To quote Roger Ebert, "I hated, hated, hated this movie." I worked in a movie house which showed this film to millions of patriotic Americans, all leaving the theatre with a tear in their eyes. I sat down to watch this film with my father. My father liked it. I expected that. But why do people actually believe life is like this? Is it good action? Sure. I can understand people enjoying the film on that level, but if this film moved you in any way then I say you have a lot of books to read.
The boy asks for war recruits in church (quite blasphemous, isn't it, the fact that he totally interupts the minister, oh but the minister is supposed to be more patriotic than he is Christian, more blasphemy!) and then that stupid girl stands up out of nowhere and whines, "I only wish that you stand by the ideas of which you so fervently believe." And then the congregration lowers their heads in shame. Oh, my, one man stands proud and courageous. The music swells (poor John Williams, why did you score this trash?) and then everyone's standing. God bless America! If this scene didn't make you laugh out loud then I suggest you go back to school and learn about real drama and inspiration.
This is not a stunning war-epic, this isn't Braveheart in America, this isn't even Lethal Weapon with a musket. This is formula propaganda at its best (worst) meant only to make people buy more fireworks during the 4th of July. If you thought this was a good film for any reason other than fine battle scenes then I know for a fact that the American spirit is truly dead.
The boy asks for war recruits in church (quite blasphemous, isn't it, the fact that he totally interupts the minister, oh but the minister is supposed to be more patriotic than he is Christian, more blasphemy!) and then that stupid girl stands up out of nowhere and whines, "I only wish that you stand by the ideas of which you so fervently believe." And then the congregration lowers their heads in shame. Oh, my, one man stands proud and courageous. The music swells (poor John Williams, why did you score this trash?) and then everyone's standing. God bless America! If this scene didn't make you laugh out loud then I suggest you go back to school and learn about real drama and inspiration.
This is not a stunning war-epic, this isn't Braveheart in America, this isn't even Lethal Weapon with a musket. This is formula propaganda at its best (worst) meant only to make people buy more fireworks during the 4th of July. If you thought this was a good film for any reason other than fine battle scenes then I know for a fact that the American spirit is truly dead.