimes perpetrated by Germans, but the English? It should, however, not be forgotten that the English used WWI veterans in the Irish war of independence. Particularly the “Black and tans” were notorious.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

“Gladiator II” (2024) starring Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, Joseph Quinn, & Fred Hechinger

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SPOILER ALERT: Don’t read this post if you haven’t seen, or don’t want to know, details from the movie Gladiator II (available on VOD).

After his home is conquered by the tyrannical emperors who now lead Rome, Lucius is forced to enter the Colosseum and must look to his past to find strength to return the glory of Rome to its people. -Synopsis

This sequel directed by Ridley Scott (and one of the most anticipated movies of 2024) is a hot mess! As we saw in promos/trailers, Paul Mescal (who plays the lead- Lucius) and Pedro Pascal (Gen. Acacius) do indeed look hot (esp. w/ those added muscles). However, as time went on, I got worried; Napoleon (2023) was also written by David Scarpa (pls get a new job)! I saw Gladiator II about 2 wks after its theatrical release; I’d planned to go during Thanksgiving break (but screenings were mostly full).

I re-watched Gladiator (2000) in mid-NOV; I was entertained (joke intended), though the SFX didn’t hold up. Crowe owned that role, as a LOT of critics/viewers noted (over 20+ yrs). As Maximus, he had a movie star presence/charisma and confident line delivery. FYI: The script was weak when filming began and there was much improv from the actors. As for the baddie, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) was a strong foil to Maximus (the man he felt usurped his role and his father’s love).

Macrinus [to Lucius]: You will be my instrument!

IF you’re a big fan of Denzel Washington (like me), you MAY enjoy some of this movie; the veteran actor plays Macrinus (a wealthy/charming owner of gladiators). He’ll remind you somewhat of Proximo (Oliver Reed) from the 1st movie; the actor (an alcoholic) died before filming ended. Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) and Gracchus (Sir Derek Jacobi at aged 85- wow) are the only returning characters; Crowe appears in flashbacks (archive footage). Pascal and Joseph Quinn (Emperor Geta) will also be seen in MCU’s Fantastic Four as Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic) and Johnny Storm (The Human Torch). Quinn was cast after Barry Keoghan dropped out to work on an indie film instead (smart move).

The gates of hell are open night and day;

Smooth the descent, and easy is the way:

But to return, and view the cheerful skies,

In this the task and mighty labor lies.

-Lines from John Dryden’s 1697 English translation of Vergil’s epic poem Aeneid

The acting is ALL over the place; it’s as if Scott gave totally different guidance to each of the cast! Washington, Quinn, and Fred Hechinger (Caracalla- 2nd of the twin emperors) are having a fun time w/ their (scenery-chewing) acting. These twins don’t have strong motivations for why they act as they do (unlike Commodus); they act like crazed/drunken frat boys. Pascal is taking it all V seriously; Acacius comes off as weary, morose, and disillusioned w/ military life. I know some ppl liked his portrayal, BUT I wanted to see some charm. Nielsen doesn’t have a LOT to do (yet more than in original); I felt something was missing from Lucilla, though that mostly comes down to the writing. As for Mescal, it takes time for him to grow into his role, so that made me wonder ask: why didn’t Scott allow for more takes? As for the “rage” that Macrinus keeps mentioning, we don’t see much of that from Pascal. Was he miscast here (some have wondered)?

This sequel follows much too close to the original; there is even a graphic depicting key moments from that story in the opening credits. In the 3rd act, Maximus is referred to as Lucius’ father many times- I had to roll my eyes. Some fans wondered: since Maximus was so big on “honor,” why’d he cheat on his beloved wife (w/ whom he had a son nearly the same age as Lucius)!? For such a pricy movie, I expected the SFX to be much better! Many were cringing (or laughing) re: the (unrealistic) baboons, BUT that’s NOT the only case of shoddy effects work. The one-on-one fighting scenes, esp. the one w/ Mescal and the super-sized warrior in the emperors’ tent was V impressive. If anyone disses you for saying that The Last Duel was well-made, just point them to his epic disappointment!

Lucius: Know this: where death is, we are not. Where were are, death is not! By my sword, strength and honor!

There is some BTS controversy to explain, as those of you (like me) who’re always online MAY know. In May of 2023, Variety reported that Egyptian-Palestinian actress May Calamawy had been cast. Deadline Hollywood reported that Calamawy’s character would be V important to the story; Scott did a broad search before she was finally cast. She was featured in the official trailer, BUT for unknown reasons, she ended up w/ a non-speaking background role. Calamawy is NOT credited in the end credits and wasn’t part of the promo tour. Contrary to gossip on social media, she wasn’t replaced by Israeli actress Yuval Gonen, who plays Arishat (wife of Lucius).

[1] There seems to be a trend these days when making follow ups to beloved classics that you need to add more. More characters! More action! But that doesn’t always equal better. It’s almost like filmmakers these days think we’re stupid and want more of everything but all this does is sacrifice quality.

What made the original such a classic was the relatively simple plot, a protagonist you cared about and action that felt earned and impactful.

This one is so overstuffed it feels rushed. The plot feels like a lazy retread of the first but I didn’t care about any of the characters. Paul Mescal was so wooden it sounded like he was reading his lines. If this is how he acts, I really don’t see what all the fuss is about with him. Am I missing something?

[2] I approached this movie truly trying to give it a fair change on its own by not holding and comparing it too much to its original, But this movie just pulls of A Force Awakens and has 80% just recycled nostalgia bait its impossible to not compare them.

It recycles quotes, plot, narratives, even very same camera shots.

And yeah, alas, the first did absolutely everything, every single aspect better to much better and most definitely story/drama character wise. […]

This movie definitely looks glorious and expensive and had a big grandeur (although some CGI looked comically fake), but it fails to have a coherent driven plot.

[3] The “games” in the Colosseum are superbly presented and yes, exotic animals and water battles were really fought there in Roman times. The twin Emperors are superbly crazy… […] I was initially disappointed with Paul Mescal’s performance, but in hindsight I now wonder if it’s character rather than his performance that was disappointing. Hanno is no Maximus – no leader of men, no charismatic warrior – in fact he tells as much a number of times in the film. But maybe that’s Scott’s point this time? Even a simple soldier can achieve great things?

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

“The Dead Don’t Hurt” (2023) starring Vicky Krieps, Viggo Mortensen, Solly McLeod, Garret Dillahunt, & Danny Huston

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The Dead Don’t Hurt is a portrait of a passionate woman determined to stand up for herself in an unforgiving world dominated by ruthless men. -Excerpt from synopsis from Shout! Studios

I saw an online ad for this feminist Western drama recently; it was written/directed by Viggo Mortensen. He also composed the musical score- wow, talk about wearing many hats! Though this story is set in the 1860s (Civil War era), it asks Qs that men and women are facing today. At the center is this issue: How does one navigate a romantic relationship w/o losing one’s own personality and independence? To add weight here, the leads are already mature (middle-aged) and have lived according to their own wishes for some time. In an NPR interview, Mortensen (who plays Holger Olsen) said that Vivienne Le Coudy (Vicky Krieps) is partly based on his (French-Canadian) mother: “As w/ her time, she was a mother and a housewife. But she was not going to let anyone tell her how to think.”

Mortensen did NOT intend to act in the film, BUT “late in the game,” the actor who’d originally been cast left to work on a different project. Krieps (originally from Luxembourg; based in Berlin) suggested he take the role himself. Olsen was then aged up and made Danish (like his own father). The war which Olsen fought in was presumably the First Schleswig War (1848-1851) in which Denmark fought the German Federation for control of the regions of Schleswig-Holstein; Denmark was the winner. As he noted on The Late Show, the knight that appears in young Vivienne’s dreams carries a familiar sword: Anduril- Aragorn’s sword from The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003).

The film has some beautiful landscapes/scenery; it was shot in Vancouver, British Columbia and Mexico (w/ a mostly Mexican crew). Four languages are heard: English, French, Spanish and Danish; in some scenes, languages are mixed w/in the same line of dialogue. Y’all immigrants and 1st gen Americans will relate to that! The cast is international: in San Fran, we see “old money” gentleman Lewis Cartwright (Colin Morgan: Irish); in the Western town, Mr. Jeffries (Garret Dillahunt: American) is the powerful businessman; his son Weston (w/ a strong resemblance to Dillahunt- Solly MacLeod) is a newcomer from Scotland seen in S1 of House of the Dragon); and Mayor Schiller (Danny Huston: American/son of John Huston). These men are on the taller side (close to/over 6 ft.) Fans of Deadwood (HBO) will recognize two characters played by W. Earl Brown and Ray McKinnon.

I thought that there was great (natural) chemistry btwn Mortensen and Krieps; you really buy them as a couple! Krieps is slim and tall (5’9″), so well-matched physically w/ Mortensen. The film takes time to get going w/ its plot; we get to know the characters. There are time jumps, BUT I didn’t think those posed any problem. The main issue is its pacing; otherwise, I was impressed w/ the film as a whole. I look forward to seeing more of Mortensen’s directing!

“The Mission” (1986) starring Robert De Niro & Jeremy Irons

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Deep in the jungles of South America two men bring civilization to a native tribe. Now, after years of struggle together, they find themselves on opposite sides in a dramatic fight for the natives’ independence. One will trust in the power of prayer. One will believe in the might of the sword. -Taglines for the film

In the 1750s, an idealistic Spanish Jesuit, Father Gabriel (Jeremy Irons), goes high in the remote mountains of South America to build a mission, hoping to convert the native Indians. A Portuguese slave hunter, Capt. Rodrigo Mendoza (Robert De Niro), renounces his life of greed/violence and joins the mission; he eventually becomes a priest. Then, Spain sells this colony to Portugal, putting the freedom of the natives (and lives of the European priests) at risk! The film was released 4 yrs. after its (uncredited) source book- The Lost Cities of Paraguay– by Father C. J. McNaspy (an American Jesuit) was published. McNaspy was a historical consultant on the movie (loosely based on his work).

Gabriel: If might is right, then love has no place in the world. It may be so, it may be so. But I don’t have the strength to live in a world like that, Rodrigo.

The Mission was shot over 16 wks (mostly in Colombia), w/ 3 wks at the Iguazu Falls (Argentina). The Indian communities of Togorama, Burajon, Papayo, and Pangala (Choco, Colombia), esp. the tiny Guarani community (Iguazu, Argentina) contributed to its making. The Mission of San Carlos reconstructed for the movie was built on indigenous land w/ local materials and labor- wow! At Cannes (1987), it won both the C.S.T. Prize (the Technical Grand Prize) and the top award (the Palme d’Or), which were awarded to the director (Roland Joffé). The real draws here are its gorgeous cinematography and captivating musical score (by Ennio Morricone). Though it got 7 noms, the film won only one Oscar- Best Cinematography (awarded to Chris Menges).

Gabriel: If you die with blood on your hands, Rodrigo, you betray everything we’ve done. You promised your life to God. And God is love!

Like many viewers, I thought Irons did well; he shows a softer (gentler) side here than in some other roles. De Niro doesn’t seem V connected to this material; he looks good w/ longish/wavy hair and capable in the action scenes. When w/ the native kids, De Niro looks like he’s having a good time. The pacing is a major issue, aside from character development. There is only one (minor) female role; British theater actress (Cherie Lunghi) plays a noblewoman. We also see two tall/handsome (future) stars of Irish heritage: American actor Aidan Quinn (as Mendoza’s younger brother) and Irish actor Liam Neeson (as a priest- Fielding- using his own accent).

[1] The film is beautifully shot and features lush cinematography; however, the battle choreography of the film’s climax is somewhat ragged and unrealistic; the relative lack of character development adds to the “ho hum” feeling one gets while watching the Portuguese and the Guarani-Jesuit team fight it out on land and in kayaks.

The performances are decent though not spectacular. […] The dialogue, however, is such that none of the performances, except perhaps for Mr. Irons, are very memorable.

[2] Sadly, the story is never fully developed, and the inherent conflicts are not exploited. The movie becomes just a pastiche of related scenes lacking a strong narrative theme and supporting characters to tie them together. The story is subsumed by propaganda. Granted, these are extraordinarily beautiful scenes, but breathtaking scenery is not enough. It feels more like a History Channel lecture than a character-driven story.

[3] Jeremy Irons is well cast as Father Gabriel, ably encompassing a range of gentleness, sternness, and passionate devotion. Robert De Niro turns in a surprisingly weak performance… Anyone hoping that the scenes between Irons and De Niro would be exceptional will be disappointed. The real standout in the acting department is Ray McAnally as Cardinal Altamirano…

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

Spoiler-Free Review: “The Promised Land” (2023) starring Mads Mikkelson, Amanda Collin, & Simon Bennebjerg

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A retired military captain, Ludvig Kahlen (Mads Mikkleson), arrives in 1755 on the barren Jutland (region of Denmark) w/ a single goal: to follow his king’s call to cultivate the heath, and thus get rich/earn a noble title. However, the wealthy/powerful/cruel landowner, Frederik De Schinkel (Simon Bennebjerg), believes that this heath belongs to him (NOT the king). To make matters more complicated, De Schinkel’s beautiful/unmarried cousin, Edel Helene (Kristine Kujath Thorp), comes to admire Kahlen. After two of De Schinkel’s servants, Johannes and Anna Barbara (Amanda Collin), run away and seek refuge w/ Kahlen, the landowner (also local judge) does everything to drive Kahlen away (and get revenge).

I heard about this movie while watching coverage (via YouTube) of the Venice Film Festival in Fall 2023. This film (Danish title: Bastarden) was the official submission of Denmark for Best International Feature Film at the 2024 Academy Awards. It was directed by Nikolaj Arcel and based on a novel by Ida Jessen (loosely inspired by real historical characters). If you miss “old-fashioned” epics (visually and thematically), then I highly recommend it; fans of the Western genre may also enjoy The Promised Land (available to rent on Amazon Prime). There are at least 2 scenes which I felt were callbacks to The Godfather; y’all can let me know IF you notice that. Mikkleson (who was a dancer for 8 yrs. before falling into acting) has great screen presence; he can do a LOT w/ just his eyes and facial expressions. Keep in mind that this is a time when men are trying to hold in emotions.

[1] …an engaging epic, a character study and a moving drama all in one. With a strong screenplay examining interesting themes, witty, minimalist dialogue and well-drawn characters, the narrative consistently engages. The cinematography and production design are striking, while the score is subtly powerful.

[2] This film uses all the tools of the Western genre: wide landscapes, settlers developing harsh lands, the fight against greed, injustice, cruelty and impunity of the ruling class, a stubborn loner who learns to follow his heart and old vs. new technologies (in this case- agricultural), settlers fighting rich landowners, racial prejudices and- of course- a showdown with a powerful obligatory scene.

[3] First of all Mads Mikkelsen is a phenomenal actor and the perfect choice to play Ludvig Kahlen. He shines especially in the scenes, where he “only” acts out pure emotion with his facial expressions without having to say a word. […]

Throughout the movie you feel all kinds of emotions yourself: anger, hatred, sadness, frustration, disgust, joy, relief,.. I felt it all. It is a rollercoaster ride of emotions.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews