A great action movie, but underneath a powerful story..

Rating: 8/10 (16 November 2001)

The film is well made, well acted and a fantastically fluid yarn. I have seen this film over ten times, yet still feel an overwhelming sense of sadness and discomfort after doing so.
That is why I cannot consolidate or agree with lines like "edge of your seat fun". Lets face it, the guys son is murdered, his wife is raped and butchered, both are burned. The hero gives up a life of comfort as a General in the Legion over his principles and beliefs, and this is how he is repayed?
Almost everyone in the film end up dead, there are long scenes of dreamscapes and wind rushed grass, yet still I find myself drawn to this story.
Whether its Crowes masterful performance(aided ably by a skilled cast), or Scott's knowing direction, the film strikes me as a classic-now, and for years to come, albeit a depressive one.
MCR